OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says he is open to extending the temporary taxes set to expire this year. On his first full day in office, the Democratic governor said he still favors balancing the budget without tax increases, in his words, “as much as humanly possible.”
But Inslee says he does not consider the continuation of a temporary tax as an actual tax hike.
“I am not proposing or advocating to do that today," the governor said. "But I want to make sure that I allow the legislators room to discuss this potential.”
Last month, former Gov. Chris Gregoire urged Washington lawmakers to extend temporary tax hikes on beer and some business services to help balance the state budget. These taxes will expire on June 30 if lawmakers take no action.
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