Sensible tax reforms pay civic dividends

From roads and utilities to schools and parks, police and firefighters to safety inspectors and environmental scientists, steady investment in public infrastructure and services yields tremendous returns, including well-educated citizens, profitable businesses, safe communities and a healthy environment.

But Washington’s tax system, designed for a 1930’s economy, simply doesn’t generate sufficient funds for the job. And state taxes fall heavily on the low‐ and middle‐income residents and small businesses least able to afford them, while the wealthiest pay relatively little.

Without change, demand for existing state services will continue to exceed public revenue, even without needed improvements in education and transportation. Simply raising tax rates will only exacerbate the problems.

Only with a responsible, progressive and robust tax system can Washington promote economic growth and shared prosperity, ensure public services keep pace with 21st century needs, give every kid a chance in life and keep our transportation system rolling into the future.

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Tax Policy Focus

Hate the idea of an income tax? Here's why you shouldn't.

Taxing high incomes can reduce regressive taxes, ease the structural deficit, and improve public services.

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A simple and fair way to start fixing our tax structure

Expanding the sales tax to selected goods and services may be the simplest way to expand Washington’s tax base.

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Community reinvestment of windfall oil profits

Taxing windfall oil profits will help our state get on the road to sustainable development while improving our domestic and economic security.

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Special tax cuts cost everyone

Tax exemptions add up to a lot of money that could instead improve public services to help all businesses prosper.

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