Washington State Lawmakers Seek Broad Review Of Tax Breaks - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Washington State Lawmakers Seek Broad Review Of Tax Breaks

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - A bipartisan pair of state lawmakers is pushing for a wide-ranging review of nearly $2 billion in annual tax breaks for Washington's businesses, non-profits and local governments.

The proposed legislation would eliminate 251 tax breaks, none of which currently has a sunset clause. The first tax breaks would expire in 2017, with the remainder split into four groups expiring every two years thereafter.

This would trigger a review of each tax break to determine whether it still serves a useful purpose to the state, say the bill's sponsors.

The lawmakers championing the effort are Representatives Reuven Carlyle of Seattle, a Democrat, and Republican Glenn Anderson of Fall City.

Their measure faces an uphill battle. State law requires a two-thirds majority in the Legislature to approve any tax-related bills.
      

      
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