Delvin statement on Senate's passage of 'cap-an-tax' bill

March 10, 2009

OLYMPIA…Even though the most damaging aspects of the governor’s cap-and-tax bill were removed because of budget concerns, Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, issued this warning following the bill’s passage in the Senate:  

 “To mollify environmentalists the majority party in the Senate passed a version of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5735. Thankfully, this version weakens the most expensive and economy-damaging aspects of the bill by making participation voluntary for Washington businesses. 

“Unfortunately, it also establishes the cap-and-tax program as law. That means in future years the law can be amended easily to add mandatory costs for the right to use the same energy our job creators now use for free. 

“The governor must resist the temptation to force Washington businesses to pay these punishing cap-and-tax costs unless it’s part of a federal program – and every state participates. Otherwise, Washington companies will face an enormous disadvantage in the marketplace as they compete with similar firms in other states that do not face this huge tax.  

“If we ever act unilaterally to impose cap-and-tax on our state’s businesses, we will watch as companies move out of Washington like rats leaving a sinking ship. And the job losses we’ve seen so far will look like nothing.”  

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Sen. Delvin represents the 8th Legislative District, which includes
Richland, Kennewick, Benton City, and Prosser.

Additional contact: Pat Albright at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov