Video & Transcript : 'tariff' :
Page 2 of 81
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- . tariffs. tariffs.
- rate, which the effective tariff rate is the total tariff revenue divided by the total value of imports
- </c><01:30:18.040><c> 90%</c><01:30:18.840><c> of</c> tariff or very close to it. 90% of tariff or very
- </c> of the tariff is passed through. of the tariff is passed through.
- </c> tariffs would be coming down uh in 2026. tariffs would be coming down uh in 2026.
Bills:
HF3425
Committee:
House Ways and Means
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Apr 15th, 2026
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a couple thoughts on the tariff disclosure bill.
- Just a couple thoughts on the tariff disclosure bill.
- We oppose the tariff bill.
- You know, the most famous tariff that you hear about is the chicken tax, the chicken tariff, which was
- So there's certain levels of tariffs there.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on House Bill 5036, concerning consumer information related to tariffs, and House Bill 5138, concerning consumer protections for low-value tender scarcity and penny rounding. The chairs opened with procedural remarks, noted both chambers were in session, and explained that testimony would be limited to three minutes. The hearing also included light discussion of the committee’s one-year anniversary and the large volume of bills the committee handles.
Testimony on H. 5138 was broadly supportive. Senator Paul Feeney, the bill’s co-sponsor, said the measure would address confusion caused by the penny’s scarcity by creating a statewide cash-rounding standard to the nearest five cents, with rounding up or down depending on the final digit. He emphasized that the bill would apply only to cash transactions and would require consumer notice rules from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Representatives from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, Massachusetts Retailers Association, Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association all supported the bill, citing operational efficiency, legal clarity, fairness, and reduced burden on retailers and restaurants. The Retailers Association suggested amendments to make rounding discretionary rather than mandatory and to clarify that taxes and fees would not be affected.
Testimony on H. 5036 was largely opposed by business groups. The Massachusetts Retailers Association, New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, and Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association all said the tariff disclosure requirements would be difficult or impossible to implement in practice, especially given frequent tariff changes and the complexity of pricing goods and vehicles. They argued the bill would create compliance burdens and could increase costs rather than help consumers. No votes were taken on either bill. The hearing concluded after no further witnesses came forward, and the committee voted to close the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 29th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So before the tariff started, after the tariff went into place, we saw a dip.
- He announces a 25% tariff on Colombia, and then he pulls that back.
- Columbia would receive a 10% tariff.
- I mean, everybody is so hung up on You know, are the tariffs good, are the tariffs bad, and everything
- around the world and non-tariff barriers on their products.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (03/19/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:23:35.639><c> on</c> Brewing Company who due to tariffs on Brewing Company who due to tariffs
- I'm not going to get into a long thing on tariffs, but I think you only had the negatives on tariffs.
- is no tariff on the Travel<01:28:31.880><c> the</c><01:28:32.560><c> this</c><01:28:33.040><c> tariff
- </c> impact from a Canadian response tariff impact from a Canadian response tariff which<01:32:49.159
- </c><01:32:58.920><c> will</c> Beyond motor coach cost tariffs will Beyond motor coach cost tariffs will
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Sep 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Mexico, also most USMCA-compliant products are tariff-exempt, so we don't really face tariffs for agricultural
- In 2023, those tariffs were eliminated—not eliminated, they were reduced, made them on par with tariffs
- In 2023, those tariffs were eliminated, not eliminated, they were reduced, made them on par with tariffs
- That's not justified based on the tariffs.
- And as you can see, even with the tariffs, I use this as an example because these tariffs have been in
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, workforce, and competitiveness. Director Derek Sanderson of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and WSU Dean Raj Kosla described the size and diversity of the state’s farm sector, declining farm numbers, major export markets, and pressures from labor costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pests and disease. Kosla emphasized WSU’s land-grant role in education, research, and extension, including precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the need for state support to help producers adopt new technologies and train the next generation of agricultural workers.
