Losing access to natural gas and propane threatens several industries, including local grocers and restaurants. Forcing homeowners and small businesses to switch to all electric appliances and heating sources can cost them tens of thousands of dollars, making housing even less affordable and placing local businesses at risk of closure.

The capital gains tax doesn’t apply to corporations, but a small business owner selling the firm to fund their retirement could be hit with a massive capital gains tax bill. More money for Olympia politicians. Less money for retirement.

Washington’s fuel and energy costs are among the highest in the nation. Washington’s “cap and invest” scheme and low carbon fuel standard have already added 50 cents per gallon to gas and diesel in our state. That makes it more expensive to move people and products, increasing grocery and retail prices that our families are struggling to afford.

Workers living paycheck-to-paycheck are seeing part of their wages diverted to yet another state-run social insurance program that they may never use. They deserve a choice. Send more money to Olympia, or keep it in their own pocket?