My car insurance went up by nearly one-third a few months ago. I may not be able to afford rent after the scheduled March rent increase. And with Washington’s huge budget shortfall, there is little economic hope in my foreseeable future. I’m sure some can relate.
Part of the problem, at least here in Washington, is the regressive and unfair tax code that benefits the richest individuals and corporations, while leaving everyday working Washingtonians with a bulk of the costs. While lawmakers look to increase taxes year after year to properly fund our schools and communities, millionaires and billionaires in the state pay a lower percentage of their income than the lowest paid of us all.
Schools should be funded well to support the next generation. But the regressive tax structure in Washington enables the richest to pay less. Our representatives in Olympia should be fighting for progressive taxes, so that workers aren’t subsidizing the benefits of the ultra-wealthy. When the wealthy don’t pay their fair share, we’re forced to pick up the tab. Support a wealth tax to fund schools and take some of the pressure off homeowners.
