While SB 5373 is not one of the environmental priorities identified at the Justice Summit, a number of people have expressed interest in the bill. The bill appears to be dead for the session, but there is some possibility of its revival in the budget negotiations. Information below provides some … [Read more...]
2019 Preliminary Summary of Legislation Passed by the Washington State Legislature
Pretty impressive document. Issued by the Office of Program Research Washington House of Representatives and published on April 29, 2019. Read more here . . . … [Read more...]
REET: The Real Estate Excise Tax made less regressive
Amendments to the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) were passed by the legislature on April 28. The bill, SB 5998, was focused on amendments to the REET, which is levied on sale of a home. It raises $243.5 million over two years, while creating a small tax cut for some home sellers. The bill changes the … [Read more...]
Senate Budget Addresses Poverty and Tax Issues
Washington state’s Senate released its two year operating budget proposal last Friday, March 29, just a few days after the House’s operating budget proposal.S enate budget writers have taken critical steps in the right direction with their investments and budget priorities.The 2019-2021 Senate … [Read more...]
Hearing of House Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee on homelessness bills 1219, 1377, 1406 and 1207
The state legislature’s Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee passed four homelessness bills (described below). These bills would enable local communities and religious organizations to develop affordable housing using existing tax bases. … [Read more...]