Members asked about retaining farmland, increasing workforce capacity, and the role of precision agriculture. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages and water scarcity, but adoption is limited by cost and rural broadband gaps. He explained precision agriculture as tailoring inputs to the right place, time, amount, and manner, and said WSU is working on low-cost sensor technologies and other innovations. Members also asked about how widely precision agriculture is used and whether it improves farm bottom lines; Kosla said adoption varies by tool and that he would follow up with more data.
The committee then heard from Dr. Randy Fortenberry of WSU’s Impact Center on an agricultural competitiveness study and the effects of tariffs and trade. He reported that Washington’s competitiveness has generally declined relative to peer states in dairy, grapes, hops, apples, and wheat, with potatoes as the main bright spot. Surveyed producers said a substantial share of revenue is tied to regulatory compliance, with labor-related costs a major driver, and small diversified farms reported land access, capital, and profitability as bigger barriers than regulation. On trade, Fortenberry said Washington agriculture is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted markets, while noting current uncertainty around China and India. The committee asked follow-up questions about compliance time, peer-state comparisons, and regulatory burdens; no votes were taken, and the department said it plans an interim report by the end of the year and a final report by June 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Mar 24th, 2025
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- As soon as April 1st, there may be much broader tariffs.
- So people have been talking about reciprocal tariffs or universal tariffs.
- If any of these go into place, these others tariffs, these other broader tariffs, then we can expect
- So tariffs that those countries. put on our exports.
- from them with tariffs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Tariffs, including the tariffs that have already been placed, are going to increase inflation in Minnesota
- Tariffs, including the tariffs that have already been placed, are going to increase inflation in Minnesota
- Tariffs, including the tariffs that have already been placed, are going to increase inflation in Minnesota
- Tariffs, including the tariffs that have already been placed, are going to increase inflation in Minnesota
- Tariffs, including the tariffs that have already been placed, are going to increase inflation in Minnesota
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- for materials and retaliatory tariffs affecting export markets.
- Tariffs are making that harder.
- This is in many ways not surprising in terms of the impact that the tariffs have had.
- But for example, the decision yesterday in tariffs, right, stocks went right back up.
- We've heard a lot about the tariffs, the cuts to Medicaid, and so on.
Summary:
The inaugural hearing of the newly named House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability focused on how federal policy changes could affect Massachusetts, especially in education, health care, research, infrastructure, climate, and business conditions. Chair LaNatra said the committee was created to monitor federal funding decisions and their impacts on state programs and services. Members introduced themselves, then heard testimony from Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Sarah Mills of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Quentin Palfrey, the governor’s Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure.
Howgate argued that the Trump administration and new Congress pose ideological, practical, and process-related risks to Massachusetts, citing proposed cuts to Medicaid, education, research, and other domestic programs. He said federal dollars make up about a quarter of the state operating budget and capital plan, warned against using one-time reserves to backfill ongoing federal cuts, and urged the state to prioritize core services while protecting areas where Massachusetts is especially strong, such as higher education and research. In response to committee questions, he said the House Medicaid proposal would still cost Massachusetts hundreds of millions and that international student and NIH-related changes could harm the state’s labor force and innovation economy. He also advised that the state communicate clearly without overreacting to daily federal developments.
Mills testified that AIM members are most concerned about uncertainty, tariffs, Medicaid cuts, and NIH reductions. She said tariffs are raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and hurting small and medium-sized businesses, housing construction, and exporters, with AIM’s business confidence index falling to its lowest level since the pandemic. She said Medicaid cuts would raise employer health costs, reduce productivity, and strain the health care system, while NIH cuts would threaten Massachusetts’ life sciences and academic research ecosystem. In questions, she said AIM has increased federal outreach, is coordinating with the U.S. Chamber and the Massachusetts delegation, and is hearing concerns from employers about immigration compliance and workforce disruptions.
