Restore Cuts in Early Education; Eliminate Tax Exemptions – 4/13/2011

HB 2078 would restore cuts in early education by eliminating certain tax exemptions

    In prticular, HB 2078 would:

1. Eliminate certain tax breaks for first-mortgage interest earnings of large banks.

2. Eliminate tax breaks for out-of-state shoppers.

3. The funds retrieved under these provisions would go to the education legacy trust account and be designated for use only for K-3 class size reductions.

FCWPP supports a fairer tax system for residents of Washington and better educational opportunities for our children.

HB 2078 has 48 co-sponsors in the House and has been referred to the HouseWays and Means Committee (see members below).  It is especially important to contact the Committee Chair, Rep. Ross Hunter (Ross.Hunter@leg.wa.gov), who is not now a co-sponsor of HB 2078.

Please also consider asking your own legislators to support this bill.  You may find your legislators at:  http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx.  Email addresses for legislators are of the form: Mary.Smith@leg.wa.gov.

The two-thirds requirement to pass measures in the legislature that increase taxes or close tax exemptions will be an obstacle.  A back-up plan is a referendum, which could be placed on next November’s ballot by bare majorities in the legislature.  Bill details, including the names of co-sponsors, can be found at:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2078&year=2011.

Thanks for all your help.

Sam Merrill, Legislative Clerk
Steven Aldrich, Legislative Advocate
Friends Committee on Washington Public Policy (FCWPP)

House Ways and Means Committee Members

*Ranking Minority Member  **Asst. Ranking Minority Member ?