OLYMPIA — A measure that extends temporary taxes originally intended to pay Seattle stadiums is alive again.
The bill was technically dead after it had not cleared a key procedural deadline last Friday when it fell two votes short in a Senate committee. But the bill has been re-introduced as an amendment to the House state budget proposal.
Members of the House Ways and Means committee voted 16-11 to include the bill as part of a group of amendments to the budget bill Thursday night.
The bill would extend temporary taxes on restaurants and car rentals to help fund an expansion of the Washington State Convention Center and several other economic development projects. The taxes are used to pay debts on Safeco Field, Qwest Field and the Kingdom. The Safeco Field debt is expected to be paid of later this year.
King County officials say doing so will help job growth. Opponents say lawmakers should keep their promise and let the taxes end.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