Palfrey described the Healey-Driscoll administration’s efforts to maximize federal funding, including a biweekly interagency council, a municipal partnership effort, and a statewide roadshow. He said Massachusetts has secured nearly $9 billion from major federal laws for projects such as the Cape Cod bridges, Allston Multimodal, grid modernization, clean-energy school buses, and broadband. He also said the administration launched a public website to track federal impacts and is working with municipalities, nonprofits, and the Attorney General on grant changes, legal issues, and litigation. In response to questions, he warned that cuts to NOAA, NSF, Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs could affect services and the state budget, and said the administration is tracking changes to federal grant applications and conditions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Andrew Hughes, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary, David Woll, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Michelle Bowman, of Kansas, to be Vice Chairman for Super Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:10 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- , but non-tariff barriers.
- Foreign countries need to bring down their barriers, tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
- Understandably, a lot of talk about the tariffs.
- on foreign goods retaliatory tariffs.
- Because the tariffs were placed on Ukraine, but not on Russia.
Keywords:
legislation, housing affordability, financial regulation, public testimony, accountability, oversight
Summary:
The meeting involved significant discussions around key legislative proposals, primarily focusing on various bills such as HB2 and SB5. The committee examined the implications of these bills on issues like housing affordability and financial regulation. Notable members engaged in debates, providing differing perspectives on the potential economic impacts of the proposed bills. The meeting witnessed public testimony, which included a call for accountability in government actions and oversight of current financial policies. Members echoed concerns about following through on commitments to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a couple thoughts on the tariff disclosure bill.
- Just a couple thoughts on the tariff disclosure bill.
- So, you know, the most famous tariff that you hear about is the chicken tax, the chicken tariff, which
- So there's certain levels of tariffs there.
- You know, President Biden imposed the 100 percent tariff on the Chinese.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on two bills: House Bill 5138, concerning consumer protections for cash transactions amid penny scarcity, and House Bill 5036, concerning consumer information related to tariffs. Chairs Tackey Chan and Senator Payano opened the hearing, noted the committee’s one-year anniversary, reviewed procedures, and explained that the Senate and House were both in session, with Senator Payano prepared to take over if needed. The committee heard from several industry and legislative witnesses, and the hearing was eventually closed by motion and voice vote.
Supporters of H. 5138, including Senator Paul Feeney, the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, said the bill would create a clear statewide rounding standard for cash transactions if pennies become scarce. They argued it would improve operational efficiency, reduce confusion, provide legal clarity, and protect businesses and consumers by requiring notice and limiting the rule to cash payments. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts also supported the concept but suggested amendments, including changing mandatory rounding language to allow flexibility and clarifying that taxes and fees would not be affected.
Witnesses were largely opposed to H. 5036. The Retailers Association, the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, and the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association said tariff-related shelf or price disclosures would be difficult or impossible to implement because tariff costs change frequently and are hard to trace through complex supply chains. Auto dealers emphasized the challenge of calculating tariff impacts across thousands of vehicle parts and models, while retailers said the proposal would add burdens and could increase costs. No votes on the bills were taken during the hearing; the only formal action was adjournment of the hearing after testimony concluded.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Howard Lutnick, of New York, to be Secretary of Commerce. Jan 29th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- They all have higher tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers, and subsidies. They treat us poorly.
- The two top countries with tariffs, India and China, do have the most tariffs and no inflation.
- But I have a more simple view of tariffs sort of guy.
- That's not the ordinary tariff.
- I think Chinese tariffs should be the highest.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Sep 30th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- for tariffs that we had placed on Canadian goods.
- Mexico, also most USMCA-compliant products are tariff-exempt, so we don't really face tariffs for agricultural
- In 2023, those tariffs were eliminated—not eliminated, they were reduced, made them on par with tariffs
- That's not justified based on the tariffs.
- And as you can see, even with the tariffs, I use this as an example because these tariffs have been in
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held an interim work session focused on Washington agriculture’s viability, competitiveness, and the effects of federal policy and trade. Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sanderson outlined the agency’s role in inspections, food assistance, pesticide and fertilizer oversight, disease control, and marketing, and described Washington agriculture as a diverse, export-oriented sector facing declining farm numbers, high labor and input costs, low commodity prices, trade barriers, drought, regulatory burdens, and pest and disease pressures. WSU CAHNRS Dean Raj Kosla emphasized the land-grant mission, extension network, education programs, and research capacity, highlighting precision agriculture, broadband needs in rural areas, and the importance of research and outreach to support growers and rural communities.
