Representative from WA think tank gives legislative update
Luncheon
A Washington think tank is encouraging Tri-Cities residents to stay informed about the current legislative session in Olympia.
Chris Cargill from the Washington Policy Center spoke with community leaders today at a Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
He says in the last biennium, more than 3,700 bills were introduced in the state legislature, and they can be difficult to understand.
For example, he says the democrats' current $10 billion transportation proposal would be heavily funded from a gas tax.
But $2 billion would also come from a car tab tax that could increase your yearly payment by $150 for a $20,000 car.
Cargill says that's important to note because previously, Washington residents have rejected car tab tax increases.
"Really, this is a legislature that is a accountable to the people of this state. In order to be accountable to the people, the people need to know what's going on during the legislative session" said Cargill.
Cargill also spoke about education, the state's budget and government transparency.
The current legislative session is expected to adjourn at the end of April.
For more information on the Washington Policy Center, click here.