Out with the old, in with the new.
That’s a common sentiment at this time of year — but not one that Washington lawmakers can fully embrace during the 2022 legislative session, which begins Monday.
Besides focusing on new programs and policy initiatives, lawmakers also need to spend some time dealing with old business this session, correcting missteps and unintended consequences from past legislative actions.
Chief among those is the long-term care tax, which the Legislature approved in 2019.
The tax amounts to 58 cents per $100 in gross wages, or $290 per year for someone earning $50,000. It went into effect Jan 1. It’s intended to address the long-term care needs of eligible individuals by providing a maximum lifetime benefit of $36,500. The money can be used to pay for home health, assisted living…