When you tax something, you tend to get less of that thing. Vancouver may learn this lesson the hard way as the Vancouver City Council voted 4-3 to impose a $30 annual fee per rental unit on property owners. Along with the fee, property owners will be required to pay for regular inspections starting in 2027. These will result in higher rents and lower supply if Vancouver doesn't embrace a free-market solution.
Meanwhile, Seattle small businesses are facing a potential change to the B&O tax structure which would impose a tiered tax system based on gross receipts. This means a small business could pay a higher tax regardless of whether they made a profit or not, and risks discouraging new local business opportunities.
FEATURED VIDEO
This Executive Order Could Prevent the Next Wildfire Crisis
President Trump's executive order may help private landowners with environmental stewardship, and Washington state can very directly benefit from this move.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Estate Recovery is Fair — if Medicaid is for the Needy By Elizabeth New The AMA's opposition to estate recovery wrongly undermines a vital safeguard that ensures Medicaid long-term care benefits go to the truly needy, not to those shielding assets to pass wealth to heirs at taxpayer expense. READ MORE
The Broadband and Internet Service Provider Landscape Is a Free-Market Success Story By Donald Kimball More competition, lower prices, and better service. Surprisingly, this describes the internet service provider market, one that has been plagued by oligopoly. READ MORE
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Our Annual Policy Dinner events will be held in Bellevue on September 11th and in Spokane on October 10th (Keynote speaker annoucement for Spokane coming soon!). Come and support accountability and the principles of free enterprise for Washington!
Washington Policy On The Go is WPC's bi-weekly (weekly during the legislative session) virtual lunchtime event series featuring center directors and guests to inform you on the latest in Washington State policy research and analysis. This week will feature special guest Kurt Miller, Northwest Public Power Association Executive Director and WPC's VP for Research Todd Myers! Register for this event
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