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State House leaders target tax breaks in budget

Democrats in the state House are proposing a budget plan that would eliminate a variety of tax breaks to help pay for education in the state.

Similar to a budget proposed by Gov. Jay Inslee, the plan by House Democrats unveiled Wednesday would increase government spending by more than 10 percent. The two-year budget would spend $34.5 billion, more than $1 billion beyond a plan approved by the Senate.

Under the House plan, lawmakers would increase K-12 education funding by $1.9 billion, largely in response to a state Supreme Court ruling that says the state isn't adequately funding basic education. The Senate plan proposes a $1.5 billion K-12 funding increase.

Along with extending businesses and beer taxes, the House Democrats propose the elimination of tax breaks for insurance agents, non-resident shoppers, bottled water and fuel.

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