We need tax reform

The Legislature has ended its 30-day special session. This was truly one of the most difficult sessions in our State’s history. In the end, the Legislature pieced together a temporary budget fix using fund shifts, budget cuts, a growing dependence on federal funds, and a handful of very regressive taxes and fees. While taxation is never easy, it is necessary. Though we have a long history of being suspicious of government, we also have a long history of paying for what we get. I fear that we cut the social safety net to vulnerable families too much; and I fear that we stepped back once more on our commitment to our public schools, colleges, and universities. So many people won’t feel these cuts that they begin to convince themselves that everything must be just fine. It is not fine! It’s not fine for the 300,000 unemployed; it’s not working for those who will lose medical coverage. It’s not moral that low income seniors will still struggle to buy prescription medications they can’t afford. It’s not O.K. that our teachers will get yet another year without a Cost of Living Adjustment while their class sizes rise, and their accountabilities grow. WE MUST DO BETTER THAN THIS!

It is commendable that the legislature has begun the critical examination of Washington’s tax structure. An equitable tax system is the first step towards building a vibrant economic future for all Washington residents. Nothing will be more critical in this state over the next four years then our social and moral obligation to align our tax system with our need to pay for the services we expect from our State Government. Washington needs leaders that will put forth bold ideas to address our structural budget deficits. This may require tax increases for some and will most definitely require tax cuts for others!

I have been committed to tax reform my whole life and I brought this issue aggressively into this campaign. I ran to ensure a fair and equitable tax system for Washington families and small businesses. Washington State's tax structure taxes the wealthiest of earners at less than 5% of their disposable income, while taxing the middle-class and poor around 15% of their disposable income. No one group of individuals should bear the brunt of our states revenue needs, especially the struggling middle class.

 

If I get the honor to serve the 22nd district, I will focus a great deal of my time on realigning our tax structure to address three essential criteria: Fairness, Adequacy, and Stability! Is our tax system fair? Does it tax everybody equally as a percentage of their disposable income? Is it adequate? Does it provide the resources we need to fund the services we expect? Is it stable? Do we have the right resources in good times and in bad? These are the questions we have to answer. I don’t have all of the answers, but I am committed 100% to finally having the real conversation. As I have said before, I am not in this race to avoid tough questions. Rather, I am in this race to hit them head on!

 

If you would like to join this race and add your passion to our team, please sign up now!

 

Chris Reykdal