Tax increases and tricks in the LARGER budget

Increasing any tax requires a vote of the taxpayers or 2/3 majority in both houses of the Legislature. How can they pass a tax increase in HB 1614 without the required majority? Not legally. Republican leader Doug Ericksen says they intend to. "No. It's not a tax increase; it's a fee on evil oil refineries." What's the difference between a fee increase and a tax increase? Both come out of your pocket.

HB 1614 ... creates the water pollution account and requires the department of ecology to develop criteria for administering the program and ranking projects for funding.. Imposes a fee on the first possession of petroleum products that contribute to storm water pollution to offset the harm caused by petroleum pollution of storm water.

This budget is $1.5 billion larger than the last. Is that a cut? And they move money from one account to another. Tricked you! But it has to be paid back. And they defer funding commitments, such as pensions. Again... you will pay for this! via Kirby Wilbur on KVI.