House passes tax plan

OLYMPIA — The House of Representatives passed a plan to raise taxes by nearly $700 million dollars over the next 15 months.

In a 52-44 vote, Democratic leaders pushed through a package that raises taxes on soda, bottled water, candy, gum, mass-produced beer, most service businesses

Among Spokane area legislators, only Rep. Timm Ormsby, D, voted yes. Reps. Larry Crouse, Susan Fagan, Joel Kretz, Kevin Parker, Shelly Short, Joe Schmick, all R, and John Driscoll, D, voted no. Alex Wood, D, and Matt Shea, R, were excused.