House Republicans propose $3.3 billion in tax relief for the
people of Washington

     State government surpluses add up to MORE THAN $4.3 BILLION. We believe we can maintain our commitment to a stable budget for state services...AND give taxpayers some of their money back!

• Washington property owners who paid property tax on their primary residence in 2006 would receive a $400 rebate. They will have the option of returning the rebate to the state and direct that it be spent specifically on education, health care, parks, or transportation, or simply returned to the general fund!
  (Rep. Orcutt/Rep. Roach)

• Reinstate the 1 percent limit on annual property tax increases, approved by the people through Initiative 747 and overturned by a Seattle judge in 2006. (House Bill 1170/House Bill 2117, Rep. Orcutt/Rep. Roach)

• Limit increases in assessed property value
  (Rep. Orcutt/Rep. Roach)

• Return $1.4 billion surplus in the UI Trust Fund to employers and employees, leaving a responsible reserve.
   

• Return $1 billion surplus in the Workers’ Compensation Contingency Reserve, leaving a responsible reserve.

• Provide a reduced B&O tax rate for custom farming service
  (House Bill 1587, Rep. Newhouse)

• Exempt farm machinery and equipment from sales/use taxes
  (House Bill 1757, Rep. Newhouse)

• Eliminate back taxes, interest, and penalties for the current use program
  (Rep. Newhouse)

• Certify forest product operations of statewide significance - (Rep. Orcutt)

• Require a constitutionally protected rainy day fund
  (House Bill 1467, Rep. Anderson)