McCoy: Ag Producers In Washington Don’t Pay Any Taxes

Along party lines, the Washington state Senate approved legislation allowing the state Employment Security Department to charge farmers that use the H2-A program.  The bill would allow ESD to charge up to $500 to apply for H-2A workers and up to $75 per head. That is in addition to the federal fees farmers pay for the using the program.  ESD said they need the funds to ensure the program is being run properly.

During debate over Senate Bill 5438, senator John McCoy, who represents the area north of Everett, says paying the state for the H2-A program is not as ridiculous as some would make you believe.

“I’m afraid we have some mixing of terms here and I think we need to straighten it out.  #1, the Ag producers in this state do not pay any taxes, none what so ever, now, they do pay some fees I give you that, but they are not being double taxed.”

Senate minority leader, Mark Schoesler, a 5^th generation wheat farmer was quick to respond.

“Currently, I guess the non-farmer knows more than I do, but every farmer pays sales tax on their equipment, they pay personal property taxes, they pay school bonds, they pay school levies, state property taxes, local utility taxes, labor and industries, unemployment insurance and even more that I haven’t thought of.  So, certainly there is a tax burden, why are we trying to increase it?”

Again, SB 5438 was approved along party lines, 26-21.  The legislation now moves over to the state House.

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