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Ericksen wants to help
school districts with fuel costs for buses
42nd District lawmaker: “It is wrong to give tax breaks to city buses
and not to our school districts”
The Deputy Republican
Leader of the Washington State House of Representatives offered an
amendment to a bill late yesterday that would have given tax relief to
schools districts on their fuel costs for buses. The amendment was
defeated by Democrats on the House Transportation Committee.
House Bill 1294 would exempt a regional transit authority from the
special fuel tax. Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, wants to extend
the special fuel tax relief to school districts to help with their
already stretched budgets.
“There is a great opportunity to help schools, and the majority party is
choosing not to. I am really surprised by this. My school districts have
asked for this type of relief, and my amendment would have provided it
to them.” said Ericksen. “I voted ‘no’ on this bill because I
think it is wrong to give tax breaks to city buses and not to our school
districts.”
House Bill 1294 would also allow refunds or credits on special fuel used
by or on behalf of a regional transit authority for bus trips extending
more than 25 miles beyond the county limits where the trips originated.
Ericksen is not giving up on his idea, but needs the support of
people and schools around the state.
“I will continue to work with Democrats on this issue, but help is
needed,” said Ericksen. “I am hopeful my idea will be accepted on
the House floor in an amendment to House Bill 1294. I am encouraging
everyone to contact their state lawmakers in support of the idea.”
House Bill 1294 passed out of the House Transportation Committee today
and is likely headed to the House floor.
For more information on Ericksen visit:
http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Ericksen/
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