Members asked about farm loss, workforce challenges, precision agriculture, and the cost of technology. Kosla said precision agriculture can help address labor shortages but is often cost-prohibitive and dependent on rural broadband; he described it as applying the right input, in the right amount, place, time, and manner. He also noted that WSU’s research and extension system supports crop development, soil health, forestry, youth programs, and agricultural training, and that the college is eager to partner with the legislature on priorities. Sanderson said the department is working on local food systems, farm-to-school grants, infrastructure, market development, pest and disease response, climate resilience, and access to land for new and underrepresented farmers.
The committee then heard from WSU economist Randy Fortenberry on an agricultural competitiveness study and trade impacts. He said the study used producer surveys, case studies, and shift-share analysis for dairy, grapes, hops, potatoes, apples/tree fruit, wheat, and small/diversified farms, comparing Washington to national trends and peer states. His findings indicated that Washington’s competitiveness is declining in most sectors, with potatoes as the main exception; labor and regulatory compliance costs were especially significant in dairy, grapes, potatoes, and tree fruit, while small farms were more constrained by land access, capital, and profitability. On trade, he said Washington is highly export-dependent and vulnerable to retaliation, citing past losses in wheat, apples, pulses, and cherries when tariffs disrupted access to China and India, while noting current uncertainty around Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, and India.
No votes were taken. The committee discussed next steps, including a December interim report on food security and agricultural viability and a final report expected by June 2026. Sanderson said the department had already held a stakeholder workshop and is continuing internal and external review, while the chair asked WSU to connect the committee with policy experts who could help identify practical solutions.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the biggest story has been tariffs, and, and, and...
- we've seen tariffs as high.
- We think that's largely tariff-related, people trying to buy cars before the tariffs went on.
- That's largely tariff-related, people trying to buy cars before the tariffs went on.
- That's likely tariff-related.
Summary:
The committee first received a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), including how the council’s joint executive-legislative forecasting process works, the main state revenue sources, and recent economic conditions. He said Washington’s economy is slowing, with weak employment growth, softer taxable sales, and uncertainty from tariffs, federal spending, and the federal shutdown. He also noted that the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, and that the state still expects modest growth rather than a recession. Members asked about whether Washington tends to lag national downturns and how forecast information should affect budgeting; Dr. Reich said the forecast is a revenue tool, not a budgeting decision, and that spending choices remain with elected officials.
The Department of Revenue then presented on Washington’s sales and use tax structure and the implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to several services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained how sales and use tax are sourced, how reseller permits and the multiple points of use exemption work, and how the new law applies to live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software. He said DOR held listening sessions, issued interim guidance, and set up a centralized landing page and outreach efforts to help taxpayers understand the changes. He also described a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts through March 31, 2026, but said penalties and interest still apply under the statute.
Committee members raised concerns about how businesses and individuals will know when a service is taxable, who is responsible for collecting and remitting tax, and how sourcing will work for services delivered across multiple locations or online. DOR staff walked through examples involving accounting services, live lectures, virtual events, advertising campaigns, and search engine marketing, including the use of reasonable allocation and pool codes when exact sourcing data is unavailable. Members also questioned the administrative burden on small businesses and professionals newly subject to tax, and whether additional legislative fixes or relief from penalties and interest may be needed. No votes or formal actions were taken in the work session.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Jamieson Greer, of Maryland, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador. Feb 10th, 2025 at 11:00 pm
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But if it's anything like the planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada, my view is that this proposal will
- Now, as of yesterday, President Trump has slapped new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
- I have supported tariffs on steel and aluminum in the past.
- These tariffs have already halted investment in manufacturing.
- The sweeping tariffs Donald Trump has proposed and Mr.
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The tariffs. Not a peep about the tariffs. Not a peep about the chaos in the markets.
- tariffs? tariffs?
- Tariffs on Ukraine, tariffs on Russia.
- </c> announcement to do reciprocal tariffs. announcement to do reciprocal tariffs.
