Update: April 28th, 2009
House Bill 1733 has passed through the senate with no opposition and is being signed into law this morning by Governor Gregoire. More here
Update: March 10th, 2009
Unfortunately one of our bills (#1232) died in the Finance Committee this week. This is bad news. It means we need your help more than ever.
The outlook is not totally dark. There is another bill that survived. We need your vocal support of HB 1733 now -- and loud! Find more details about HB 1733 here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1733&year=2009
Please email your support of HB 1733 to your state representatives who hold the fate of this bill in their hands.
Email your legislator expressing your support.
Update: January 19th, 2009
The Department of Revenue has passed an emergency rule that falls short for many horse farm owners. We are working with a other Washington equestrian organizations to draft legislation to resolve the open issues. Find out more details on our blog.
Founding Issue
The Washington State Department
of Revenue is considering rule changes that could keep horse boarding,
training, and riding farms from qualifying as Farm and Agricultural
land under the Open Space Taxation Act.
What It Means:
Washington horse farms face big tax increases that will push more horse
farm owners to sell their farms to developers.
How this impacts YOU:
- Farm Owners -- Face big tax increases, not only for future taxes but even demands to pay huge tax bills for up to seven prior years!
- Riders, Boarders, Students -- Face increased boarding costs as farm owners must pass the cost of higher taxes on to you. You may lose boarding and riding facilities as more are sold for development.
- Open Space Advocates -- More open spaces will disappear. We all will lose islands of natural beauty in our increasingly urban environment.
- Suppliers to the Equine Community -- Incomes and livelihoods depend on a thriving equestrian community.
What you can do:
- Sign our petition -- sign online or print out a paper copy to sign or distribute.
- Contact your representatives -- Use our template and look-up tool to send an e-mail or print and fax this this petition to your State Representative, State Senator, County Council Representative, and the Department of Revenue.
- Attend the Department of Revenue hearing -- EASTERN WASHINGTON: If you didn't make it to Olympia, there is a second hearing at 1:00 PM, December 4th, in the Upper Terrace Conference Room of the Red Lion Hotel, 607 E. Yakima Avenue, Yakima. Hundreds of supporters showed up in Olympia on November 13. Let's show them we care on the east side of the state as well. Let them know you are coming by notifying Marilou Rickert.
- Spread the word -- Forward this to your neighbors, customers, and friends and encourage them to lend their support.