OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington lawmakers have approved two bills that would establish a tax revenue stream to fund arts and other economic development in King County.
House lawmakers approved a more expansive bill on Friday night that directs revenue from taxes on hotel stays, restaurants and car rentals to fund local arts and a convention center. On Saturday morning, senators approved a bill much narrower in scope that addresses funding for arts only.
The taxes outlined in the House bill are currently going toward paying off baseball stadium debts. The Safeco Field debt is expected to be paid as soon as next year.
The House bill extends the 0.5 percent restaurant tax until 2015 and the 2 percent car rental tax indefinitely to raise revenue for an expansion of the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.
