DORI MONSON

Senator proposes employee tax credit for counties with high unemployment

May 24, 2018, 4:40 PM

tax credit, Senator O'ban, Sound Transit, train derailment...

Senator Steve O'Ban. (TVW)

(TVW)

With the City of Seattle charging its 600 largest-grossing businesses $275 for each person they employ via its new head tax, state government leaders are coming up with ideas to counteract the head tax in areas outside the Emerald City.

RELATED: Pierce County hopes to set ‘good example’ with employee tax credit

Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) of the 28th Legislative District is proposing a $275 per job tax credit for Washington counties that are struggling most with unemployment.

O’Ban said that the credit — exactly the same amount per employee as Seattle’s newest tax — is a direct response to the Seattle city government’s actions.

“I think it’s absolutely absurd and mind-boggling — when you tax something, you get less of it,” O’Ban told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson in reference to the head tax. “I don’t know of any place other than Seattle … that thinks of high-paying jobs as something you want less of.”

Under O’Ban’s proposal, the 16 counties whose unemployment rate is more than 25 percent above that of the state as a whole would qualify for the tax credit. This list includes Grant, Yakima, Grays Harbor, Okanogan, Lewis, Clallam, Cowlitz, Skamania, Mason, Jefferson, Pacific, Franklin, Ferry, Stevens, Pond Oreille, and Wahkiakum Counties.

“Those counties would love to get the jobs that Seattle is rejecting and turning their nose down at,” O’Ban said.

The credit would apply to any new jobs that are created; this could be either by an existing business, or a business that moves to one of the qualifying counties from another area. Each qualifying job would need to pay $1 per hour more than the area’s minimum wage.

“I want employers to be incentivized to move to those counties that desperately need these jobs and want those jobs,” O’Ban stated.

O’Ban’s bill is not the only move of its kind; Pierce County released a similar response to the head tax earlier this week. The county is offering businesses a $275 tax credit for every new job that is created and pays at least $65,000.

The senator said that he expects his bill to receive bipartisan support in Olympia.

“I’m not going to write off the Legislature just because of Seattle and just because we have a governor who is more interested in running for president than governing the state,” he said.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Senator proposes employee tax credit for counties with high unemployment