Benton’s amendment to make more disabled veterans and senior citizens eligible for property tax exemptions gets shot down
“I think it is pretty revealing that the majority leader just said it would be totally irresponsible to give senior citizens property tax relief!”

February 29, 2008

OLYMPIA…An amendment by Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, that would have allowed disabled veterans and senior citizens to deduct the cost of wheelchairs and oxygen before their allowable income is figured for property tax relief was shot down by the Democrat majority today. 

“When the majority leader said that ‘it would really be irresponsible to adopt this amendment’ because it hadn’t been properly vetted, I was simply astounded,” Benton said. 

“I introduced this amendment as a bill in 2007 and it has a fiscal note. I introduced this amendment as a bill this year, it has a fiscal note, and it was given a public hearing on February 7. Plus, I offered this amendment to the I-747 bill during the one-day November special session. How long do we have to wait? We know what this is going to cost; it’s a very small amount.” 

Benton’s bill in 2007 was Senate Bill 6026; his 2008 measure is Senate Bill 6880. 

The majority leader also argued against Benton’s amendment because it was a tax shift. 

“The underlying bill is a tax shift,” Benton responded, “which just happens to be authorized in the state constitution, put there by voter approval.” 

Benton’s amendment would add the following to the list of deductions before qualifying income is established:

  • insurance premiums and co-payments for health care, vision care and dental care;

  • durable medical equipment and mobility enhancing equipment; and

  • insurance premiums for long-term care. 

“By allowing deductions for the cost of long-term care insurance, we are helping people save the state money,” Benton said. “Without this insurance, the state would have to pay when elderly citizens need skilled nursing facilities. Being against this is just crazy!” 

The amendment was to Senate Bill 6912, a measure increasing the allowable income for senior citizens, disabled veterans and persons retired on disability to qualify for property tax exemptions and deferrals. 

Benton’s amendment was defeated 22-26, with six Democrat senators joining the Republicans in voting “yes.”  SB 6912 was approved on a vote of 46-2, with two Democrat senators voting “no.”

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Additional Contact: Penny Drost (360) 786-7522 or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov