$890 million in Washington state tax hikes get Senate OK

OLYMPIA — The Senate approved $890 million in tax increases Sunday, including the first hike in the state’s share of the sales tax since 1983.

Senate Democrats used their majority to pass a bill that, if also approved by the House, would end several tax exemptions, begin charging sales tax on bottled water and tack three-tenths of one cent onto the sales tax for three years.

This legislation, which would raise $805 million through mid-2011, squeaked by on a 25-23 vote, with one senator excused. Six Democrats, including Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, joined 17 Republicans in opposing the bill.

A second bill boosting the cigarette tax by $1 per pack was approved 29-19. Hobbs supported the increase while Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, did not.

Both bills now go to the House, where Democrats are pondering a smaller package of revenue-raising measures that includes the cigarette tax hike but not the sales tax increase.

Today, in a two-hour debate, Senate Democrats said money generated from the tax changes will help balance the state budget and sustain a flow of funds for vital services for seniors and disabled, health insurance to the poor, financial aid for college students, early learning, levy equalization, and basic education.

Republicans labeled it the largest tax increase in state history and criticized Democrats for not paring more spending before traveling the path of taxes. Money-saving steps like eliminating government programs and rewriting of contracts with union workers did not occur, they said.

The “sacred cows will continue to graze” on the Capitol lawn, said Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.

The key piece of the Senate plan is the sales tax increase. As proposed it would take effect June 1 and expire June 30, 2013. The plan also establishes a program for providing cash rebates to low-income residents to offset part of the financial impact of a higher sales tax.

Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623, jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

At a glance

Senate Bill 6143, which is the major tax bill, can be read online at www.leg.wa.gov.

Here’s how Snohomish County representatives voted:

Yes: Sens. Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell, Darlene Fairley of Lake Forest Park, Mary Margaret Haugen of Camano Island, Paull Shin of Edmonds and Jean Berkey of Everett, all Democrats

No: Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, and Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Police Cmdr. Scott King answers questions about the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace approves Flock camera system after public pushback

The council approved the $54,000 license plate camera system agreement by a vote of 5-2.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

x
$14.5M property tax levy lid lift moves forward in Edmonds

After a public hearing, the City Council voted 5-2 to place the resolution on next week’s consent agenda for final approval.

Mikki Burkholder, left, and Sean Seifert pull drafts Friday afternoon at 5 Rights Brewery in Marysville on October 8, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
5 Rights celebrates 10 years in Marysville

During a challenging time for the US craft beer industry, 5 Rights continues to enjoy growth and an uptick in sales.

Wine is illuminated on a large win rack at the center of the main room at Long Shadows Woodinville Tasting Room & Key Club Lounge on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 in Woodinville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Two winery restaurants in Woodinville stand out

You wouldn’t expect to get world-class pizza at a winery,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.