PORT ANGELES — After a year of budget cuts, Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, on Monday told a group of Port Angeles business people she was relieved to save a few Clallam County projects.
The widening project of U.S. Highway 101 for $19 million was saved in addition to $33.6 million for a new business and liberal arts building at Peninsula College and $438,000 for the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center maintenance and repairs.
“Our infamous road will be widened,” she said to the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Most asked question
During her speech, she said, with more than $8 billion in cuts to the state budget, she is often asked why the Legislature did not consider raising taxes.
“I can’t imagine doing that during a time when all of us have friends and family who are losing their jobs, getting unpaid furloughs and no one — including the legislators — are getting a raise,” she said.
The session was difficult, Kessler said.
“This was absolutely the worst session I have ever been in,” she said of her 17 years of experience.
“The cuts touched absolutely every area.”
During the question-and-answer period, she was asked if the Legislature will consider eliminating or reforming the business and occupation tax, which is calculated based on gross income of a business rather than profits.
“I know a lot of people don’t like this tax,” she said.
“I don’t think there is a silver bullet in this case, though.”
She said that although many in the Legislature weren’t happy with the tax, she didn’t expect it to change anytime soon.
“We talk about this every single year, and even though we want to replace it, what do you replace it with?” she said.
“Therein lies the problem.”
Kessler said that although tuition at state institutions was raised — including a 7 percent increase at Peninsula College — she is hoping that a tax rebate will offset that increase.
“If they don’t itemize and are paying tuition, they should get $1,000 back and $2,500 back if they do,” Kessler said.
“So I’m hoping that for most people that will help them out.”
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladaily news.com.
