Many families cannot afford $2.50 fee so children can swim. These kids may swim in the river, which is dangerous, or get frustrated and end up in juvenile jail.
Washington collects property taxes and puts some in the State Treasury. Other states do not put property tax in the state treasury, instead the property taxes go to local government and local schools. Other states equalize schools with a progressive income tax. SB5104 would remove the state property tax levy so regular property taxes would be reduced by 25%. The voters could choose to fund local government or local schools.
In Washington the poor pay 17.6% state and local taxes while the rich pay 3.4%. SB5104 would lower property and sales taxes and put an income tax on people who have more ability to pays taxes. These people could choose to raise taxes to reduce class size or get homeless off street without raising tax on low income people.
Business taxes would decrease so they would pay the same rate as in adjacent states. The Business and Occupation tax would be replaced by a corporate profit that taxes business more fairly. School levies could decrease as the State better funds schools with a progressive corporate and personal income tax. 15 years ago the Voters of Ohio voted to raise corporate and personal income taxes to fund K-12 and higher education.
We can do this too! Call 1 800 562 6000 and tell your legislator to pass SB5104 so property tax stays with local government and equalize schools with a progressive income tax like most states.
David Campbell is a longtime advocate with VOICES and Spokane Alliance. He is a strong voices for low-income people in Spokane and statewide. He often shares his income tax literature with the community. To contact David with questions or comments, please call the VOICES office at 326-4135.
