(The Center Square) – A bill “making the estate tax more progressive” in Washington state received a public hearing Tuesday in the House Finance Committee. House Bill 2019 is sponsored by Rep. Chipalo Street, D-Seattle. Republicans on the committee supported part of HB 2019 – that is, the increase in the state estate tax exclusion amount to $3 million for decedents dying on or after Jan. 1, 2025. However, Republicans took issue with other elements
(The Center Square) – King County’s budget leaders are beginning to monitor county departments’ federal funding allocations as uncertainty looms amid the Trump administration’s cuts to spending in attempting to downsize the federal government. King County Chief Operating Officer Dwight Dively briefed the King County Committee of the Whole on Tuesday about money that has already been appropriated in the current or previous federal budgets, and the county’s ability to continue to access that funding.
(The Center Square) – A bill that would increase the amount of local property tax collections allowed by school districts in Washington state passed the House Finance Committee on Tuesday. House Bill 1356, sponsored by Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton, would increase the maximum per-pupil limit used for school enrichment levies gradually over several years up to $5,035 in the 2031 calendar year. The bill also changes the 101% revenue growth limit for state property taxes
(The Center Square) – Alarms are going off in Spokane as state lawmakers consider aligning elections at various levels despite concerns from high-profile officials. The Spokane City Council reviewed House Bill 1339 on Monday. If approved, the city and others could hold elections in even-numbered years. Research suggests that doing so would increase voter turnout, but some say the change could bury local issues beneath state and federal races. Councilmember Michael Cathcart proposed a resolution
