Progressive Tax Reform

Washington state has the most regressive tax structure in the nation. Households who earn less than $25k a year pay 17% of their income in taxes while those over $500k pay less than 2%. Our state operates on property taxes, sales taxes, B&O and a handful of others that ultimately hurt working-class families the most.

In my two years in the Washington state Senate, I have introduced and advocated for legislation to impose an excise tax on yearly incomes over one million dollars, and passed a bill to reform the Real Estate Excise Tax to be graduated based on property value, rather than a flat rate for all. Each of these measures is a step towards income equality, but there’s still work left to be done.

All communities in Washington deserve to thrive in our economy – not just the billionaires. It’s time for statewide policies to reflect that value, and I will keep fighting for legislation until we get there.

The Stranger Guest Editorial: The Short Legislative Session Should Not Stop Us From Taxing the Rich

Senate passes real estate excise tax reform, reducing rates for majority of Washingtonians