Inside Outlook: Washington State Tax Reform

Описание: According to a recent study by the Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy, Washington State has the most regressive tax system in the country. This means our tax system places a more disproportionate burden on those with the lowest income. Those falling into the lower fifth of the income bracket are, in Washington, paying roughly 17% of their income to taxes; the highest 1% of earners are only paying 2.4%.

Most politicians in Olympia agree that the tax system is broken. The question is how to fix it? Despite campaign talk of no new taxes, and a leaner government, Governor Jay Inslee announced in December a budget plan that includes three new taxes, including a 7% capital gains tax. Is this a genuine step towards reform? Or a short term solution to avoid further cuts to government and to help cover a $3.28 billion deficit for 2015-2017?

What are additional tax areas that could also be reformed? The state B&O tax system, revamping business tax credits, exploring an income tax, or looking at increasing property taxes?

On this episode of Inside Outlook, host Gavin P. Sullivan moderates a discussion on these questions and more.

Guests include:
Paul Guppy - vice president for research, Washington Policy Center
Michael Schutzler - president, Washington Technology Industry Association
Jeff Johnson - president, WA State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Charles Mudede - associate editor,The Stranger

03/14/2015

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