Doorbelling Around The District

I’ve begun doorbelling in the past few days in order to hear from all of you about the issues your families are facing. What I’ve heard is a lot of worry – worry about losing jobs, worry about not being able to send kids to college, and worry about rising tax rates and cuts in key programs. I understand the fears that so many of our families are facing. My family faced these fears day in and day out when I was young. As I’ve said many times, we had people looking out for us – and as your next Representative, I promise to look out for you.

I have heard from many voters who are concerned about rising tax rates. It is my belief that our tax structure in Washington State is dramatically outdated. I appreciate the legislature's attempts to balance the budget while doing everything they can to protect education, basic health, and other key programs. However, I am concerned about the Senate’s proposal to raise our sales tax even further. Sales Taxes are regressive, they adversely affect those who are struggling the most, and are essentially a band aid for a problem that requires extensive surgery.

We need to completely restructure our tax system in Washington State, and every option needs to be discussed. From scaling back our sales tax to retooling our B&O tax system to other options, we need to build a tax structure that is fair and equitable for all our citizens. We shouldn’t be revisiting this budget mess every Legislative Session. It’s counterproductive, and prevents our elected leaders from taking on the numerous other challenges we are facing as a state.

If you send me to the State House, I will be an outspoken leader on this and the other challenges that our families are facing across Thurston County.