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 (), 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: .

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 ?