Washington House Democrats

November 9, 2007 

 

Yesterday, the state Supreme Court threw out the voter-approved limit on property tax increases passed in 2001.  By overturning I-747, the court has removed the 1 percent cap on annual property taxes collected by state and local governments.

Rising property taxes are a big concern among my constituents, and their feedback tells me that many of them are concerned about being able to afford their homes.  At a time of increasing gas prices, spiraling health care costs, and a nationwide mortgage lending crisis, consumers are feeling squeezed.  The last thing they need is uncertainty about how high their property taxes may go now that I-747 has been overturned.

Last session, I co-sponsored a bill - HB 2117 - that would have codified a property tax cap into state law.  In anticipation of the court’s decision, though, the issue never gained enough momentum to make it out of committee.

I believe that yesterday’s Supreme Court decision now makes it possible for the legislature to create a bill that will protect property owners from unpredictable tax increases, giving them a sense of certainty that they desperately need.  The voters sent a message in 2001, and they need to know that the legislature is listening to them.  I plan to work with my colleagues to quickly reinstate a cap on property taxes, while taking a longer range look at the property tax system as a whole.

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For more information:

Rep. Pat Lantz, 360-786-7964

Website and print-quality image:  www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/lantz/

Media staff contact:  Jennifer Zahn Spieler, 360-786-7201