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House votes to extend tax breaks for rural and
distressed counties
An expiring tax-incentive
plan designed to attract high-tech jobs and investment to rural counties
of Washington would be extended under a measure approved today by the
state House of Representatives. The House voted 95-2 in favor of House
Bill 2689, which extends business and occupation tax credits and sales
and use tax deferrals that are set to expire this year.
Twentieth District lawmakers, Reps. Richard DeBolt and
Gary
Alexander,
say the tax policies are essential tools for rural economic development
in communities such as Lewis County.
“While the high-tech sector of our economy is centered in the Puget
Sound region, it’s become increasingly common for call centers and other
operations be located away from company headquarters,” said Alexander.
“Rural communities offer an affordable land base and an eager workforce,
and with these tax incentives, it creates an attractive package for
employers looking to create or expand their businesses here. These are
clean industries with good paying jobs that our citizens need.”
“These tax incentives are
essential to helping our rural communities create jobs and diversify
their economies,” said DeBolt, R-Chehalis. “Allowing the tax incentives
to expire would be like turning our backs on the distressed areas of our
state. We want to bring these good-paying jobs to areas of our state
where families are desperate to find work.”
HB 2689 would extend B&O tax credits for high-tech call centers and
software manufacturing facilities located in rural or distressed areas
of Washington. It would also continue a sales and use tax deferral for
manufacturing, research and development, or computer programming
activities in rural counties. Under the bill, both tax incentives would
be extended until 2010.
The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Brendon Wold, Public
Information Officer: (360) 786-7698
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