Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, is sponsoring several pieces of legislation aimed at stimulating the economy.
The first of five bills, introduced on Friday, Feb. 6, would reduce the state’s portion of property taxes for new home buyers. The measure would give new homeowners a one year property tax exemption.
“These proposals would help middle-class families buy cars, homes and school supplies,” Hope said in a prepared statement Friday. “Right now, no one is buying; they’re worried about the economy. I want to give them some hope and encouragement that we can turn our economic situation around.”
House Bill 2057 would reduce sales tax on construction materials and lower the cost of building new homes.
Hope said the bill will encourage homebuilders to employ more workers.
HB 2059 and HB 2060 would reduce the sales tax on a new car by 50 percent. A person who trades in an older car would not have to pay any sales tax on the new car.
“The auto industry and all the people who work in related businesses are hurting. This gives more incentives for consumers to buy new cars,” Hope said. “This not only leaves more money in peoples’ pockets; if they trade in an older car, it would reduce carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency.”
HB 2058 would create a sales tax holiday for any student, kindergarten through college.
For one weekend in August, tax-free shopping would be offered to students and their parents. It would apply to clothing and supply items less than $150, and computers costing less than $1,500.
