25th District Reps. Kelly Chambers and Chris Gildon co-sponsor House Republican tax relief plan

February 24, 2020

With last week’s state revenue forecast revealing a $2.4 billion budget surplus, House Republican budget lead, Rep. Drew Stokesbary, introduced a bill that would provide $1 billion in tax relief for Washington’s working families. Twenty-fifth District Reps. Kelly Chambers and Chris Gildon joined every member of the House Republican Caucus in signing on to the measure. They issued the following statement Monday:

“Voters in our district overwhelmingly supported $30 car tabs and have repeatedly rejected higher taxes on the ballot. While the majority party keeps coming up with excuses for not cutting taxes, we believe it is imperative to provide tax relief and lower the costs of daily living for families in the 25th District and around the state. With a $2.4 billion budget surplus, we have more than enough money to fund our state’s top priorities. Instead of asking for more, which the majority party has done time and time again, it is time we give back to taxpayers.”

House Bill 2946 would:

  • Uphold voters’ demand for $30 car tabs, while ensuring stable funding for roads and transit.
  • Eliminate the sales tax on prepared food items sold at grocery stores.
  • Eliminate the sales tax on personal necessities like feminine hygiene products, breast pumps, and diapers.

In a news release last week, Stokesbary, R-Auburn, said the following:

“House Republicans are intent on delivering $30 car tabs this session. Unfortunately, the majority party has not shown any willingness to uphold the clear will of the voters. House Bill 2946 provides a path forward to implement $30 car tabs without compromising transportation projects, while also offering meaningful sales tax relief on food and many personal necessities. I’m proud to be united with my House Republican colleagues in working to make life more affordable for all Washingtonians.”

Along with Stokesbary’s bill, House Republicans have also introduced bills to reduce the state property tax, provide a back-to-school sales tax holiday, and reaffirm the prohibition of the imposition of a local income tax.

The 2020 session is scheduled to adjourn March 12.