A record tax increased passed Sunday by the State Senate threaten to take even more money right out of your pocket. Some Lawmakers say it's a necessary evil because of the state's budget crisis. Although, some taxpayers see it a bit differently.
After passionate and sometimes contentious debate over the last two days, State Senators approved a tax package that will raise $890 million dollars for our cash strapped state. Already taxpayers like Ashley Clark and Megan Spearing are taking sides.
"It's not going to affect me. I could see how some people it would be hurtful," said Clark.
"Yeah, it's ridiculous the economy can't really afford it, people, it's screwing everyone over, it's a bunch of BS," said Spearing.
The $804 million in Senate Bill 6143 comes from a three tenth of a cent temporary sales tax increase.
Besides passing the sales tax package, the Senate also passed a measure by a vote of 29 to 19 to add an extra buck tax to a package of cigarettes that will generate nearly $90 million for the state.
Senate Bill 6874 would mean smokers would now pay a little over $3 in tax per pack of cigarettes.
The sales tax increase package is worth $313 million. $170 million would come from taxing several kinds of service businesses. But, a plan to raise $30 million from charging extra on bottled water has Megan Spearing all fired up.
"That's ridiculous it's just water it shouldn't be taxed," said Spearing.
The tax package means you would be paying more sales tax at least until 2013.
Lawmakers say dealing with a $2.8 billion dollar budget deficit will take cuts and these higher taxes.
Now, it's up to the State House to pass their own version of the revenue plan and then both chambers will try to iron out a permanent budget.
There are only a few days left in this year's legislative session for the House and Senate to settle on a budget. If they can't Governor Chris Gregoire could call a special session.
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