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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This weekend, we are expecting to debate the majority party's proposed supplemental operating budget: Senate Bill 5693.
Thanks to a huge, unexpected, surge in state revenue, the state now has a four-year $15 billion surplus.
The majority party and House Republicans have different plans for what to do with this surplus. The majority is proposing to increase spending by 10.5% on new and existing government programs. They believe the best way to help Washingtonians is by spending more money on targeted state services. Meanwhile, House Republicans have a framework to fund essential services and deliver meaningful tax relief to Washington families and businesses.
Over the past year, the rate of inflation has reached a 40-year high, and folks are struggling to keep up with the cost of living, from housing to child care. In fact, inflation is costing the average household an extra $250 per month. That's why I support returning money to the taxpayers. We should pass a permanent 1% cut to the sales tax (a bipartisan idea), provide for a property tax rebate, and reduce business and occupation taxes.
With a historic surplus, there's no reason why we can't give money back to hardworking families and, at the same time, maintain healthy funding for state services.
I encourage you to watch the debate live this weekend on tvw.org.
Thank you!
Thank you to those who attended the virtual town hall with me and Sen. Wagoner last Saturday! It was wonderful to hear from constituents.
You can always contact me directly.
It's an honor to serve you!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Eslick
