The Olympian – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington has introduced a bill that would make the sales tax deduction permanent on federal returns.
Washington is one of seven states without a state income tax. Instead, residents have been allowed to deduct the sales tax they pay, but only on a temporary basis. During the lame-duck session last year, Congress approved an extension for the 2010 and 2011 tax years. But Cantwell says the late approval caused problems for the IRS, and taxpayers in Washington and the other states who itemize won’t be able to file their returns until Feb. 14.
As one of the most beautiful states in the union–and one of the richest in natural resources–Washington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the state’s conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Maria knows Washington’s business community – because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, she’s led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough times–and tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
