Dozens spoke in favor of a city income tax proposal at an evening hearing of a City Council committee on June 14. Four spoke against.
The proposal, as written, would levy a 2 percent tax on income over $250,000 for a single person, and $500,000 for people filing jointly. The city expects the tax to impact 5 percent of people living in Seattle, and to raise $125 million in 2019.
The Trump Proof Seattle coalition initially presented the idea. Mayor Ed Murray and the City Council supported it, particularly Councilmember Lisa Herbold.
Washington, with its prohibition on income tax, has one of the most regressive taxation systems in the country. Residents fund basic services through property and sales tax increases, which impact low-income folks the most.
Those opposing say the tax would unjustly take money from wealthy people. Half of those who opposed the measure at the hearing said that they did not make enough money to pay the tax. As of 2017, only seven states, including Washington, don’t have an income tax.
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
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