OLYMPIA, Wash. — At least one of the transportation budget proposals would increase excise taxes on boats in the state.
The Forward Washington plan recommends doubling the fee based on a boat’s value that owners pay each year.
Recreational Boating Association of Washington president Bill Wise says they’re the only ones who pay this type of tax.
He says his group understands the state’s transportation needs but boaters already pay about $32 million into the general fund each year and they think it’s not fair to ask boaters to double that amount for a budget that doesn’t affect boaters.
He says they’re communicating their concerns with lawmakers.