Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week, leaders in the House and Senate introduced a groundbreaking change to our state revenue system that invests in Washington families and businesses to fund our public schools, health care, college and training programs, and provide tax relief: The High Earner’s Income Tax (or as some call it, the Millionaires Tax).
Let’s be very clear: this is not a broad income tax that impacts everyone. In fact, most Washingtonians won’t be impacted at all. This tax is assessed only on income OVER $1 million. That’s right: A taxpayer must earn MORE than $1 million to even pay this tax, and the first $1 million is EXEMPT. Also, sales of homes and family-owned small businesses are exempt.
Why do we need this? We know that there is a serious affordability problem in our country and working families are feeling the squeeze. Washington has grown a lot over the past decade, with about a million more people making our state their home. That means higher demand for vital services. On top of that, Washington state’s current tax structure is just plain bad. It relies too heavily on you paying sales and property taxes and small businesses paying a flat rate even if they struggle to turn a profit.
I want to hear from you! What do you think about the Millionaires Tax? Let me know your thoughts by taking this brief survey.Â
REMINDER: Mid-Session Town Hall – hope to see you there!
Page Spotlight: Lucy
Thank you so much to Lucy, student at Ingraham High School, for serving as a page in the Legislature last week. Pages like Lucy spend a week learning about legislative process, distributing materials to staff and legislators, helping our offices run smoothly, delivering messages, working on the chamber floor, and carrying the flags at the opening of each day’s legislative session. Thank you for your service, Lucy!
If you know a 14-16-year-old who is interested in government and wants to learn more about the Legislature, there is still time to apply for the page program. Learn more about the process and how to apply by visiting the Legislative Page Program website.
As always, I appreciate you taking a few moments to read this update about what is happening in Olympia. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or comments. And if you plan to come to Olympia during session, please let me know so we can find time to meet up.
Keep in touch,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District