Washington Dems push triple property tax increases SB-5770 (Spokane, Republic: insurance, crimes)

[rkcarguy]

As if annual re-assessments beibg tied to soaring current market priced values haven't been enough of an increase. Many of us have had our evaluations double in the last few years, so why not shell out even more?

Quoted from "The Center Square"

"A newly proposed Senate Bill from Washington Democratic senators would raise the property tax cap on Washington state and its local governments from 1% to 3%, while angering Republican senators.

Proposed Senate Bill 5770 states that the “arbitrary 1% limitation on the growth of property tax collections has severely inhibited the ability of the state, counties, cities and other special districts to provide critical community services in the face of significant population growth and inflation.”

The 20 Democratic senators that sponsored the bill say that modifying the cap on the growth of property tax collections would restore the primary revenue source the state and local officials use to fund public schools, law enforcement, fire departments and other services Washingtonians rely on.


However, a number of Washington Republican senators have spoken against the bill, saying it makes the cost of living in the state more difficult to afford.

This tax would significantly increase the affordability crisis in our state,” Washington Senate Republican Leader John Braun said in a statement. “Enabling property taxes to go up 3% per year instead of 1% is going to be the tipping point for some homeowners.”

The bill argues that raising the property tax limitation limits provide resources for Washington’s public schools. Specifically, special education resources.

“Because the state portion of the property tax is entirely devoted to support of public schools, raising the cap on the state portion of property taxes will help provide the resources in coming years for the legislature to make ample provision for the education of students with disabilities,” Senate Bill 5770 states.

Washington Senator Mark Schoesler called out the tax cap bill for being introduced outside of the 10-day window under the state constitution that would have required a two-thirds vote from the Senate to advance the bill. The state’s regular session is scheduled to end on April 23.

“Now, the Democrats want to pass an 11th-hour bill that would triple the growth rate of both state and local property taxes,” Schoesler said. “Many people around our state are asking for tax relief and this is the Democrats’ response? Unbelievable.”

[jabogitlu]

We have to have revenue from somewhere. Our schools are facing HUGE cuts. I'd much rather collect this revenue from the uber wealthy than homeowners though.

[kavm]

This is quite universal. Most people want others to pay.

[MechAndy]

We several families that do a school co-op thing rather than have their kids go to an inferior public school.
I’ve met and spent some time with these kids and I think they have it going on.
They seen more mature, disciplined, possibly smarter, and I’d wager more educated than the other kids when I see them at the softball games.

I think their system does well because it is managed better.
It not like they have a lot of money to throw around so they make what they spend count.

Raising taxes and tossing money at things isn’t always the answer.
This is not sustainable.
It is time for new leadership.

[CrazyDonkey]

triple property tax increases

Gross mischaracterization. It's an annual limit on property tax increases of 1% of a parcel's true and fair value. The biggest factor behind increases in property tax assessments is increases in property values.

[JoeJunior]

Move to Alabama where property taxes are next to nothing.

But our schools are also next to the bottom in quality. I consider that more of a social issue than the school cirriculum in highly agricultural counties.

We have a 4,000 square foot home without any property taxes because my wife is disabled. Our $400K lake house has taxes of $1,250 per year.

I read about the property taxes all over the country in states like Wisconsin, New Jersey, New York and California. I'm appalled. It's hard to ever get ahead enough to save for the retirement years--and many have to work two jobs due to their high COL. It's not how I would ever want to live.

[wolfdog]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

We have to have revenue from somewhere. Our schools are facing HUGE cuts. I'd much rather collect this revenue from the uber wealthy than homeowners though.

But wouldn't this benefit the homeowners[with kids] more than the wealthy?

[PS90]

So, WA state has essentially doubled their tax revenue in 10 years, including a huge recent gas-tax hike.

But yet schools have no money, Inslee wants to stop construction on Spokane's only north-south freeway because it costs too much, there is a housing market crisis because costs are too high.

And it's all because the middle class isn't paying their fair share of property tax?

The libs have absolutely destroyed this state...

[leastprime]

I want law & order, increased mental illness facilities, and a sustained effort to crack down on drug use and distribution. I my patience and tolerance for continued efforts for drug crimes and homelessness is near. Either the offenders take our generous humanitarian efforts, or take what we impose without your concurrence.
ytmv

[xPlorer48]

Originally Posted by wolfdog

But wouldn't this benefit the homeowners[with kids] more than the wealthy?

There are homeowners without kids that are barely affording the escalating property taxes and insurance rates. My property taxes are due in less than 2 weeks and I am not pleased about the higher amount.