Does today's Spokesman-Review editorial indicate a more proactive income tax stance from Gov. Chris Gregoire? It seems to suggest a change in what has so far been an "I don't want to talk about it" position.
This paragraph caught my eye.
The chief reason for the regressivity of the tax code is that Washington is one of eight states without an income tax. It's a tough sell, say leaders, including Gov. Chris Gregoire and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, who support the idea of adopting such a tax. They add that it's just not the right time to push for it, because the public hasn't sufficiently been educated on the merits.
I understand not pushing for it, but this - presumably a conversation with the editorial board - looks like a step toward that public education stage.
Although this in Jim Camden's S-R story suggests there's no hurry.
On other topics, Gregoire and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown agreed that even though a study group has recommended scrapping the state’s current tax system for an income tax, it’s not likely to happen soon.
“Now is not the time,” the governor said. “I can tell you that the electorate isn’t there.”
The editorial board would like to see a bit more conversation now.
We agree that the public needs to be better educated on this issue. And we look forward to leaders such as Gregoire and Brown leading that discussion.
Representatives Cary Condotta and Jim McIntire worked the issue throughout the session, with a series of briefings - including several for AWB - showing how an income tax might make the state more competitive and ease the burden on many taxpayers. I got the impression they had little, if any, support from legislative leadership or the governor's office.
As they say, it's a tough sell.
