OLYMPIA -- The Senate narrowly rejected a plan to extend taxes levied to build Seattle's baseball stadium as a way to pay for expansion of the state convention center, arts and culture programs and housing projects.

By a 24-22 vote, a proposal to continue a tax on hotel and motel rooms and rental cars in King County went down in the face of warnings that voters would be convinced of the adage that there's nothing more permanent than a temporary tax. To pass the Senate, a bill needs at least 25 votes. It could be brought back for another vote sometime Friday if one of the 22 "no" votes switches sides.

The taxes were approved in 1995 to build a new stadium for the Mariners, now known as Safeco Field, during a special session of the Legislature. The taxes were to stay in place until bonds were paid off or 2015, whichever came first.

The bonds will be retired later this year. SB 5958 would have continued charging the taxes until 2015, and redirect the money to expand and renovate the Convention Center in Seattle, Pioneer Square preservation projects, affordable housing projects in Seattle and arts programs. 

“We made a commitment to the people of King County and the state of Washington,” Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said. “Voters have to know that when we say a tax is going away, it really will go away.”

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