Goodman: Special session will bring back needed property tax cap

Nov. 20, 2007

Statement from state Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) on Gov. Gregoire calling for a special session:

Our state Legislature has a lot of work to do in the next few months, as members have spent time developing policies on issues from housing to health care to education.

Right now, though, we need to come together and pass legislation to reinstate the 1 percent property tax limit that was just invalidated in the courts.

Homeowners have planned on property tax increases being no more than 1 percent a year. We cannot remove that assurance from them now at the risk of costing some families their homes.

Our state’s overall tax system is unstable and unfair, and we need to relieve not only property owners, but also small businesses and hard-working families. In the meanwhile, though, we can’t wait to codify the 1 percent limit on property tax increases. That’s a gamble we can’t afford.

Next week we’ll break from our scheduled committee work in Olympia and pass this needed protection for property taxpayers. During this special session I will support the 1 percent cap on property tax increases.

Staff contact - Andrew Dziedzic, (360) 786-7218

To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.