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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The legislative session is at the halfway point. Here is an update on some important issues.
Repealing the capital gains income tax
Last week, a Douglas County Superior Court judge heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the capital gains income tax. Former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna made compelling arguments that seemed to resonate with Judge Brian Huber. Unfortunately, the Washington State Supreme Court will likely have the final say on this issue.
The Legislature shouldn’t wait around for a judge to declare the tax unconstitutional. As I argued last week in the Yakima Herald-Republic, we should pass House Bill 1912 this year and fully repeal this unpopular, unconstitutional and unnecessary new income tax.
Legislation supporting law enforcement
Last year, the majority party passed two bills – House Bill 1310 and House Bill 1054 – that stripped law enforcement professionals of important tools used to de-escalate dangerous situations and pursue criminals. I voted no and spoke out against both of these bills.
House Republicans are fighting to pass the Safe Washington Plan, which would give law enforcement professionals the resources they need to make our communities safe and enact common sense rules that prioritize victims and law-abiding Washingtonians.
- House Bill 1737: Reverses efforts to disarm police;
- House Bill 1788: Allows law enforcement to chase suspects;
- House Bill 1787: Reverses efforts to defund police;
- House Bill 1656: Protects our retailers from theft; and
- House Bill 1873: Stops catalytic converter thefts.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park swimming pool
I am excited to work with other Yakima County legislators including Senator King, Senator Honeyford, and Representative Mosbrucker on a capital budget request to help build a swimming pool in east Yakima. I have fond childhood memories of swimming at Miller Park. Unfortunately, children growing up in east Yakima no longer have a safe option to swim outdoors during the summer. Too many in on our community are risking their lives swimming in the Yakima River. It is time to fix this.
In collaboration with the city of Yakima, and community leaders, Ester Huey and Eric Silvers, your Yakima County legislators are determined to help make this vision a reality in the coming years. We are building bipartisan support for a $1 million grant for this project.
Contact me
Thanks for taking the time to read my legislative updates. I welcome and appreciate your feedback.
Sincerely,
Jeremie Dufault
