SENATOR MATT BOEHNKE
8TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT – WASHINGTON STATE SENATE
360-786-7614 | 800-562-6000 | P.O. Box 40425 Olympia, WA 98504-0425
For Release: March 17, 2025 Media Contact: Eric LaFontaine: (206) 900-540
Tell the majority “NO” on higher property taxes
Five hearings set for Monday for Democrat-sponsored bills that will raise taxes across Washington State
OLYMPIA… Washington residents could face significant property tax increases under five Democrat-sponsored bills set for a public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 31. Critics warn that these proposals would raise costs for homeowners, renters, and businesses while sidestepping voter approval.
One of the most controversial measures, Senate Bill 5798, seeks to eliminate the 1% cap on annual property tax increases. A similar 2024 proposal attempted to triple the cap to 3%, but SB 5798 goes further—linking tax hikes to inflation and population growth, with no fixed limit. Opponents argue this could result in annual increases far exceeding 3%, making housing even less affordable.
This property tax bill allows state and local governments to raise the property taxes based on that new formula without voter approval or without a vote of the people.
Other bills up for debate include:
- Senate Bill 5797, which would impose a tax on financial intangible assets—such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—held by individuals with assets exceeding $50 million. This tax, estimated to impact around 4,300 wealthy individuals, is intended to generate revenue for public schools.
- Senate Bill 5796, which would levy a 5% excise tax on payroll expenses exceeding the Social Security wage base of $176,100 per year. The tax would target large employers with payrolls over $7 million and is expected to generate $2.3 billion annually for schools, health care, and social services. The bill mirrors Seattle’s controversial “JumpStart” tax.
- Senate Bill 5794, which would implement recommendations from the tax preference performance review process, eliminating outdated tax exemptions and clarifying legislative intent.
- Senate Bill 5795, which proposes a reduction in the state’s sales and use tax rate.
Residents concerned about rising property taxes are encouraged to register their opposition, testify during the hearing, or submit written testimony.
For more information or to sign up to testify:
- SB 5798 – Register to testify
- SB 5797 – Register to testify
- SB 5796 – Register to testify
- SB 5794 – Register to testify
- SB 5795 – Register to testify
Sen. Matt Boehnke, the Ranking Member on Senate Committee on Environment, Energy and Technology strongly opposes the bill, stating:
“Families in the Tri-Cities are already dealing with rising costs across the board, and now Democrats want to make it even harder to afford a home. Removing the cap on property tax increases will hurt homeowners, renters, and small businesses—driving up costs with no accountability. We should be focused on making Washington more affordable, not giving the government a blank check to raise taxes without voter approval.”
“This proposal is a slap in the face to hardworking families in Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. Property tax increases should be decided by the people—not forced on them by politicians in Olympia. Lifting the cap could lead to massive, unchecked tax hikes, making homeownership even further out of reach for many. Instead of pushing higher taxes, we should be working on real solutions to ease the financial burden on Washingtonians.”
For more on Sen. Boehnke’s legislative work and leadership, visit www.matt.boehnke.leg.wa.gov.
Editors Note: In the message above, Rep. Boehnke uses inflammatory language to frighten his constituents about a rise in taxes. Inflation increases the costs of state-supplied services across the board and the state revenue needs to keep pace to maintain a balanced budged. Increasing population results in more people who use state-supplied services which also places increasing demand for more revenue. These are the two factors that will drive property tax increases in SB 5798. This bill is not a taxing free-for-all as Rep. Boehnke implies. It’s sad that Republicans are more afraid of necessary taxes than the loss of necessary public services.