Who favors taxes?

Our own state representative Sam Hunt was one of 14 legislators who introduced a bill to raise the state sales tax by one percent with the expectation of bringing in a billion dollars in new revenue.

Interestingly enough, they are getting support from some business lobbyists who favor a general sales tax increase as opposed to removing some of the tax breaks from the business interests they represent.

A general sales tax increase can be passed along to the consumer, but tax breaks often have an impact on the businesses bottom line.

If the 60 percent threshold had been in effect for the recent school levy, only one of six local school districts would have passed its levy.

Tumwater voters gave just a 60 percent Yes.  In North Thurston only 59 percent of the voters gave approval for the levy.  In Griffin, Rochester, Rainier and Tenino, the approval vote was even lower.

This is the second school election since the legislature lowered the threshold from 60 percent to 50 percent.  It certainly looks as if school district will have an easier time getting money from the taxpayers.