I would like to stop the bill that the state of Washington is proposing. HB 1921 - 2025-26 is not equitable to all people in the state of Washington. 

The state of Washington is pushing for a "miles" tax based on the mileage of your vehicle annually. This is unfair as most people do have to commute to work. In some communities the impoverished have to travel even further distances than the average driver to support their families. 

The facts:

The states proposal has a rate of .026 cents per mile or $26.00 per 1000 miles. 

In the United States, the average annual mileage per driver is 13,476 miles, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). However, the average mileage driven per year has been increasing. 

Currently the proposal of $.026 cents per 1000 miles equals to $26.00.

.026 x average miles per year 13,476 = $350.38 annually.

Washington state also has a current gas tax of .51 cents per gallon. With this proposed bill this would stay in place as well as adding this new mileage tax. There is no waiver listed of your are unable to pay this amount due to low income, or even being disabled. This is unacceptable.

The total cost of over 300 dollars per year just to get to and from work, pick up groceries, and provide for your family on top of the already steep gas tax in place is just wrong.

This tax would cause such tremendous undue harm to the families of Washington. There is absolutely no rhyme or reason we should be forcing people to choose between food on the table in order to sustain a tax nor essentially nickle and diming them with 2 taxes.

I have a different proposal. 

Tax based upon current vehicle value.

The facts:

The average age of a vehicle in the United States has been increasing over time. In 2000, the average age was 9.1 years, and in 2023 it was 12.5 years. 

There were 2,832,552 registered cars in Washington state in 2021.

The average vehicle value in Washington state was $24,673 in 2024.

For mathematical examples:

KBB states that a 2018 dodge challenger sxt in good condition with 50,000 miles has a value of between $17,805 - $20,346.  

The average of those amounts:

$17,805 + $20,346= $38,151. 

$38,151 / 2 = $19,075.50.

$19,075.50 would be the average value. 

With the vehicle value at $19,075.50 × .01 tax rate= $190.76 total tax due.

If the state applies a .01% (1 percent) tax on the vehicle value and adds it to the cost of the tabs its more affordable and fair. This will not disproportionately affect the poor. 

Another example:

A 2000 Honda civic dx with 137,000 in good condition is valued at $1,906.50 through KBB.

With the vehicle value 1,906.50 x .01% tax rate= $19.07 Total tax due on top of tabs. 

A 2024 cadillac escalade with 3,500 miles on odometer in excellent condition value is at $80,369 through KBB.

With the vehicle value $80,369 x .01 tax rate = $803.69 total tax due on top of tab cost.

With cap*: 500.00 due.

This would apply to any vehical legally requiring tabs be purchased annually. 

I would propose a cap* on these fees as well as an exemption for disabled or qualified families.

I would also propose removal of the current gas tax as this is not proportional to the people of Washington state. 

No one should be paying more than $500.00 for these fees on an annual basis. 

If we consider a tax on all vehicles in the state of Washington, I believe this would be more fair.

I would also ask that the state create a system in which monthly payments could be made towards the tax cost.

Those whom cannot afford to get into a new car every year or even every 5-10 years should not be punished based off their MPG or the fact that they may have a further commute.

With my proposal this would balance out the taxes paid by the residents in Washington state. The people who can afford to pay more would be, thus eliminating the inequality and unethical stress on those who are already are struggling. 

There is no reason why this tax would not work. This tax would not only cover those who do commute but also those who don't and work remote, thus making it more fair across the board.