I’ll be on KUOW’s The Conversation this afternoon, between 12:15 and 12:30, talking about proposals for a temporary sales tax increase. Listen live or download the podcast.
And for those of you listeners coming to HA looking for the statistics I’ve cited, here are some useful links.
Sales Tax vs Income Tax: A Short Primer in Fairness and Adequacy
Per capita revenues at 15-year low
UPDATE:
If KUOW listeners are typical (and I’m not suggesting that they are,) they are a lot better informed, and a lot more supportive of an income tax than many of our politicians imagine.
As severe as our state budget problem is, I simply can’t agree to a higher sales tax. If it’s truly needed to prevent disastrous cuts in education and other public services, you should have thought about that before slapping on a sales tax increase to pay for an obscenely expensive light rail scheme. It’s just plain wrong to address the budget problem by raising taxes on those least able to pay and most overtaxed. If the legislature puts a sales tax increase on the ballot, I will vote against it. My message to legislators is that if taxes must be raised to get us out of this budget crisis, then get the money from those who have plenty of money and aren’t paying their fair share, or do without it.
What part of the Constitution mentions this “fair share” you talk about?
Wouldn’t it be fair if everyone payed a flat 15%?
Pudwhacker, add me to your list.
http://horsesass.org/?p=14999#comment-912045
I am deeply, deeply hurt that Puddy omitted me from his list of the reality-based.
Hell, I’ve actually met him in person.
Yay! Marty Campbell is running for Tacoma city council.
Goldy, you should interview Marty, he’s a great progressive.
http://www.exit133.com/5233/ma.....or-council
Puddybud,
I want to be on your list.
http://horsesass.org/?p=14999#comment-912045
JUST TAX