District 20 Representative Peter Abbarno
By Peter Abbarno
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
Washington’s business climate is already among the worst in the nation, ranking 35th overall. When you combine that with one of the country’s most regressive and complex tax systems, ranking 45th for fairness, it’s no wonder many local employers are concerned about the future.
Yet despite these troubling indicators, legislative leaders in Olympia are moving forward with a massive $12 billion tax package that will make it even more expensive to do business in Washington. And they’re doing it while restricting debate and silencing dissent.
Recently, the majority party used an obscure parliamentary maneuver not seen in more than 130 years to cut off floor debate. This silencing tactic followed the repeal of a long-standing House rule that protected open, respectful discussion—a cornerstone of representative government.
Why does this matter to the business community? Because if they’re willing to silence debate over something as fundamental as parental rights, what will they do when it’s your industry, your business, or your employees being affected?
Now, let’s talk about what’s actually part of the massive tax package. A key piece of legislation—Senate Bill 5815 and its House counterpart, House Bill 2081—targets Washington employers with significant Business and Occupation (B&O) tax hikes.
Supporters claim these taxes will only impact “big business,” but the reality is quite different. These increases apply to manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, digital service providers, and many others, raising rates across the board, including for local businesses that support jobs here in Lewis County.
The proposal also introduces new surcharges on companies with over $250 million annual revenues, including major banks and advanced computing firms. But let’s be clear: these costs won’t stop at corporate boardrooms. They will inevitably be passed down through higher prices, service reductions, and stalled hiring or expansion plans, hurting small businesses, employees, and customers alike.
And this is only part of the story. There are a plethora of other tax proposals still on the table—on professional services, custom software, online advertising, and even essential operational needs like staffing and security contracts. These measures may be less headline-grabbing, but their impact will be felt across nearly every business sector in the state.
At a time when we should be focused on making life more affordable, not just for working families but also for job creators, these taxes move us in the wrong direction. Every one of them contributes to Washington’s affordability crisis and weakens our economic stability.
The business owners I speak with in Southwest Washington aren’t asking for handouts. They’re asking for a level playing field, a chance to grow, and a government that listens. But when debate is stifled and taxes are rushed through at the last minute, the people who build, hire, and invest in our communities are pushed further to the sidelines.
