Washington families are facing real and growing challenges. The cost of living in Washington is among the highest in the nation. We pay more for groceries, ranking fourth in the country. Fuel prices keep climbing because of gas taxes and overregulation. Proposals to increase business taxes and raise property taxes are closer to reality.
It isn’t just affordability that is at stake. Crime in Washington is among the highest in the nation, and we have the fewest number of law enforcement officers per capita. Students and schools are falling further behind. Washington state has become a complete virtual child care and early learning desert.
To say Washington state has a long list of crises is an understatement.
One would hope that, in times like these, state government would prioritize transparency, accountability, and open debate, especially as lawmakers prepare to debate what could be the largest package of tax increases in Washington state history. Instead, something very different is happening in Olympia.
Last week, as the House debated changes to the Parental Bill of Rights, the majority party used a rare maneuver to cut off debate and silence the opposition while debating the bill. This move hasn’t been used in more than 130 years. It happened just months after they rewrote a rule that protected open discussion in the House for generations.
Why does this matter? Because if they will shut down debate on parental rights, what will they do when the debate shifts to your taxes, your cost of living, or your job?
Right now, the majority party is rushing forward with a $12 billion tax package that includes sweeping increases across multiple areas.
They propose raising business taxes, including new surcharges on big banks, manufacturers and retailers — costs that will likely trickle down to workers, small businesses and everyday consumers.
The plan also includes a more aggressive capital gains tax and estate tax, which could hit family-owned businesses and inherited assets.
Property tax changes are also on the table, with proposals to allow property taxes to rise faster each year, putting more pressure on homeowners already struggling to afford rising housing costs.
On top of that, they’re looking to expand the state sales tax to cover things like digital services, custom software, online advertising, and even staffing and security services — everyday functions that help keep our businesses running.
