Democrats push through unlimited sales tax increase
Benton says it is blatant 'taxation with representation'

March 6, 2009

OLYMPIA…Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, tried Thursday to stop a measure that would authorize any number of high capacity transportation corridors within the boundaries of a transit agency.

The measure, Senate Bill 5540, sets no limit on the number of corridors that can be created with each having separate authority to seek a .9 percent sales tax.  

“It’s a sham,” Benton said. “It’s taxation without representation. It’s time for another Boston Tea Party!” 

For Clark County, the bill would allow a “gerrymandered” corridor around the Westfield Mall in Vancouver. It would take only half of the voters in that small area to approve a new sales tax to pay for a light rail project, while everyone who shops at the mall would pay the tax. 

“It’s bogus,” Benton said. “This kind of thing is only fair and equitable if you use a property tax as the revenue source and not a sales tax. This way those who have a vote are the only people who pay.” 

Benton proposed several amendments, including one to limit the number of high capacity transportation corridors in a transit area to one and another that would have required a vote of all residents in a county. 

“When my amendments were voted down along party lines I went after the bill,” Benton said. 

“I can’t believe that my colleagues would want this massive taxing authority in their communities. It is just unbelievable to me that this bill passed with only one Democrat voting no.” 

The final vote was 30 to 17, with Sen. Tim Sheldon, D- Potlatch, voting with the Republicans. After the vote the bill was immediately transmitted to the House of Representatives by the Democrat floor leader. 

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