WA governor pressed to veto 1.8B piece of Democrats tax bill

Hoteliers and grocers in Washington are urging Governor Bob Ferguson to veto a surcharge in House Bill 2081, claiming it will lead to increased food prices. The 0. 5% surcharge, set to impact large businesses, is part of a broader tax package aimed at addressing a $9. 4 billion budget shortfall. The Washington Hospitality Association and Washington Food Industry Association assert that the surcharge will disproportionately burden food wholesalers, resulting in higher costs for consumers.

The tax bill, passed in the final days of the legislative session, is projected to generate $1. 86 billion over four years. Many critics point out that companies like Boeing and tech firms are exempt from this surcharge, raising questions about equity in tax policy. Lawmakers have not discussed potential amendments to exempt food wholesalers, despite calls for such measures. House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon noted that altering the bill could necessitate a special session.

The hospitality and food sectors emphasize the necessity of keeping food affordable for consumers.