Flexcar Statement to Media Re: Rental Car Tax Issue

SEATTLE--We appreciate Washington State Department of Revenue Director Cindi Holmstrom bringing the car rental tax issue to the attention of Governor Gregoire. We also thank the Governor for her support of car-sharing programs.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Departments of Revenue and Licensing to resolve the issue. We are hopeful that everyone will agree that car-sharing is an innovative service that should be encouraged and whose members should not be burdened by additional taxes.

National studies have shown that car-sharing members sell or avoid buying cars, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and increase transit ridership. In doing so, the impact is felt community-wide in terms of reduced carbon emissions and reduced congestion. We are proud to help our state be a leader in environmental innovation.

We also recognize the tremendous outpouring of support from the hundreds of people who have voiced their opinion against the added tax. It is a reflection of the deep passion King County residents have for this transformational service and for the economic and environmental benefits it provides.