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Governor considers Special Session to Raise Taxes!

Gov. Jay Inslee says the Legislature may need to be called back for a special session because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Governor said he will call them back if more aggressive steps for spending are needed before the end of the year.

The Governor said he is ready to call the Legislature back early “. . .if MORE aggressive steps for SPENDING is needed. . . .” How about cuts to ‘wants’ passed this past session? Can we get a mulligan on all the Governor’s spending of unanticipated revenue the last two years? There are going to busted budgets at all levels of our community. I would implore the governor to look at the exorbitant spending over the past two years and begin cutting unnecessary and unsustainable programs before taxing small businesses and working family!

Peter Abbarno, Candidate for State House of Representative in the 20th Legislative District.

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Flat Income Tax Could Still be Option for Majority

On Friday, April 3, the State Supreme Court said the city of Seattle is not allowed to impose a graduated income tax on its residents. That is good news; unfortunately, the story does not end here.

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In 2017, Seattle, supported by some King County legislators, wanted to tax all incomes above $250,000 at a rate of 2.25%. The courts and voters have repeatedly and consistently rejected an income tax. Friday’s ruling by the State Supreme Court was consistent, but leaves open the possibility of a flat tax across all brackets.

The state constitution prevents graduated income taxes and has ruled against the imposition many times. Washington voters have also opposed an income tax at the State and Local level. A graduated tax is unconstitutional and the wrong direction for Washington state. We need to focus on rebuilding and recovery from COVID-19 and the #StayHome order, not punish our citizens with an income tax.

Peter Abbarno, Candidate for State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District.

The concern; Seattle and cities across the state can levy an income tax on ALL residents regardless of their income and ability to pay. A uniform tax on all taxpayers was bolstered after the Washington State Court of Appeals stated that while a graduated tax was unconstitutional, the City could impose a uniform tax across all tax brackets. In early November, the appeals court rejected a request to take a second look at its ruling.

Local and state elected officials should resist the urge to punish taxpayers by imposing tax increases. Looking back, there was no reason to increase taxes the past two session with the unprecedented revenue from existing sources.

Peter Abbarno, Candidate for State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District.

Road Usage Charge, Carbon, and Gas Tax still on Majority’s Agenda

Income Taxes are not the only tax on the mind of the Majority Party in Olympia. An interview on the Washington State Wire with Tacoma Democrat State Representative Jake Fey was very revealing of the intent to increase taxes stating “we’re looking at everything from the road usage charge to a carbon-based charge; you name it, it’ll be looked at.”

Now looking forward, the State must focus on rebuilding our economy by incentivizing business growth, encouraging the expansion of private employment opportunities, building necessary infrastructure, and eliminating unnecessary government programs and regulations.

Peter Abbarno, Candidate for State House of Representatives in the 20th Legislative District.
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www.ElectPeterAbbarno.com

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