Latest news with #DiscoverPasses
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Taxes Set to Rise for Millions of Americans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tax rises are on the way for Washington residents after the state's governor signed a wide-ranging budget bill on Tuesday. Newsweek has contacted Governor Bob Ferguson via his website outside regular working hours. Why It Matters Ferguson, a Democrat, signed into law an almost $78 billion, two-year operating budget that raises taxes by more than $9 billion over the next four years. His approval put an end to weeks of speculation about whether he would oppose tax increases in favor of more severe budget cuts after he previously expressed support for tighter fiscal discipline. It also marked the conclusion of months of tense negotiations between the governor and Democratic lawmakers over the extent of the tax hikes. What To Know The tax rises come as the Evergreen State battles a $16 billion deficit between expected tax revenues and spending obligations. The budget includes several tax increases, such as higher business and occupation tax rates across multiple industries and an additional surcharge for corporations earning more than $250 million in taxable income within the state. Beginning in July, the gas tax is set to rise by 6 cents per gallon, increasing from 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents. After that, it is scheduled to continue rising by 2 percent each year. The revenue is earmarked to support a $15 billion transportation package. In addition to Washington's existing 7 percent capital gains tax on more than $270,000 earned from the sale or exchange of long-term assets, another 2.9 percent is set to be levied on gains above $1 million. The Washington State Capitol in Olympia. The Washington State Capitol in Olympia. GETTY A new tax on the sale of electric vehicle credits between automakers is expected to generate $54.5 million. It is dubbed the "Tesla tax" as the Elon Musk-led firm is the only automaker with credits to sell in Washington. The Democrat-led budget also introduces a range of fee hikes, raising the cost of Discover Passes, hunting and fishing licenses, vehicle registration, marriage licenses, and liquor permits. The governor also said he vetoed about $25 million worth of items in the budget. What People Are Saying Washington Governor Bob Ferguson wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "This budget maintains and protects our core services, and makes investments in housing, education and health care. We're starting to see news articles about other states that are cutting these core services. In Washington, we are holding the line." Washington House Republicans said in a statement: "Washingtonians now pay some of the highest prices in the nation for housing, groceries, and gas." Republican state Representative Travis Couture said in a news release: "The governor said he wanted to 'right-size' government and prioritize affordability. Instead, he just signed a budget that hikes state spending by $6 billion—an 8 percent increase—and slams Washingtonians with the largest tax increase in state history. These new taxes and fees will crush families already battling an affordability crisis and hit employers still trying to recover." What Happens Next The new budget is set to come into effect on July 1.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers advance bill to raise price of Discover Pass
A bill that would raise the price of the Discover Pass is one step closer to becoming a reality. On Thursday, lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 5390. It passed into law, this would be the first time in 14 years that the price would increase. The Discover Pass grants the holder unlimited access to over 100 state parks and other recreation sites. The current cost is $30 annually. SB 5390 would raise the price by 50% to $45. Last week, the bill cleared the House Appropriations Committee on a 19-12 vote. Day passes would remain $10 under the version of the bill that cleared the committee. Revenue generated from Discover Passes helps keep the state's outdoor recreation sites open. If passed into law, SB 5390 would take effect 90 days after the session adjourns on April 27.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republicans accuse Democrats of being killjoys with proposed taxes; Democrats say revenue needed for preserve 'prosperity'
Mar. 26—OLYMPIA — While taxes on some of Washington's largest businesses and wealthiest residents have grabbed the most attention in recent days, Republican lawmakers said Tuesday that the revenue plan released by Democrats would impact the everyday lives — and overall happiness levels — of citizens throughout the state. "Democrats are raising billions of dollars in taxes on businesses, but not content with that, are also nickel -and -diming Washingtonians out of every last joy they can find in life," House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, said Tuesday. Stokesbary pointed to several tax proposals introduced in the Legislature, including an increase to the cost of the state's Discover Pass and a new fee on tickets to large events, as examples of ways Democrats have proposed making everyday life just a little more expensive. Discover Passes are what's required to use Washington state parks. In response, Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, said she took "umbrage" with the characterization of the proposals, noting that many of the proposed taxes and fees fund needed public services. "The joy that is had by Washingtonians is the prosperity," Berg said. "And what we're trying to bring back through a series of modest and careful and fair taxes, we are trying to bring back that hope and joy to Washingtonians that frankly, have been living under a very regressive tax structure." As lawmakers continue to fine tune their revenue packages and budgets ahead of formal passage, here's a look at some of the new taxes and fees that could be coming to the state in the coming months: Discover Pass A bill that could increase the price of Discover Passes has cleared the Senate and is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. Introduced in 2011, the pass provides access to millions of acres of state-managed land, including state parks, natural areas, wildlife areas and nearly 2,000 miles of trails. While the cost of the annual pass has remained consistent at $30 since its inception, the legislation states that "the costs to maintain recreational access have steadily increased" in the last 14 years. If adopted, the bill would increase the annual fee to $45, though the price of a family pass would remain $50. A single-use day pass would continue to be available for $10. A fiscal note for the proposal shows that it could bring in $15.3 million between 2025 and 2027. Berg noted that residents can check out a Discover Pass at public libraries, something "we'll continue to have in our state." "We are raising the price, potentially, so that we can continue to have well-funded state parks," Berg said. "Those state parks bring joy." Ticket tax A $1 surcharge for spectators at "large events" that would help fund projects in the state was included in a bipartisan Senate Transportation package unveiled by Senate Transportation Chair Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, and Ranking Member Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima. The fee would only be applicable at venues with more than 20,000 seats and would not be assessed at area fairs, county fairs, community fairs, or youth shows and fairs. The new fee would not take effect until Jan. 1. While event holders would be required to collect the fee, they would be allowed to disclose the new fee on a ticket or receipt. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, said that the transportation package, and fee, were sponsored by both King and Liias. Liias added that there were tax proposals in the transportation budget "that were not my first choice." "But the result of a bipartisan conversation is that there are things that I'm not thrilled of, and there are items that Senator King's not thrilled of, but we found consensus and agreement on the core issue, which is that our transportation system is dramatically underfunded," Liias said. Studying liquor tax The Legislature may also direct the nonpartisan Washington State Institute for Public Policy to study the state's liquor taxes and fees, though that study wouldn't affect the price of drink for more than a year. So far, the bill has cleared the Senate and is under consideration in the House Finance Committee. If passed, the bill would direct the Institute to study the "current system of alcohol taxation and fees" and submit a report by June 30, 2026. The study would include, among other topics, the estimated tax rates for spirits, beer, and wine "that would have to be applied to maintain a revenue-neutral tax system in the state, if tax rates were based solely on the alcohol content of products." The study would also consider the potential economic impact on breweries, wineries, and distilleries if the new tax structure took effect. Increased hunting fees Hunters' next outings could cost just a little bit more. A bill in the Senate Rules Committee could increase the cost of most recreational hunting and fishing licenses by 38%, though certain discounts would continue. For example, the cost of a permit for hunting big game could increase from $85 to $117.30, but seniors still would receive a roughly 66% discount.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Who are the real killjoys in Olympia? Democrats for taxing fun or Republicans for cutting programs that spread joy?
Mar. 25—OLYMPIA — While taxes on some of Washington's largest businesses and wealthiest residents have grabbed the most attention in recent days, Republican lawmakers said Tuesday that the revenue plan released by Democrats would impact the everyday lives — and overall happiness levels — of citizens throughout the state. "Democrats are raising billions of dollars in taxes on businesses, but not content with that, are also nickel -and -diming Washingtonians out of every last joy they can find in life," House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, said Tuesday. Stokesbary pointed to several tax proposals introduced in the Legislature, including an increase to the cost of the state's Discover Pass and a new fee on tickets to large events, as examples of ways Democrats have proposed making everyday life just a little more expensive. Discover Passes are what's required to use Washington state parks. In response, Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, said she took "umbrage" with the characterization of the proposals, noting that many of the proposed taxes and fees fund needed public services. "The joy that is had by Washingtonians is the prosperity," Berg said. "And what we're trying to bring back through a series of modest and careful and fair taxes, we are trying to bring back that hope and joy to Washingtonians that frankly, have been living under a very regressive tax structure." As lawmakers continue to fine tune their revenue packages and budgets ahead of formal passage, here's a look at some of the new taxes and fees that could be coming to the state in the coming months: Discover Pass A bill that could increase the price of Discover Passes has cleared the Senate and is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. Introduced in 2011, the pass provides access to millions of acres of state-managed land, including state parks, natural areas, wildlife areas and nearly 2,000 miles of trails. While the cost of the annual pass has remained consistent at $30 since its inception, the legislation states that "the costs to maintain recreational access have steadily increased" in the last 14 years. If adopted, the bill would increase the annual fee to $45, though the price of a family pass would remain $50. A single-use day pass would continue to be available for $10. A fiscal note for the proposal shows that it could bring in $15.3 million between 2025 and 2027. Berg noted that residents can check out a Discover Pass at public libraries, something "we'll continue to have in our state." "We are raising the price, potentially, so that we can continue to have well-funded state parks," Berg said. "Those state parks bring joy." Ticket tax A $1 surcharge for spectators at "large events" that would help fund projects in the state was included in a bipartisan Senate Transportation package unveiled by Senate Transportation Chair Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, and Ranking Member Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima. The fee would only be applicable at venues with more than 20,000 seats and would not be assessed at area fairs, county fairs, community fairs, or youth shows and fairs. The new fee would not take effect until Jan. 1. While event holders would be required to collect the fee, they would be allowed to disclose the new fee on a ticket or receipt. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, said that the transportation package, and fee, were sponsored by both King and Liias. Liias added that there were tax proposals in the transportation budget "that were not my first choice." "But the result of a bipartisan conversation is that there are things that I'm not thrilled of, and there are items that Senator King's not thrilled of, but we found consensus and agreement on the core issue, which is that our transportation system is dramatically underfunded," Liias said. Studying liquor tax The Legislature may also direct the nonpartisan Washington State Institute for Public Policy to study the state's liquor taxes and fees, though that study wouldn't affect the price of drink for more than a year. So far, the bill has cleared the Senate and is under consideration in the House Finance Committee. If passed, the bill would direct the Institute to study the "current system of alcohol taxation and fees" and submit a report by June 30, 2026. The study would include, among other topics, the estimated tax rates for spirits, beer, and wine "that would have to be applied to maintain a revenue-neutral tax system in the state, if tax rates were based solely on the alcohol content of products." The study would also consider the potential economic impact on breweries, wineries, and distilleries if the new tax structure took effect. Increased hunting fees Hunters' next outings could cost just a little bit more. A bill in the Senate Rules Committee could increase the cost of most recreational hunting and fishing licenses by 38%, though certain discounts would continue. For example, the cost of a permit for hunting big game could increase from $85 to $117.30, but seniors still would receive a roughly 66% discount.
