WA Rep. rips property tax increase: ‘There’s no truth in what they’re saying’

Tensions are rising in Washington as lawmakers and activists clash over a potential 3% increase to property taxes along with a taxpayer-funded savings account for striking workers. 

Washington Representative Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, has voiced sharp opposition to the proposed three percent property tax hike. Walsh joined “The John Curley Show” to discuss the proposals and why he thinks they’re so disastrous. 

“There’s no truth in what they’re saying. They’re going to keep running taxes up until it’s only their core billionaire class that can afford a home in Washington,” Walsh said. “But we need more help from the people of the state.”

Lawmakers spar over property tax reforms

Curley agreed with Walsh, highlighting that the property tax increase could quickly lead to a slippery slope scenario.

“So they opened this can of worms of 1%, and they wanted to be able to move it around, allow it to go up, and each city would be able to raise or lower, whichever one they want,” Curley said. “I know you guys tried to stop this thing. It’s still alive, obviously, this zombie property tax. So what are you hoping to accomplish?”

“Right now, we’ve got an initiative that cuts it down to 0.5%,” Walsh answered. “I mean, we’re trying to follow good negotiating tactics. When they ask for something outrageous on one end, let’s respond with reason.”

Listen to the full conversation below:

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