OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A bipartisan pair of state lawmakers is pushing for a wide-ranging review of nearly $2 billion in annual tax breaks for Washington’s businesses, non-profits and local governments.
The proposed legislation would eliminate 251 tax breaks, none of which currently has a sunset clause. The first tax breaks would expire in 2017, with the remainder split into four groups expiring every two years thereafter.
This would trigger a review of each tax break to determine whether it still serves a useful purpose to the state, say the bill’s sponsors.
The lawmakers championing the effort are Representatives Reuven Carlyle of Seattle, a Democrat, and Republican Glenn Anderson of Fall City.
Their measure faces an uphill battle. State law requires a two-thirds majority in the Legislature to approve any tax-related bills.
