Wednesday, Doc Hastings voted against the State Sales Tax Deduction included in the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act. According to the Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, House Republicans opposed the bill because it would be paid for by closing tax loopholes and delaying tax breaks for some offshore and multinational corporations.
States with an income tax automatically can deduct their state taxes from their federal income taxes. The sales tax deduction that passed Congress is targeted towards states like Washington who do not have an income tax. This deduction saves Washington families itemizing their deductions more than $350 million each year on their federal income tax returns. That money results in an estimated $530 million in economic activity.
George Fearing, who is challenging Hastings for Congress, was dismayed by the incumbent’s move. “This is clear evidence that Hastings succors off-shore corporations, not the middle class. It’s an aristocratic mentality, and it’s time we change.”
Offshore corporations were once American companies but now base their business in other countries to pay their workers less and to avoid U.S. taxes. Apparently, Doc Hastings thinks they deserve additional tax breaks too.
“It’s dishonorable to reward corporations who are moving jobs overseas with tax breaks in America,” said Fearing. “Even more, it’s disgraceful that he would vote for these corporations over helping taxpayers right here in Central Washington. This is another example of how Doc has the wrong priorities for us.”
George Fearing is the Democrat running for Congress against Doc Hastings. He is the only candidate endorsed by Democratic organizations in Central Washington.
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