Legislative Tracker

$755 million dollar tax package passed by House of Representatives includes more than 21 new, higher taxes

Calling out Democrats for their hypocrisy of raising taxes on products, like canned meats and vegetables, purchased by poor and elderly citizens on fixed incomes, Rep. Kirk Pearson believes the tax package will hurt the people the Democrats claim they want to help the most.
House Democrats passed their $755 million tax package in the early morning hours of March 9. At 1:19 a.m. Pearson and his House Republican colleagues voted against Senate Bill 6143, which contained 21 new and increased taxes including a tax hike on canned goods, such as meat and vegetables, Pearson dubbed the “Spam” tax.
“In my district, we have stores that sell discounted canned food items that families, particularly in this economy, rely on to ensure there is a meal on the table each night,” said Pearson, R-Monroe. “These discount grocery stores are places that many of our citizens on lean budgets shop. The tax package as passed increases the tax on canned goods, essentially a ‘Spam’ tax, which hurts the poorest in our state.”
It’s not just the one tax on canned meat and vegetables that has Pearson fuming, but he said it represents the arrogant attitude Democrats have toward those who cannot afford to shop at the most expensive meat markets in town.
“It hurts the neediest among us by taxing the food items they can afford to serve their families,” Pearson said. “By adding this ‘Spam’ tax, we are lowering the working poor’s buying power. It is shameful.”
Pearson noted 20 years ago he worked for $11 per hour as he raised his five children. He relied on those very canned food items to help stretch a meal a little further and ensure he could pay his family’s rent.
“I know what even a small tax increase will do to a family living paycheck to paycheck,” Pearson explained. “People are struggling and out of work right now and the Legislative leaders are going to tax their canned meat and vegetables a little more? This is a big deal. This tax would hurt people, especially the poorest among us.”
As passed in the House, Senate Bill 6143 includes:

• 21 new or increased taxes; and
• $681 million in state taxes and $74 million in local taxes ($755 million total).

Another tax increase being considered that would impact jobs in Northwest Washington and could increase gas prices by 3-cents per gallon is the hazardous substance tax in House Bill 3181. As proposed in the House, the tax would generate an additional $110.6 million from May 2010 through June 2011.
Senate Bill 6143, as amended in the House, passed 52 to 45. It will now be returned to the Senate for their consideration of the House tax package attached to the bill.
The 2010 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 11.

Rep. Kirk Pearson represents the 39th District.