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WENATCHEE VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSES INITIATIVE 1107

At its September 21 meeting, the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously endorsed Initiative 1107. Passage of I-1170 would repeal tax increases placed on Washington State food processors and confectioners, such as Liberty Orchards, and distributers of food and beverage products, such as Weinstein Beverages and Coca Cola. These taxes were approved at the end of the 2010 special session as the legislature cobbled together a budget. The taxes targeted by this Initiative were hastily put together, without hearings or information about the impact they would have on the businesses and consumers.

 ”While the State Legislature was in a tough budget spot this spring, the Chamber Board strongly believes that increasing taxes on groceries and making Washington businesses less competitive against out of state competitors was not the best approach,” said Chamber Board President Kristina Stepper.

 “As the State faces an even deeper budget deficit in 2011, it is time for State government to take an honest look at what they do, why they do it, and how they do it. Individuals and businesses have made major changes over the last 3 years; it is time for the government to adapt as well,” Stepper concluded.