$50,000 homestead exemption proposed for state property taxes

State Rep. Kevin Van De Wege hoping to stir more discussion and hopefully action

January 23, 2008

OLYMPIA – Legislation introduced today in the state House would provide a property tax exemption on the first $50,000 of a business or home.

State Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) wrote the bill heading to the House Finance Committee.  His legislation would create a $50,000 homestead exemption on the state portion of property taxes for personal and business property.

“Property taxes, property taxes, and property taxes.  That’s how most of my constituents list their top-three priorities for me,” Van De Wege said.  “They’re concerned about other issues we’re working on, like healthcare, but they’re frustrated one of their top concerns isn’t being heard.”

Van De Wege’s 24th District includes all of Clallam and Jefferson counties, and part of Grays Harbor County.

“Until recently, on the Olympic Peninsula you could raise a family, retire, and live in the same community when your children started a family,” Van De Wege said.  “That’s no longer the case and it’s hurting our communities.”

“We can’t sit back and wait as thousands of our young families, working people and seniors see their family budgets eroded by property taxes.”

Van De Wege wants to help small business by allowing both personal and business property to use this exemption.

“This isn’t just a burden for our families, but on our start-up and small businesses,” Van De Wege said.  “For these smaller companies, this could provide some relief and be the difference between staying open or closing shop.”

Statements by committee chairs in the House and Senate have Van De Wege unsure about the future of the bill, but he still wants to have the conversation.

“I realize the hesitancy to push forward too quickly,” Van De Wege said, “but this isn’t a conversation I’m just starting with this bill.  I’ve been talking about property tax relief for a year, through the 2007 and special sessions.”

“People are talking about property taxes—we owe it to them to talk about it in the Legislature.”

Related Links:
HB 3162