Rep. Mark Harmsworth looks to reduce the state’s retail sales tax
Rep. Mark Harmsworth, R-Mill Creek, introduced a bill that would reduce the state's sales tax. The lawmaker's proposal would reduce the tax from the current 6.5 percent to 6.25 percent beginning July 1, 2018 through July 1, 2020. After 2020, the tax would be reduced even further, to 6 percent.
According to the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council's report released in November, revenue projections are much higher than previously expected. Harmsworth contends that this extraordinary revenue growth should be given back to the people.
“Our state is experiencing unparalleled economic growth and prosperity,” said Harmsworth. “When we approved the operating budget last year, we didn't anticipate revenue estimates would shoot up the way they have. We need to give this unexpected windfall back to the people, not find new ways to spend it. By lowering the sales tax, we put a bit more cash in people's pockets.”
House Bill 2978 has been referred to the House Finance Committee where it awaits a public hearing.