- Tariffs can still work." out. Tariffs can still work."
Keywords:
injunctive relief, court authority, legal proceedings, federal law, separation of powers, committee appointments, House of Representatives, membership, standing committees, legislative process, pairs, voting procedure, Congress, financial protection, overdraft lending, digital payments, consumer protection, voter registration, remote voting, proxy voting
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Michael Faulkender, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. Mar 6th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- When those tariffs, the retaliatory tariffs that shut down the Apple market. hundred twenty million dollar
- an outcome where reciprocal tariffs cause other nations to lower their tariff rates and grant greater
- And that's the tariffs, 25 percent tariffs with Canada, as well as... Mexico.
- And then on the tariff...
- Will a 25% increase in tariffs?
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
Keywords:
nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations
Summary:
The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- once utilities have those tariffs and policies in place by certain dates.
- prescriptive tariff requirements than we have in Oregon for similar facilities.
- I actually have come to learn that in many cases they are done under a tariff.
- I actually have come to learn that many cases they are done to under a tariff.
- Tariff, following the lead of several other states, including Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, and Oregon.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2343, which would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain CAFO or individual discharge permit coverage for its game farms, and to treat game farms with at least 5,000 birds as large CAFOs. The prime sponsor and local officials from Centralia said the WDFW pheasant farm has contributed to nitrate contamination in a critical aquifer, affecting drinking water and public health, and argued the state should be held to the same standards as private operators. WDFW testified that it has already voluntarily secured the permit the bill would require and is working with Ecology and local partners. Testimony from county health and residents largely supported the bill, citing elevated nitrate levels and health risks, especially for infants and pregnant people.
The committee then heard House Bill 2301, which expands Washington’s paint stewardship program to cover additional paint-related products, aerosol paints, and certain non-industrial coatings. The sponsor and industry supporters said the existing paint recycling program is working well and should be broadened to keep more materials out of landfills and reduce local hazardous waste costs. Local government witnesses supported the expansion but asked for changes on convenience standards, packaging coverage, and reimbursement for local collection costs. Ecology supported the overall concept but raised implementation concerns, including the need for uniform standards, full reporting, and more time for rulemaking. A wood preservatives industry representative opposed including wood preservatives, saying they are not paint and have different handling requirements.
The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2515, a proposed substitute addressing emerging large energy use facilities, defined mainly as large data centers and virtual currency mining facilities. The bill would require utilities to adopt tariffs or policies to protect other ratepayers, require long-term contracts, demand response or curtailment provisions, reporting on energy and water use, and new clean energy targets for these facilities, while also changing how no-cost allowances under the Climate Commitment Act are allocated and creating an annual fee for the facilities. Supporters, including environmental groups, community action agencies, some utilities, and labor and tribal representatives, said the bill would protect ratepayers, improve transparency, and keep Washington on track for climate goals. Opponents, including data center and business groups, some ports, and several labor organizations, argued the bill is too prescriptive, could raise costs or discourage investment, may affect existing contracts and other large industrial loads, and could reduce construction jobs. No votes or final actions were taken in the transcript.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the biggest story has been tariffs, and, and, and...
- we've seen tariffs as high.
- We think that's largely tariff-related, people trying to buy cars before the tariffs went on.
- That's largely tariff-related, people trying to buy cars before the tariffs went on.
- That's likely tariff-related. A little bit about our taxable sales.
Committee:
House Finance
Summary:
The Finance Committee work session began with a presentation from Dr. Reich on the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC), explaining how the state’s revenue forecasts are built from economic models and how they are used to support the budget process. He described the main revenue sources for state operating funds, the ERFC’s membership and quarterly public process, and the factors affecting the latest forecast, including slow employment growth, weak taxable sales, higher inflation pressures, tariffs, federal spending uncertainty, and the federal shutdown. He said the September forecast was reduced, mainly because of lower sales tax and real estate excise tax collections, with smaller changes to capital gains and other funds, though revenues were still roughly on track and the base case remained slow growth rather than recession.
