Washington Business Fall 2015 | Legislative Review | Page 34

HB 1133 authorizing counties to impose a public utility tax Failed/AWB Opposed Share your business with top decision makers in Washington state. Washington Business magazine is distributed to more than 8,000 subscribers ranging from CEOs and managers to owners of small, medium and large businesses statewide. Our readers—including top executives, industry leaders and state and national lawmakers—are your customers. Target your message and get results with Washington Business magazine. Sponsored by Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Dungeness, this legislation came at the request of the counties seeking authority for a 6 percent utility tax on phone, wireless, cable, gas, electricity, water and sewer service. AWB testified that utility taxes are regressive and hurt industry, small business, retirees, seniors and low-income citizens. Washington already has some of the highest utility rates in the nation. The language from this bill was also included in HB 2156. Both bills failed to pass. HB 1239/SB 5492 increasing tax expenditure requirements Failed/AWB Opposed This measure sought to modify the tax expenditure report that is developed by the Department of Revenue and would have required employers to collect additional information regarding family-wage jobs, and how tax incentives contribute to a sustainable, nonpolluting economy. Sponsored by Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle, in the House and Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, in the Senate, the bills failed to pass. HB 1484/SB 5699 capital gains tax Failed/AWB Opposed To inquire about our rates: Call: 360.736.8065 E-mail: [email protected] Download a rate card: www.awb.org/WaBusinessAds 32 association of washington business Gov. Jay Inslee requested that lawmakers enact a 5 percent capital gains tax on income, a request that Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, put forward in HB 1484 and Sen. Sharon