Legislature is on verge of raising taxes, weakening public safety

The 2021 legislative session, which is scheduled to end April 25, will be remembered for several things — some good, some bad.

The candidates for the “bad” column may include a variety of new or increased taxes and fees that will hit your pocketbook in different ways. For instance, a higher state gas tax and a new “cap and trade” tax that would hit motorists hard, and a higher cellphone tax. Also, before the Legislature wraps up its 105-day session, it’s likely to pass Senate Bill 5096, which would impose a state income tax on capital gains.

I voted against SB 5096 earlier this session. In the past, the state Supreme Court has rejected state income-tax measures, but there is a legitimate fear that the current high court will agree with Democratic supporters of SB 5096 and declare that it is constitutional. If so, it’s likely proponents will seek to expand the state income tax so more people — not just the small percentage of the population now targeted — have to pay it.

These tax and fee hikes will make it harder on most Washingtonians, and even worse, they simply aren’t necessary. Several weeks ago, the year’s first state revenue forecast indicated Washington’s current tax code would bring in far more revenue than previously anticipated. Several days later, our state received more than $1 billion in federal stimulus funding from Congress. This recent double shot of good financial news means even less reason for the Legislature to impose tax and fee increases on so many people who are still struggling economically due to the COVID-19 shutdowns or restrictions.

If the possible deluge of higher taxes and fees isn’t enough to concern you, bad news may also be coming in the category of public safety. Several bills still alive this session seem aimed at making it harder for police officers and others in law enforcement to do their jobs effectively.

One anti-police bill is Senate Bill 5051, which would expand the authority of the Criminal Justice Training Commission far beyond the training and policy group it was originally intended to be. This bill aims to consolidate, in one agency, the power to define officer certification, the choice of who qualifies for certification, the authority to investigate officers from all departments and the ability to revoke certification from any officer from any department. If SB 5051 becomes law, giving the CJTC more control of police departments, it would be a significant step in our communities losing control of their own law enforcement.

Besides SB 5051, the several “police accountability” proposals Democrats have introduced this session include House Bill 1267, which was just approved by the Legislature. It would establish an Office of Independent Investigations within the governor’s office to investigate deadly-force incidents involving peace officers. This is troubling because the year-old process that resulted from the voters’ passage of Initiative 940 — also about deadly force — has yet to be fully implemented. Until we know how the I-940 law is or isn’t working, I don’t think it is a good idea to consider more reform in this area.

Another troublesome bill is HB 1310, which would set limits on when law enforcement officers can use force. House and Senate negotiators are trying to work out a compromise on this bill. One reason I oppose HB 1310 is because its wording focuses only on criminal enforcement of the law and not enough on the community-caretaking role that police officers perform. That’s a role in which officers sometimes need to use force.

As a retired Spokane police officer, I think we need to find a balance so our state can focus on real solutions to help bridge the gap in the already-fragile relationship between police, the public and the communities they serve. The current bills in this area don’t accomplish this. If anything, their proposals widen the gap.

Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, represents the 6th Legislative District.