Rep. Schmick bill helps level playing field

Washington state has high tax rates — gas, property, you name it. Government agencies billions of tax dollars annually from residents and businesses here.

So why then are government agencies taking Washington taxpayer dollars and buying goods and services out-of-state, goods and services that are readily abundant in Washington? Those agencies are penalizing state taxpayers (residents and businesses) for paying the high taxes the agencies collected under burdensome regulations.

One lawmaker is trying to do something about it, at least as it pertains to the media industry.

Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Co...