Pro-Tax Nanny State 46th District!
… IN THE HOUSE!
Just got back from my district’s Town Hall meeting. It was in Meadowbrook Community Center, a place that brings back a lot of memories. I went to high school directly across the creek, I was run over by a car in their parking lot (I walked past the chair I sat in while the paramedics provided aid and I cracked jokes), and I worked there one summer while in college. It’s nice to feel that this is my neighborhood.
The town hall was great. The one issue I was planning to bring up was a Washington State Income Tax. I figured I’d bring it up, and I’d end up getting attacked by crazy Republicans who thought I was trying to spread their wealth.
So when our representatives started in on raising revenues, I felt like I had a good shot. And then some older lady stood up and suggested an Income Tax. Everyone clapped. Someone else brought it up, people cheered.
Old white ladies (OWLs) stood up over and over again to ask for continued support for public health, public services, school, and all the bleeding heart causes that Evergreen brainwashed me into caring about. And all of them were ready to step up and spend more to keep these services.
Late in the discussion an abrasive small-business owner stood up and began lecturing the crowd about California’s income tax. He spoke for about five minutes, staring down the crowd with a real “fuck-you” gaze. Finally a lady interrupted him and asked “Do you have a question?”
I wasn’t in reporter mode, so I didn’t get an exact quote, but Ken Jacobsen told the Re-Pub that some times people had to foot the bill for services. (Oh snap!) Perfect politician Scott White was a bit more tactful when he explained to the gentleman that sales taxes are incredibly inequitable, and that it’s about time for an income tax. And Phyllis was just great.
Regardless, the whole event made me feel pretty good about my district. Although we are lacking any significant presence from people of color. Oh Wedgewood.
Tags: , Seattle
amazing that your neighborhood is brave to work against public opinion. even the gov is not supporting an income tax. Why not? It is the only progressive way to move forward.
Thanks for the shout out. Unfortunately, everywhere else besides Seattle, and maybe Olympia, would probably not be supportive of an income tax…the tax would have to pass the legislature by a 2/3 vote (which they don’t have) to put on a ballot and then the general public would have to pass it.
Shout out? You mean when I referenced the OWLS?
Good to see your site back up and running!