Millions Could Face Reality of Banned Income Tax

(BrightPress.org) – Washington State residents have backed an initiative to continue banning personal income taxes. The state’s Supreme Court decided in 1933 to do away with personal income taxes and the people of Washington want to ensure the practice remains in place. Initiative 2111, if cemented into law, would prohibit sales tax from being imposed on state, county, city, or other local jurisdictions.

Washington residents voiced their opinions to lawmakers during a public hearing on Tuesday, March 5th. The residents clearly stated they do not want an income tax. Initiative 2111 would not change any current laws, but Washington workers want assurance that the income tax cannot be imposed in the future. Around 6000 people signed in favor of the initiative while only 670 signed against it.

Opponents of the initiative believe the state’s tax code to be regressive, putting a heavier burden on lower earners. Since all residents pay the same sales tax, regardless of the amount they earn, lower earners are paying a higher percentage than higher wage earners. Charles Mayer of the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility called the tax code “upside down and broken”.

Initiative 2111 is only one of six being proposed. The Legislature has already approved I-2111 along with two others and will be delivered to the secretary of state. The police pursuit initiative would allow police officers to initiate a pursuit if a person is suspected of violating the law. Another initiative gives parents 15 specific rights regarding their children in public school. These rights give parents the ability to examine textbooks and curricula, inspect their child’s public school records, and be notified of anything that includes topics such as sexual attraction, religion, or political affiliation.

Three other initiatives will most likely end up on the ballot. These include initiatives to overturn the state’s carbon pricing program, stop tax on the sale of stocks and bonds, and one initiative concerning a long-term care insurance program.