LOCAL NEWS

Seattle council clashes over how to address state head tax proposal

Feb 19, 2020, 12:36 PM
Seattle City Council, tax, coronavirus illegal immigrants, police...
Seattle City Council. (Seattle Channel)
(Seattle Channel)

Seattle City Councilmembers clashed Tuesday over how to address a state proposal that would levy a modest tax on big businesses in King County.

Sawant: Amazon support of tax is ‘bottom line political calculus’

The measure in Olympia would tax King County businesses with employees who make over $150,000. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks have all come out in support of the proposal, although some have voiced concerns that their support is a conditional on a ban on all future big business taxes in Washington.

Seattle City Council detailed those concerns in a recent letter to state lawmakers, laying out a request to increase the total revenue in the proposal “to more closely align with the substantial needs across our region.” The letter also urged the Legislature not to support any amendments that preempt the City of Seattle from levying any big business taxes of its own.

That had Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant drafting a resolution of her own, also condemning any potential preemption in the state proposal. That resolution was voted down by a 5-2 margin Tuesday.

“(Sawant’s) resolution did not strengthen the ongoing negotiations around HB 2907 in Olympia, being led by Representative Nicole Macri, beyond the position the entire Council took, unanimously,” Councilmember Lisa Herbold said in a Wednesday news release.

Fellow councilmembers echoed that sentiment, stating that the previously-sent letter was an adequate message to the state Legislature.

“While I adamantly believe in the good intentions behind this resolution, I also believe the framework of our engagement based in that letter on February 10 has been the better approach to working out this policy,” said Councilmember Andrew Lewis.

State lawmakers bring Seattle head tax battle to Olympia

Addressing other councilmembers who didn’t elaborate on their “no” votes, Sawant asked that they explain themselves.

“I think you owe the public an explanation of why you’re voting ‘no’ on the resolution,” she stated. “I don’t think anybody that votes ‘no’ can claim that they are doing everything in their power to prevent what will be — if the [big business tax] ban passes — an historic betrayal of Seattle and the state’s working people.”

That attempt proved fruitless, as a full vote was called for instead. District 2’s Tammy Morales was the only other councilmember to vote with Sawant in favor of the ultimately-failed resolution.

Local News

drug ring...
Frank Sumrall

Investigation leads to 27 indictments in West Coast fentanyl drug bust

U.S. Attorney Nick Brown told KIRO newsradio that this was a wiretap investigation that lasted for more than a year.
1 day ago
school board...
KIRO Newsradio Newsdesk

Kent School Board President resigns following ‘insensitive’ comments

Kent School Board President Tim Clarke resigned from his position Friday following "concerning comments" made during a meeting.
1 day ago
roads...
Kate Stone

More rudeness on the roads for drivers in the Pacific Northwest

In Seattle, 53% of drivers saw a nice gesture in 2018, but only 40% said they saw kindness at least five times per month in 2023.
1 day ago
stolen goods...
Colleen West, KIRO 7 News

Man with cartful of stolen goods walks out of Lacey Target store to find officer outside

A man is in jail after he was found with a stolen car containing stolen merchandise over the weekend, according to Lacey Police.
1 day ago
Federal Way gun buyback...
Frank Sumrall

Federal Way gun buyback program stirs debate in its effectiveness

This trend is reaching national levels, as gun buyback events in Texas and Wisconsin late last year netted approximately 1,350 guns in total.
1 day ago
Fauntleroy sinkhole...
Kate Stone

Sinkhole causing delays at Fauntleroy ferry terminal

A sinkhole at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal is causing a major slowdown for drivers on Vashon Island Monday.
1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

Emergency Preparedness...

Prepare for the next disaster at the Emergency Preparedness Conference

Being prepared before the next emergency arrives is key to preserving businesses and organizations of many kinds.
SHIBA volunteer...

Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options!

If you’re retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you!
safety from crime...

As crime increases, our safety measures must too

It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety.
Comcast Ready for Business Fund...
Ilona Lohrey | President and CEO, GSBA

GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund

GSBA, Comcast, and other partners are working to address disparities in access to financial resources with the Ready for Business fund.
SHIBA WA...

Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help!

The SHIBA program – part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner – is ready to help with your Medicare open enrollment decisions.
Lake Washington Windows...

Choosing Best Windows for Your Home

Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation.
Seattle council clashes over how to address state head tax proposal