Budget in the House….
House Democrats were huddled Tuesday, putting the finishing touches on a budget that’s reportedly gentler than the no-new-taxes version the Senate’s suggesting.
Here’s how: the Associated Press is reporting that the House’s version includes about $670 million in new taxes, including a sales tax boost, candy taxes, higher liquor and cigarette taxes and a new every-few-minutes Keno game, like Oregon has. The House also reportedly has $100 million in old tax exemptions in its gunsights.
What that would pay for: a small pay raise for state workers, pay hikes for teachers, Medicaid funding to avoid cutting 40,000 children off health programs, and restored prenatal care for the children of illegal immigrants.
Stay tuned…
Here’s how: the Associated Press is reporting that the House’s version includes about $670 million in new taxes, including a sales tax boost, candy taxes, higher liquor and cigarette taxes and a new every-few-minutes Keno game, like Oregon has. The House also reportedly has $100 million in old tax exemptions in its gunsights.
What that would pay for: a small pay raise for state workers, pay hikes for teachers, Medicaid funding to avoid cutting 40,000 children off health programs, and restored prenatal care for the children of illegal immigrants.
Stay tuned…
* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "Eye On Olympia." Read all stories from this blog