Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

A Proposed Sales Tax for Arts Hits the Skids

King County, Wash., Councilmember Dave Upthegrove has put the brakes on a proposed 0.1 percent county-sales-tax increase intended to boost arts, science and culture programs.

King County Executive Dow Constantine’s controversial sales-tax proposal for the arts hit a huge hurdle Tuesday when the Metropolitan County Council budget chairman refused to take the measure up for a vote in his committee.

Councilman Dave Upthegrove removed the proposed 0.1 percent county-sales-tax increase from the committee meeting’s agenda Wednesday.

He’s hoping to stop the plan from getting on the August ballot. In a statement Tuesday, he described his action as “effectively killing” a package funded by a regressive tax that burdens lower-income residents.

The proposal, championed by Constantine and called Access for All, would raise about $67 million annually. That money would go toward arts, culture and science programming, with more than 300 organizations getting funding.

Elizabeth Daigneau is GOVERNING's managing editor.
Special Projects