I have some real concerns regarding your recent editorial supporting the current Washington state Senate bill supporting tax breaks for the film industry. (Sunday, “Extend tax breaks for film productions in state.”) It is not that their business in unappreciated, but rather that this is yet another industry abounding in affluence that does not need public support through tax dollars.
At one time there was an unspoken public contract between large business and government that they would share the burden of supporting infrastructure and society. This concept no longer exists as companies amass incredible wealth, set up off-shore accounts to avoid paying taxes, find loopholes to hide their income, or declare themselves non-profits. The tax burden has increasingly fallen on what is left of the middle class, small business and the poor.
Since we moved to Arlington in 1996, our property taxes have increased by $1,400 — on this one tax alone. This excludes the Arlington levy that just failed to replace all 28 school buses. The escalating cost of the courthouse debacle is yet another example of additional property taxes expected to be foisted onto county homeowners. I can assure you, wages are not keeping up at a fraction of these rates.
We are moving back into a feudal era with a few wealthy barons living high on the hog at the expense of everyone else. Subsidizing these individuals, corporations and industries on the taxpayers’ dime is no longer appropriate. I would appreciate further editorials to encourage those who have the financial resources, to pay at the very least, their fair share.
Elizabeth Diedrick
Arlington
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
