Sound Politics: "Rossi Forms Business Lobbying Group" [not]

June 13, 2006

"Rossi Forms Business Lobbying Group" [not]

The AP is reporting that "Rossi Forms Business Lobbying Group"

Former Republican candidate for governor Dino Rossi has formed a group to lobby the Legislature on business issues.

Oops. Rossi's spokeswoman Mary Lane e-mails:

FYI -- just wanted to clarify something about the organization Dino & I are putting together, the Forward Washington Foundation. It's not a lobbying group -- it's a 501(c)(4) organization -- nonprofit, nonpartisan -- that will be focused on raising public awareness of state-level issues such as the budget & fiscal responsibility, improving the business climate, protecting the poor & the vulnerable and promoting accountability in government. We will be engaging in what is called "grassroots lobbying" -- that is, speaking out on certain issues and urging the public to support (or not support) certain policies or pieces of legislation. But we won't be lobbying legislators.

Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at June 13, 2006 11:24 PM | Email This

Comments

1. It's good to see Dino Rossi's name in the news!

Posted by: Deborah on June 14, 2006 12:10 AM

2. If they really are trying to shape tax policy, then I hope they try to fix the waaaay unfair service business B&O tax, which is more than 3x the rate of the next lowest B&O tax category. Services businesses are holding up this state, taxwise. Most people aren't aware of that.

Posted by: Michele on June 14, 2006 02:17 AM

3. Yes, it is nice to see Dino's name back in the news. I'd rather see Dino though. I'm hoping that we'll begin to see more of him in short order. It's time to get things going.

Jamie

Posted by: Jamie Walker on June 14, 2006 06:11 AM

4. The big problem with B&O is that it pyramids. So by the time a product is finally sold it has been taxed many times and that tax is rolled into the price. It would be better to have a VAT at a higher rate. While it may seem counter intuitive it would result in most business paying less (save people early on in the process), but all business paying a fair share.

If we can then just institute an income tax and eliminate sales tax and perhaps slash property taxes we would be golden. It has been a while since I saw the number, but, if memory serves as 5-6% income tax could mean no property or sales tax and a 3% VAT on business could mean no B&O.

Posted by: Giffy on June 14, 2006 06:51 AM

5. Having Rossi take a prominent role in this legislative election will help Republicans throughout the State.

Just a thought.

Posted by: swatter on June 14, 2006 07:09 AM

6. GIFFY: With all due respect, supporting an income tax in this state, with the spending proclivities of our bedwetting Legislature, is financial suicide for anyone other than a member of the Legislature.

To even dream that all or any one of B&O taxes, prop taxes, sales tax could be slowed down, much less cut, under any realistic circustances, indicates to me someone who needs serious professional help and their tinfoil hat removed.

At best, we might accomplish a mild slowdown in the growth of WA State government.........

Posted by: THS on June 14, 2006 07:51 AM

7. Introduced January 9th, 2006 SJR 8211 "Amending the Constitution to allow for a State Income Tax"
Sponsors Franklin, Kline , Kohl-Welles.

It's just a matter of time with this group in office. They will rachet up the pain for the taxpayers, create emergencies and finally a financial CRISIS.

Posted by: Smokie on June 14, 2006 08:41 AM

8. THS,

A state income tax would require a state constitutional amendment. Now if that amendment were to prohibit any sales tax, B&O tax, gas tax, liquor tax, tobacco tax, and the states portion of property tax while authorizing a flat income tax, I'd support it.

Posted by: RBW on June 14, 2006 03:53 PM

9. On second thought, did I forget anything that my constitutional amendment should include in it's prohibition? I'm sure we can craft an amendment that the "progressives" would find vastly more fair than our current tax system.

Posted by: RBW on June 14, 2006 06:37 PM

10. California had a small state income tax. They added a little sales tax. Something like 2%. And a small property tax. Decades ago, this would create a "fair tax system". Where are they today? I've lost count but its around a 11% state income tax, 8% to nearly 10% state sales tax, high vehicle tax/license fees, and property taxes way higher than most of us in Washington. Adding the state income tax just created more pockets to pick.

Posted by: EM on June 14, 2006 10:46 PM