Hague votes “no” on higher taxes

July 21, 2009

Summary

Measure would have increased burden on families

Story

Metropolitan King County Vice Chair Jane Hague, Vice Chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, issued this statement regarding her opposition to the proposed property tax increase for veterans human service and public health programs voted on today in the Budget Committee:

“Many families are in very difficult financial times right now and cannot afford an additional tax burden. We need to be more creative and think of the most efficient and effective way to provide county services while living with our means and still providing services that people rely on the most.

“For instance, I have a proposal that would require King County employees to pay a monthly health care premium. The amount would be approximately $40 per month and a conservative estimate means it would save roughly $7 million per year.

“I realize that tax revenues have fallen sharply and we need to continue to provide some level of service to those in need, but this does not seem like the most effective way.”