Washington Republicans Work to Prevent Tax Hikes

(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05), Congressman Doc Hastings (WA-04), and Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) jointly opposed a Democrat plan that contains a thinly disguised attempt to raise taxes on Washington residents. The package includes important earmark reform that would bring much-needed transparency to the process. However, in an unfortunate, politically motivated move, a rule known as “pay-go” was attached that will almost certainly lead to higher taxes on American workers, families and businesses that create jobs.

“I will continue to support policies that lower taxes and promote fiscal responsibility,” said Congresswoman McMorris. “I believe in a balanced budget, earmark reform, and fiscal discipline. However, it is a mistake to believe that this proposal leads to fiscal responsibility. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. This reform will only open the door to tax increases.”

“It’s the second day of the new Congress, and already Democrats are making it easier to raise taxes,” said Congressman Hastings. “Attempting to balance the budget through tax increases rather than spending cuts is irresponsible and would slow economic growth”

“I’ve consistently supported greater public disclosure of federal spending and will be the first to attach my name to earmark requests and justify the need for the expenditure,” said Congressman Reichert. “Taxpayers deserve to know how their hard-earned dollars are spent. But I cannot support a reform package that will almost certainly lead to higher taxes on these same hard-working taxpayers. I agree with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we need fiscal discipline. But the way to reduce the deficit is to rein in federal spending and cut taxes. Tax cuts spur economic growth and create jobs. It is not to raise taxes on families and small businesses.”

This opposition to pay-go comes on the heels of a combined effort this week by Washington State's delegation to permanently extend the state sales tax deduction. Failing to extend the deduction would amount to a tax increase on Washington families. Hastings, McMorris and Reichert joined other members of Washington State's congressional delegation in support of H.R. 60, a bi-partisan bill offered Thursday to make permanent the deduction of state sales tax. At every opportunity, Hastings, McMorris and Reichert have worked in a bi-partisan way to protect this important provision for Washington State taxpayers.