Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Eyman files 8 initiatives to repeal newly minted taxes
KOMONews.com: Tim Eyman is taking aim at $668 million worth of new taxes just passed by the state Legislature Monday by filing eight separate initiatives. The initiatives would repeal taxes on bottled water, soda, candy and mass-produced beer, as well as a home mortgage tax and business service tax. The biggest chunk of the bill passed Monday night is a temporary tax increase for service businesses - like attorneys and real estate agents - that would bring in about $242 million. Taxes on bottled water, soda, candy and gum and mass-produced beer would add nearly $156 million. The higher beer tax of 50 cents per gallon - a 28 cent-increase on a six-pack - would bring in $59 million. Microbrews would be exempt. The taxes were part of a revenue source lawmakers used to plug a $2.8 million budget deficit. The Senate tax vote came Monday evening, and the Legislature adjourned the special session early Tuesday morning. Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, said that taxes are needed to pay for "the critical public structures that unite us together as communities."
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