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Statement by Mayor Durkan Responding to City Council’s Committee Vote on Business Tax Proposal

Seattle (May 11, 2018) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan issued the following statement today responding to today’s City Council committee vote on a proposed tax on large businesses:

“I spent the morning with hundreds of women attending a career fair for women in the building trades. These women are dynamic and powerful and from some of our most disadvantaged communities. The apprenticeship programs and jobs they want provide strong wages, benefits, and careers. Working together, we must do everything we can to support and create good family wage jobs – it’s why I support and would sign the alternative proposal offered today by Council President Harrell and supported by three other Councilmembers. Unfortunately, the bill that passed out of committee hurts workers by stopping these good jobs, so I cannot support it.

“In recent weeks, I’ve heard from thousands of constituents, hundreds of businesses of all sizes, dozens of unions, and advocates. Seattle wants us to forge common ground on a proposal that builds more affordable housing and brings people off the streets and into safer spaces while continuing to support our small businesses, jobs, and economy. I will continue to work with Council and remain hopeful that Council will pass a bill that I can sign.”

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