On International Workers’ Day, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to explore a local income tax, although who will be taxed, at what rate and how the funds will be used have yet to be defined.
According to the language of the resolution, the City Council aspires to have a completed proposal by May 31, with a final vote by the beginning of July. In the meantime, they have only to define the terms of the proposed tax and lawyer up for what many feel will be an inevitable legal challenge.
The concept of a local income tax was raised recently by Trump-Proof Seattle, a coalition of partners in opposition to the current federal administration and its threats against sanctuary cities — of which Seattle is one — as well as the regressive nature of Washington state’s tax system.
If the tax resembles that proposed by organizers, it would mean a 1.5 percent tax on income in excess of $250,000. They believe that will raise $125 million per year.
Ashley Archibald is a Staff Reporter covering local government, policy and equity. Have a story idea? She can be can reached at ashleya (at) realchangenews (dot) org. Twitter @AshleyA_RC
Read our full May 10 issue.
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