But it has been building for years. The 2001 Legislature shouldn't hesitate to begin acting. A bill to provide funds for housing construction won bipartisan support in the Senate, including the votes of all six senators representing Snohomish and Island counties. Despite support from state bankers and the Realtors association, the measure is bottled up in the House. Another major group, the Building Industry Association of Washington, would prefer that the state hold off on fees and develop a more comprehensive, bipartisan approach before next year.
Advocacy groups think low-income housing has been neglected too long.
Both arguments make sense. The Legislature ought to move ahead with the filing fees while committing to more comprehensive action next year. Wash. If you have questions or comments, please contact us .