Many Washingtonians received their first paychecks affected by the new long-term care tax.
While the deduction may seem small at 0.58%, critics argue it adds up over time. Washington State residents who pay the tax for a decade are eligible to collect a one-time payment of $36,500. However, if they move out of state, they lose out. State Representative Peter Abbarno has a problem with that.
“It’s really an unfair program,” said Rep. Abbarno. “It’s not portable, you retire out of state you don’t get to take it with you. If you die it doesn’t become an asset that you can pass onto a spouse or a family member.”
Rep. Abbarno is among the list of local Republicans pushing to change course. Some of his colleagues are advocating for a special session or to repeal the tax altogether.
