Advisory Vote No. 8, which appears on the statewide ballot this November, points out some flaws in Washington’s tax code. The Columbian recommends a vote to “maintain” the tax that was approved by the Legislature.
Under Washington’s tax laws, the newly minted legalized-marijuana industry would have been eligible for built-in tax preferences, most of them aimed at agriculture. While marijuana is a crop, it more reasonably should be regarded under the law as a grown-up indulgence, more akin to alcohol than to, say, wheat or apples.
The Legislature rightly closed tax loopholes for the industry, adding $2.8 million a year in revenue for the state. That technically qualifies as a tax increase, which triggers an advisory vote thanks to a 2007 initiative passed by the electorate. Voters should support the action of the Legislature and not allow marijuana growers to enjoy the same tax breaks as other farmers.
Advisory Vote No. 9
The Columbian also recommends a “maintain” vote on Advisory Vote No. 9. This would affirm legislative action placing a direct land-use tax on the use of tribal property by private parties — in lieu of property taxes. The move is projected to add a total of $1.3 million to state coffers over the first 10 years. Again, this has triggered an automatic advisory vote.
