|
Walsh opposed hasty tax deferral bill
I-747 passes with support from Walsh
To the delight of Rep. Maureen Walsh,
R-Walla Walla, House Bill 2416 passed the House (86-8) and the Senate
(39-9) Thursday, followed by the governor's signature. The bill
reinstates the 1 percent property tax levy lid that was tossed out by
the Washington State Supreme Court under Initiative 747.
"Folks really wanted us to uphold what
they had told us," said Walsh. "They knew what they were doing when they
voted in 2001 for I-747 and I'm so glad we came together as a body to
support the people that we represent."
Senate Bill 6178 also passed both Houses and was approved by the
governor. The bill
allows homeowners with an
annual income of $57,000 or less
to defer
50 percent of their property tax bill each year. The total maximum
deferral is up to 40 percent of the home's equity. The deferred taxes
will accrue interest at a variable rate, currently 7 percent, each year
and the state will place a lien on the house.
During debate in the House,
Walsh spoke out against the measure.
"A bill of this magnitude that is this
important should have been left for the regular session," said Walsh. "Passing this
bill in a one-day special session without being allowed any time to
understand it and address some of its problems, was unfortunate and will
undoubtedly breed unintended consequences."
Walsh told House colleagues that she
had received many questions from local officials in her district who
were unsure of what the tax deferral bill would do.
"Hopefully we can come back and do
something that can be of assistance to folks who really do fall on hard
times," said Walsh. "But I don’t like to do sloppy work while I’m here."
# # #
For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
|