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House Democrats have abandoned Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal for a new carbon pollution tax.
- In this video report, Democrats unveiled their own budget which includes a higher B&O tax on service businesses, and relies on several of Inslee’s other ideas such as a tax on capital gains and bottled water.
- Democrats would use the extra revenue to fund smaller class sizes, cost-of-living adjustments for teachers and state employees, and mental health facilities.
- Republicans are expected to unveil their budget next week. Senate Republicans criticized the Democratic budget, questioning the need to increase spending by nearly $1.5 billion.
- Gov. Inslee says he’s disappointed that the carbon tax has been dropped, but is encouraged by much of the House Democrats’ budget.