OLYMPIA…State Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, won unanimous Senate passage of his bill to extend to all transit districts a tax break already enjoyed by King County Metro Transit.

Under state law, public and private entities that transport people are subject to the public utility tax on gross receipts. Under current law, fare-box revenue is not among the deductions from the gross receipts granted to public transit agencies, except King County Metro Transit. Senate Bill 6826, prime-sponsored by Sen. Benton, allows that deduction for all public transit agencies.

“This bill gives all transit districts what King County Metro Transit has had for years,” Benton said. “We heard testimony in committee that the baffling reporting requirements cost more than the estimated annual revenue to the state general fund. That’s ridiculous.”

Benton serves on the Senate Transportation Committee where his bill garnered bipartisan support. His bill was also voted out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee with bipartisan support.

“It’s a small step in the right direction,” Benton said. “Many people, especially the elderly, depend on local bus service. Whatever we can do to reduce operating costs, we should; and what’s more, the law should be consistent and fair. That’s what my bill does.”

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For more information contact Penny Drost at
(360) 786-7522
or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov