Delta Camshaft Owner Moves 48-Year Business Out of Washington as Costs, Crime and Taxes Climb
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 23
Delta Camshaft Owner Moves 48-Year Business Out of Washington as Costs, Crime and Taxes Climb
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 23
Jon Bodwell said he has moved into Delta Camshaft’s factory, rented out his home and is preparing to relocate the 48-year-old Washington manufacturer out of state.
Bodwell blamed rising crime, taxes and operating costs, saying he listens to a police scanner at work, has barred up the building and has seen health insurance jump 20% while utility bills nearly doubled.
Only 1 employee has agreed to move with the company, underscoring the disruption as Delta Camshaft leaves Washington after nearly five decades.
Washington Democrats passed a “millionaires tax” in March, while Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office said the measure will fund the largest business tax break in state history and cut or eliminate B&O taxes for 138,000 small businesses.
A recent Association of Washington Business survey found 44% of business leaders are considering moving their personal residence out of state, with firms more than twice as likely to expand outside Washington than within it.
Is an owner living in his factory to flee Washington a personal saga or a sign of economic decline?
With millions in state grants available, why are Washington business owners fleeing instead of accepting financial aid?