Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom -

"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. ... For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it." --Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Convention, 1775

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom -

Over the past few weeks, we have heard speculation and rumors of a November Special Session to consider a phased increase to the gas tax by six to ten cents per gallon. The Freedom Agenda Team has received confirmation that negotiations have started and are ongoing, thus eliminating any speculation; if an agreement can be reached there will be a special session.

As soon as we heard the rumors, the Freedom Agenda Team began working to identify efficiencies and reforms that would offset any need for additional taxation on the citizens of Washington. After weeks of working with the nonpartisan OPR staff for the House of Representatives, we have prepared a series of bills that eliminate any need for an increase to the gas tax.

Permit Streamlining/Regulatory Reform - The Freedom Agenda Team has prepared four separate bills to address permit streamlining and regulatory reform, including reform to the State Environmental Policy Act, consistency requirements, mitigation requirements, and best management practices.

Sales Tax – The Washington State Constitution requires all revenue received from the gas tax be used exclusively for highway purposes. Under current law, sales tax collected from transportation projects (funded by the gas tax) are deposited into the General Fund and not used for transportation purposes. The Freedom Agenda Team has drafted a bill to require all state sales tax generated through transportation projects be reallocated to other transportation projects.

Prevailing Wage - Achieving full reform of prevailing wage is problematic given that the Davis-Bacon Act requires prevailing wage be paid on federally funded public works projects. What we can address is the elimination of prevailing wage on projects that aren’t federally funded and we have a bill which does that.

In addition to these bills, the Freedom Agenda Team has identified a series of budgetary reforms which would save additional taxpayers’ dollars, including eliminating state support for transit services, except for services provided to the most vulnerable.

These reforms could save the taxpayers of Washington more than $2.3 billion over 12 years, which equates to six cents per gallon. Given the amount of savings expected through these reforms, the Freedom Agenda Team is also proposing a phased decrease to the gas tax by six cents per gallon.

It’s time for a better way. The state cannot tax its way out of the problems it has created, ignoring simple, yet significant, efficiencies and reforms. It is vitally important that you contact your Representatives and House Republican Minority Leader Dan Kristiansen (360-786-7967) and let them know what you think. You can also participate in an online survey being conducted by the House Republicans at www.surveymonkey.com/s/JYWS2H2. Let your voices be heard.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom

Voters to weigh in on 5 tax increases Legislature passed | Local News | The Seattle Times:: seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2022138307_taxadvi....html

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom -

Gearing Up For 2014; The Washington Firearms Freedom Act – Washington State Tenth Amendment Center:: washington.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2013/10/gearin...m-act

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom -

"[I]t is more convenient to prevent the passage of a law, than to declare it void after it has passed." --James Madison, 1787

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom -

When the Man Comes Around, Give Him This Form | The Freedom Foundation:: myfreedomfoundation.com/blog/liberty-live/detail/w...-form

Some good information to have on hand.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom -

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." --Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No 1., 1776

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom -

"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!" --Samuel Adams, speech to the State House in Philadelphia, 1776

Spineless
https://chumly.com/n/1fcfd1c

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom

What a great afternoon with a lot of liberty minded people. Special thanks to Scott and Liz Brumback for hosting all of us today. It was wonderful seeing some many friends and make a lot of new ones. Thanks for coming out today.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom

Can You Say Income Tax? – a New Tax Reform Debate Gets a Soft Launch in the House | Washington State Wire - News of Capitol Importance:: washingtonstatewire.com/blog/washington-ranks-eith...house

I hope everyone is paying attention ... the 2014 Legislative Session is shaping up to be all about taxes and gun control.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom

"I ... place economy among the first and most important of republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared. ... Taxation follows that, and in its turn wretchedness and oppression." --Thomas Jefferson, Letter to William Plumer, 1816

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom

Huge Business Rift Over Proposed Gas Tax Hike | NFIB:: www.nfib.com/nfib-in-my-state/nfib-in-my-state-con...63912

In case you missed it, here's the NFIB Press Relase from last week.

Less Government, Lower Taxes and More Freedom

Principles of Liberty - Skamania County WA - YouTube::



Rep Matt Shea and I were invited to Stevenson, WA last Thursday to discuss Freedom Agenda - WA, principles of liberty and the 2014 Legislative Session. It was a great event, hosted by Skamania County Sheriff Brown, with folks from Klickitat and Clark Counties attending as well.