Law
State seeks gasoline tax agreement with tribes


The state of Washington is trying to reach an agreement with tribes over the state's gasoline tax.

In a case involving the Squaxin Island Tribe and the Swinomish Tribe, a federal judge ruled that the state cannot impose it 31-cent tax on gasoline sold on the reservation. The Squaxin Island Tribe now imposes its own 31-cent tax on gasoline.

Some state lawmakers fear other tribes may do the same. They say the state will "lose" millions in tax revenues if that happens.

Earlier this month, the Squaxin Island Tribe Tribe hosted a meeting with tribes and state officials on a wide range of taxation issues. Some tribes, like the Tulalips and the Nisqually, already have agreements on the gasoline tax.

Get the Story:
Tribes could escape gas tax (The Tacoma News Tribune 5/14)
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