King County Proposition 1

[randy_byers]

This is for King County voters in Washington State. How are you going to vote on Proposition 1? This proposition would raise the county sales tax to help with the county budget. I sympathize with the need to do something about the budget catastrophe, but I'm really, really tired of solving our problems with a regressive sales tax. I'm leaning pretty strongly toward voting No on this one, despite the fact that all progressive organizations seem to be recommending a Yes vote. Any thoughts?

Comments

[voidampersand.livejournal.com]

People of ordinary means need county services more, so it is not completely unfair if they tax themselves more in order to ensure the services are available. And it's not like the rich folks aren't contributing. They buy expensive stuff, and in absolute terms pay more in sales taxes. It is only as a percentage of their wealth that they pay less tax. It's okay if the tax system is not as progressive as we would like. The problem is if it keeps getting more regressive. There is a slippery slope, where taxes keep getting cut on property and capital, and raised on labor and the poor. That needs to be turned around. But I would rather see it done in a positive way, not a "things have to get worse before they can get better way." Pass the best tax you can. Then work on getting the votes to replace it with a tax that is more fair.