Plan to raise cap on property tax growth collapses in WA Legislature

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Democratic state lawmakers dropped their bid Monday to repeal a voter-approved limit on property tax growth in Washington, excising one of the most controversial revenue-raising ideas they’ve pursued in this year’s legislative session.

The proposal, embedded in House Bill 2049, sought to allow an increase in the growth factor from the current 1% cap to as much as 3%. It would have applied to a state levy that supports schools, and for cities and counties, as well as special purpose districts.

But Rep. Steve Bergquist, D-Renton, the bill’s sponsor, penned an amendment removing sections on the growth limit. The House was expected to adopt the change and pass the bill Monday, then send it to the Senate for consideration.

Opposition from Gov. Bob Ferguson led Democratic leaders in the House and Senate to abandon the proposal despite strong backing in their caucuses, legislators and local government officials said.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/04/21/washington-democrats-abandon-property-tax-hike/

[thatdemguy]

1. Property taxes are squeezing the lower income, and its hidden.

Lower income most likely rent and any property tax increases get passed on to the renters. The owners get to write it off their taxes for a deduction, but there is still an added cost to the renter.

Yes property taxes need to go up as the cost for everything goes up. But maryland does it a decent way, apply for the homestead credit and in a way it locks how fast your property taxes can up. But buy a new house and you reset to the new number.

It does not apply to rental houses thou, so it get passed on to the renter, while the owner gets a tax credit.