New: Congress reinstates sales tax deduction for Washington taxpayers after 18 years! Bill will allow taxpayers to deduct our state sales tax from their federal income tax.

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Welcome to Senator Cantwell's official web site Access the latest news, legislative, and committee updates from her office. Plus, you can take advantage of constituent services available to you, or e-mail Maria. For more information about visiting Washington D.C., click here To learn what Senator Cantwell has been working on this week, you can read and subscribe to her weekly update. Click here to see photos of Sen. Cantwell meeting with Washingtonians around the state and click here for photos of her meeting with constituents and at work in the nation's capital.

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Cantwell Announces Passage of Her Bill to Protect Upper White Salmon River
October 13, 2004 - During the Washington Conservation Voters breakfast today in Seattle, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that her legislation to protect about 20 miles of the upper White Salmon River and Cascade Creek in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has passed the Senate. (more)

Congress Passes Cantwell Proposal to Attract More Doctors to Rural and Underserved Communities
October 12 , 2004 - U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) pushed through Congress an educational loan tax break that will make it easier for more medical professionals to practice medicine in underserved communities. (more)

Congress Reinstates State Sales Tax Deduction for Washington Taxpayers After 18 Years
October 11, 2004 - The U.S. Senate today approved a measure allowing Washington state taxpayers to deduct state and local sales taxes from their 2004 federal income tax return. "For the last 18 years Washington state residents have been forced to shoulder an unfair share of the tax burden," Cantwell said. "This relief will grant tax fairness to Washington state families, and is a shot in the arm for our local economy."(more)