WA Lege Day 51: Talking taxes. Voting taxes

OLYMPIA — A new tax proposal would place unfair burdens on janitors, cigar sellers, plastic surgeons, candy makers and lawyers, opponents of a House plan said today.

They’d also save vital services for schools, colleges, the poor and the sick, supporters of the proposal said.

They’re a good start, but they need to be bigger, said a third chorus of witnesses as the House Finance Committee held a hearing on the tax package announced less than 24 hours earlier. Click here to see a comparison of the House, Senate and governor’s tax packages.

With some minor adjustments, the committee voted 6-3 to send the proposal to the House for a floor debate, even though the Democrats who plan to vote for it today said it will change before it passes.

“This is not what will pass off the floor of the House,” Rep. Larry Springer, D-Kirkland said.

Republicans, who voted no, said no taxes should be raised at this point: “Our problem is spending, not revenue,” Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee said.”We have a certain amount of revenue to work with…We need to change direction.”

Among Republicans voting no was Rep. Kevin Parker of Spokane.