4-24-2019
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington House approved amendments to a proposal for another payroll tax, which would create an employee-funded government program to help offset potential long-term care costs.
If the measure is approved by Governor Inslee, it would make Washington the first state in the nation with such a program.
Under the measure, 0.58 percent of wages would start being deducted from employees’ paychecks on Jan. 1, 2022.
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, people who need assistance with at least three “activities of daily living” could get money from the fund, with a lifetime maximum of $36,500 per person.
House Republican Luanne Van Werven voted against the bill, while Democrats Debra Lekanoff and Jeff Morris voted in favor.
Rep. Sharon Shewmake voted for the bill in February, where it passed on a 63-33 margin, but was excused from Tuesday’s vote where it passed on a narrower 55-41 margin.