Re: “Gov. Ferguson, stand up to legislative overreach” (March 30, Opinion):
Kate Riley’s current column not noted some key particulars in regards to the state financial system, price range and tax code.
For starters, cities are dealing with reasonably priced housing shortages; layoffs and hiring freezes proceed; and individuals are struggling to afford primary wants. It’s out of contact to merely say “unemployment is low and the financial system is buzzing alongside.”
Implying the price range deficit isn’t actual and is an “overspending downside” dismisses the fact that state businesses face crucial funding cuts to packages that assist colleges, infrastructure and group well being. The reality is the state price range hasn’t saved up with inhabitants progress, group wants and inflation over the previous decade. When adjusted for financial progress, funding ranges by no means bounced again from Nice Recession-era price range cuts.
Lastly, when complaining about proposals to tax companies and the ultrawealthy, Riley didn’t point out Washington’s notoriously inequitable tax code. In reality, it’s the nation’s second worst, giving the wealthiest a particular deal whereas over-relying on low-income households.
As a senior coverage analyst with the Washington State Funds and Coverage Heart, I do know these tax proposals are commonsense options to steadiness the price range, fund communities and assist repair our inequitable tax code. (And let’s not overlook they’re widespread with voters.)
Mia Shigemura, Langley
