Council of the District of Columbia Chairman Phil Mendelson is proposing tax increases on businesses and homeowners to counteract Mayor Muriel Bowser’s budget cuts to early education funding.
Mendelson’s plan increases property taxes on homes worth more than $2.5 million, increases the tax businesses must pay toward the Paid Family Leave program, and reinstates the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund.
When she unveiled the city budget last month, Bowser cut the early education funding, which costs the city $70 million annually, as part of her push to cut $500 million from city programs.
In a letter to the chairman obtained by the Washington Examiner, Bowser asserted Mendelson’s proposal would cost taxpayers $530 million in new taxes and fees.
The Washington Examiner obtained the letter ahead of the city council’s first budget vote on Wednesday.
Bowser’s lette …