State ranks 35th in taxes, not fifth

In the Monday article about I-985, Tim Eyman repeats his misleading claim that Washington is the fifth-highest taxed state in the nation. The fact is that this figure is for all taxes, federal, state and local. The reason Washington is so high in this ranking is that we have a significant number of high wage earners who pay high federal taxes. If you compare state and local taxes only, Washington ranks 35th, according to the Tax Foundation.

If Mr. Eyman would direct his energies into meaningful tax reform, such as abolishing the state sales tax and B&O tax and replacing them with a personal and corporate income tax, the tax burden on low-income citizens would be reduced and state revenues would be more constant, mitigating the wild swings between surplus and deficit that is inherent with the current tax system.

Jerry Fraser

Lynnwood

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Dec. 10

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

A burned out truck in Malden, Wash., Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, two days after a fast moving wildfire swept through the area. Nearly all of the homes and municipal buildings - including the post office and fire department - in the small town of Malden were burned to the ground. (Rajah Bose/The New York Times)
Trump: State officials planning for ‘chaos’ of second Trump term

Along with potential court challenges, the state treasurer wants to make sure federal funding isn’t held up.

Comment: Politicians and public need crash course in economics

A better understanding of inflation, global trade and families’ needs could make all the difference.

Friedman: Five quick takes on the regime change in Syria

All thoughts that the U.S. should not be involved ignore the opportunity and peril of the situation.

Stephens: Syrians also have Israel to thank for liberation

Israel’s pursuit of Iran-backed terrorists helped to weaken and isolate al-Assad from his supporters.

Comment: Lame-duck Congress can still save medication abortion

Republicans have vowed to use the Comstock Act against the pills. Congress should repeal the archaic law.

Electric Time technician Dan LaMoore adjusts a clock hand on a 1000-lb., 12-foot diameter clock constructed for a resort in Vietnam, Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Medfield, Mass. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. local time Sunday, March 14, 2021, when clocks are set ahead one hour. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Editorial: Stop the clock on our twice-yearly time change

State lawmakers may debate a bill to adopt standard time permanently, ending the daylight time switch.

The Everett Public Library in Everett, Washington on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Editorial: What do you want and what are you willing to pay?

As local governments struggle to fund services with available revenue, residents have decisions ahead.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Dec. 9

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Green investments aren’t having a good year, but their focus on the bottom line still makes good financial sense.

By Mark Gongloff / Bloomberg Opinion As a concept, environmentally responsible investing… Continue reading

Comment: If you want to be a grandparent, make parenting easier

The birth rate is dropping because it’s difficult to see support for young families.

Collins: A second-rate crime warrants second-rate pardon

Biden’s pardon of his son was ill-advised, but Trump has already had some doozies of his own.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.