Republican proposes fix to employees “double dipping” taxpayer-subsidized leave

(The Center Square) – Facing another multi-billion-dollar state deficit, Republicans are hoping to avoid more tax increases by closing a loophole they say allows government workers to double dip by using paid time off and family leave at the same time.

Last April, Democrats filled another hole they estimated at $12 billion to $16 billion over the next four years by enacting the largest tax increases in state history. The majority party claims the $9 billion hike came with just about as much in cuts but spending ultimately increased last session to record levels.

Sen. Chris Gildon of Puyallup, who is the Senate Republican leader on the operating budget, told The Center Square that state spending has more than doubled over the last decade. In July, the Center Square reported how Washington state spending doubled over the past decade.

He said it’s unsu...