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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2025 legislative session is nearing the end, but we still have a lot of business to complete, most importantly passing the state’s three spending budgets. As I shared in my last update, the majority party’s current budget proposals include numerous tax increases. To that end, I asked for your input by completing a survey regarding these new tax proposals. The results are in.
Survey Says? “No New Taxes”
There were hundreds of respondents, and most of you took the time to add your personal comments. I appreciate the input and feedback. At least 83% of you oppose every new tax proposal, including 90% that said “no” to a property tax increase and 89% to a gas tax increase.
Additionally, at least 60% of you said all the proposals would negatively affect you, while 84% said a property tax increase would hurt you in some way. Ninety percent of you said a gas tax would negatively affect you, and 86% said the other transportation taxes and fees would negatively impact you. Click on the banner below to see all the results.
Thank you for all the comments. I appreciate you sharing your input and opinions. The overwhelming majority of you expressed frustration with these new tax proposals and want state government to live within its means, control its spending, and better manage the revenue it already has. Many of you shared concerns about the high cost of living going up further, and several people said they are worried they might have to move if these tax proposals pass especially property taxes. Here are just a few of the comments you shared that best express what most of you had to say:
- “I’m retired and on a fixed income while also fighting cancer. I can’t afford what they are doing to us.”
- “Times are tough right now, imposing tax increases of any kind, will significantly hurt the low and middle classes.”
- “There is NOT a revenue problem with ANY government. There is a SPENDING problem. I’m not able to ‘simply’ increase my income on a whim. I’m already being impacted by a nearly 20% increase in my home property tax from 2024 to 2025 – I have NOT received anything close to a double digit increase in my income. The constant greed of government is unbearable.”
- “I am a disabled vet on social security I don’t need more taxes to pay. I have a hard time just taking care of myself. Thankfully my house is paid for but one major medical bill then to the poor I go. Thank you for staying strong on NO new taxes.”
- “This is a package that amounts to massive tax increases that continue a decades-long habit of irresponsible spending. The gas tax is out of control already, and the “need” for more money for roads and such can be directly related to the ridiculous push for ‘green’ cars and tax BREAKS on electric vehicles, which do just as much wear and tear damage as petroleum-fueled vehicles. Tax those cars and the energy they use.”
- “I don’t support any new taxes. People are still having a hard time making ends meet. People will start to lose their homes, and we will have more homeless on the streets. Enough is enough!!!”
Again, thank you to everyone who shared their input. Although I can’t include every answer here, I value every comment and will use them as I continue to fight against overspending and taxes in Olympia.
Speaking of that, we will be considering and voting on new taxes to implement the budget in the House Finance Committee this week. On Friday, there will be a public hearing on House Bill 2077, which would establish a tax on certain business activities related to surpluses generated under the zero-emission vehicle program.
The committee will also be voting on House Bill 2049 on Friday. This bill would change the 101% revenue growth limit for state and local property taxes to 100% plus population change and inflation, with a capped limit of 103%. I will be voting no against both bills.
Additionally, a few of you wanted to see the Republican proposal, and some questioned whether we had an alternative. The answer is yes. I included a link to that proposal in the previous update, but for those who missed it, you can click here.
Senate Republicans have proposed a balanced budget with no tax increases or service cuts. The $ave Washingtonapproach is a better way to support the priorities of all Washingtonians, including full funding for K-12 and services for our most vulnerable neighbors, without asking working families to pay more.
Governor Says “No” to Current Budgets
Meanwhile, during a press conference last week, Gov. Bob Ferguson discussed the budget passed by the Legislature. Click here to watch his press conference.
He said the budget relies too heavily on taxes, especially the wealth tax. He said relying on a legally untested and difficult-to-implement wealth tax to fund essential services is a bad idea. The governor said he needs to see these five things included for him to sign a budget:
- Must protect every penny of our rainy-day fund/BSA.
- Must base budget on realistic revenue projections – not the 4.5% allowed by law.
- Must minimize new investments.
- Must demonstrate billions in efficiencies and savings.
- Can’t rely on taxes that could be overturned in court.
According to a report in The Center Square, Ferguson is willing to work with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. He will consider all input, including the Senate Republicans’ proposal for a no-new-taxes budget. He said, “We cannot adopt a budget with anywhere near the level of taxes currently proposed by the House and Senate.”
That means there is a lot of work to be done and many negotiations still to come. I will keep you posted.
Thank You, and Continue Reaching Out
Thank you again for your support and for filling out my survey. I appreciate your time. I will continue to fight against these taxes.
It’s an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Cyndy Jacobsen