Committee members asked about whether Washington’s economy can lag national downturns, and Dr. Reich said the timing and severity of impacts can differ by recession and sector. Representative Chase asked what happens if revenues fall short of expenses, and Dr. Reich said that is a budgeting question for elected officials rather than the forecast council. Members also noted the importance of the forecast for policy decisions, especially given slowing employment and manufacturing.
The committee then heard from the Department of Revenue on implementation of Senate Bill 5814, which expands retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1, 2025. Steve Ewing explained the existing sales and use tax framework, sourcing rules, reseller permits, and the multiple points of use exemption, then walked through the new taxable categories, including live presentations, temporary staffing, investigations and security services, IT services, custom website development, advertising services, and custom software changes. He described DOR’s implementation efforts, including listening sessions, a public landing page, notices to taxpayers, and interim guidance, and noted a six-month grace period for certain pre-existing contracts but no general penalty or interest relief. Committee members raised concerns about taxpayer confusion, the burden on new taxpayers, sourcing and allocation issues, and the difficulty of determining liability in cases like speakers, nonprofits, and advertising services. DOR said it would continue outreach, answer ruling requests, and likely seek technical cleanup legislation in the 2026 session. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There were a bunch of new tariffs.
- vehicles, reduction in some tariffs in China, and then reductions in tariffs for some food products.
- I think tariffs were part of the biggest economically.
- I think tariffs were part of the biggest economically.
- Can you see that in 2026 due to the tariffs?
Summary:
House Finance met in work session on January 13, 2026, beginning with the introduction of new member Rep. Janice Zahn and a reminder about short-session amendment deadlines. The committee then heard JLARC’s 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering nine preferences. JLARC recommended continuing several preferences, including natural gas transportation fuel exemptions, reduced B&O rates for travel agents and tour operators, a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income housing developers, a property tax exemption for multipurpose senior centers, a sales and use tax remittance for disabled veteran adapted housing, a trade convention attendance nexus exemption, a B&O exemption for agricultural fertilizer and seed sales, and a hazardous substance tax exemption for certain pesticides. JLARC also recommended allowing unused silicon smelter-related preferences to expire. Members asked about legislative intent, data limitations, and how performance metrics should be tied more clearly to policy objectives; committee leaders and JLARC staff discussed a new standardized rubric for future tax preference performance statements and fiscal note review. The committee also noted that bills related to some of the reviewed preferences were already introduced.
For the low-income housing exemption, JLARC said nonprofit developers were building homes as intended but that the current spending-based metric did not fully reflect the policy goal, and it recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify the preference. For multipurpose senior centers, JLARC said the exemption met its inferred objective and recommended continuation, with possible consideration of making it permanent. For the disabled veteran adapted housing remittance, JLARC said few eligible veterans were claiming the benefit and recommended continuation with changes to improve access and consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs. On the trade convention attendance exemption, JLARC said use was unknown but the preference likely helped keep Washington competitive with other states and recommended continuation, though members questioned the lack of direct evidence and the administrative-burden rationale.
The committee then received an update from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The forecast showed the U.S. economy slowing but still growing, with Washington expected to have modest growth, weak employment gains, continued personal income growth, and slow construction. ERFC said tariffs and trade policy remained the biggest risks, inflation was expected to stay elevated in the near term, and the Federal Reserve had cut rates three times in 2025 with two more cuts projected in 2026. State revenues were up $105 million in the current biennium compared with the November forecast, but down $185 million in the next biennium, with growth driven in part by recent legislative changes and improved estate tax collections. Members asked about sector-specific employment trends, the impact of high-income households on retail sales, and how state revenues compare with personal income over time. The meeting adjourned after the forecast presentation.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Stephen Vaden, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Secretary, and Tyler Clarkson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of the Department of Agriculture. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That the administration's tariff policy is instead leading to retaliatory tariffs, fewer markets for
- Could you talk about the President's current tariffs and what you think of them?
- Look, I think you know that we're all concerned about the tariff issue.
- We've got to keep track of foreign trade barriers, whether they be tariff or non-tariff related.
- Okay, moving on to the next topic. tariffs.
Keywords:
USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.