Following today’s national inflation news that shows prices are 6.8% higher than a year ago, the highest inflation increase since June 1982, 9th District state Sen. Mark Schoesler is calling for Gov. Jay Inslee and legislative Democrats to offer tax relief to Washingtonians to help offset the financial struggles caused by inflation.
“Consumers throughout the U.S. have had to pay higher prices on many items over the past year,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “Food prices have risen 6.1 percent, energy prices have skyrocketed 33 percent, new vehicles are 11.1 percent higher, medical care is 2.1 percent higher and shelter is up nearly 4 percent. While salaries have risen for many, they haven’t come close to keeping up with rising inflation, and it’s making it harder for families and individuals to make ends meet. At a time when the state has a huge surplus, now is the time for the governor and the Legislature to provide tax relief to hard-working people who are struggling because of inflation.”
Inslee is expected to unveil his state supplemental operating budget proposal next week.
Schoesler serves on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, which addresses budget and tax issues.
The 2022 legislative session begins Jan. 10 and is scheduled to last 60 days.