Not only in terms of graphic design, but in terms of the actual contents:
If you’d like to spend some time being appalled by a state tax code that manages to substantially worsen an already serious problem with income inequality… well, then feast your eyes on this new report from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.
Washington retains its leadership status as having the most regressive tax structure in the entire United States. In fact, no other state really comes close.
By way of comparison, Oregon’s tax system ranks as one of the least regressive states. Here’s what the same analysis looks like south of the Columbia River.
H/t to Goldy. Also check out the Washington Budget & Policy Center’s take on the findings.
Matt the Engineer
There should be outrage in our state. There should be marching in the streets. There should maybe even be a pitchfork or two, and maybe some torches.
If this happened in a dictatorship we’d be hearing politicians talk about intervention. But here? Even our richest man (and his father) can’t successfully lead a campaign to change anything. In a democracy we have only ourselves to blame.
Now where’s my pitchfork?
Jonathan
Income tax is far too easy to dodge. We need to go after the source of the rents and leave earned income alone.
Matt the Engineer
As opposed to our current system of only taxing the rich 2.8%? There’s nothing to dodge because we almost don’t tax them at all!
If it’s really a concern, add an income tax and a wealth tax.
Jonathan
Why don’t you guys do a series carefully explaining the land value tax to your audience?
Why not cover the debacle in South Lake Union? Or the windfalls being handed out with the LINK? Or Vision 2040 generally, vis a vis statewide sales taxes used to improve urban property values?
No one is covering this stuff! Is this not a green and progressive issue immediately applicable to all taxing jurisdictions?
Southender
Looking at election returns for Eyman’s initiatives, a lot of people living in parts of the state with significant populations in the bottom two quintiles have voted to make it HARDER to make tax obligation fairer.
And then there’s the complete absence of leadership from our recent governors.
Pathetic, really.