Dear friends and neighbors,
We face immense challenges in our state — economic uncertainty from inflation, tariffs, and cuts to federally funded programs are putting the financial security of many working people at risk. I’ve spent this year meeting with parents who are concerned about cuts to the wrap around services they rely on and the rising cost of putting food on the table.
In Washington state, our upside-down tax code has also stretched family budgets thin. We have one of country’s the most regressive tax systems, meaning low-income workers pay a higher share of their income in taxes than wealthier individuals.
Now more than ever, we must come together to fix our tax structure, so our budget no longer relies on working people to pay more in taxes than the wealthiest in our state. We can do this while ensuring we have the resources to fund essential services families rely on such as early learning and childcare, housing support, and food benefits.
That’s why I have joined Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan to introduce a bill rolling back Washington’s state sales tax from 6.5% to 6.0% — the first significant tax cut in more than 40 years. Lowering this rate would return more than $2.5 billion back into people’s pockets over the next two years — an average of more than $300 per person, or $1,200 for a family of four.
Our state and local sales tax rate ranks among the nation’s highest, placing a disproportionate burden on working families and those living paycheck to paycheck. During these times of economic uncertainty, we must change that and reduce the burden that sales and property taxes have on those struggling to make ends meet.
It’s an honor to represent you and a privilege to bring our southwest Washington values to Olympia.
Sincerely,
Sen. Adrian Cortes
