April 20, 2023, submitted by Senator Judy Warnick~~
The 2023 session is nearly over. We are spending long hours voting on proposals that have come over from the House of Representatives or relooking at Senate bills that were amended in the House. We must complete this work and vote on final budget proposals by April 23.
In odd-numbered years, the state must create a balanced, two-year operating budget. The state Senate unveiled its proposal, Senate Bill 5187, which I voted in favor of. It funds important priorities without new taxes and a smaller increase in spending than we’ve previously seen. While not totally reflective of what a Republican budget would look like, a great deal of it reflects our priorities of public safety, affordability, and an emphasis on education.
have been concerned about what the final budget will look like because of recent proposals by the Democratic majority to impose higher taxes on real estate sales and an outlandish bill, Senate Bill 5770, which would repeal the voter-approved cap on property tax increases. That legislation would allow the state to increase annual property tax growth by 3% and allow local jurisdictions to do the same.
There is no good time to place additional taxes on housing, especially in the midst of an affordability crisis. People are already struggling to stay in their homes as well. I oppose these efforts and hope the majority will realize the mistake this would be and not include them in the final budget. You can read my statement on this by clicking here.
Please watch for my next update with more information on the final budget and other news from Olympia after the Legislature adjourns.
Contact Me
Staff:
Legislative Assistant – Cynthia Banuelos
Olympia Phone:
360.786.7624
E-mail:
