Property tax bills

House Bill 2049: Would raise the state and local property tax growth limit to population + inflation, capped at 3% per year. Framed as a school funding and “equity” measure.

Why Republicans oppose it:

• Disregards the will of the voters and circumvents public approval.
• Rebrands a rejected tax increase under the guise of equity.
• Assumes families can keep up with inflation while many are already struggling.

Senate Bill 5798: Seeks to remove the 1% cap and allows unlimited property tax growth tied to population and inflation. Cities and counties can declare a “substantial need” and raise taxes even more.

Why Republicans oppose it:

• Creates a backdoor for unchecked tax increases.
• It uses “criminal justice and community protection services” to justify higher taxes with no spending accountability.
• Offers no real reforms—just more taxing authority.

House Bill 1334: Would let local governments raise property taxes by up to 3% annually, replacing the current 1% cap.

Why Republicans oppose it:

• Undermines the voter-approved 1% cap set by Initiative 747.
• Enables automatic tax increases without voter input.
• Similar proposals have already failed due to strong public backlash.

Why all three are bad policy:

Undermines the will of the voters: The 1% cap on property tax increases was established by voters through Initiative 747. Even after the state Supreme Court struck it down in 2007, the Legislature reinstated it due to overwhelming public support. These proposals ignore that history. Voters deserve a say before any major tax increase.

Democrats’ arguments don’t add up: Supporters claim that raising property taxes won’t significantly impact homeowners and renters. One Democratic lawmaker even called concerns over affordability “laughable.” But the reality is clear: higher property taxes make housing more expensive for everyone—whether you own or rent.

Wrong policies. Wrong time: Washingtonians are already grappling with high food, gas, and housing prices. Instead of forcing through yet another tax increase, lawmakers should prioritize fiscal responsibility and respect the people’s voice.