Tax code upside down

I recently learned that Washington state has the most upside down tax code in the nation. Upside down meaning that the poorest residents of our state are taxed at a rate 7 times more than the wealthiest residents. An income of over $507,000 pays an effective state tax of 2.4 percent. An income less than $21,000 pays 16.8 percent. This upside down tax code is the product of over 600 loopholes, and effective lobbying for over 100 years by business interests and special industries.

As a resident of the state, the tax code makes me sick for the burdens it places on our poor, and the continued advantages it gives to money, power and lobbyists. Why can’t we at least be fair?

I’ve spoken with state representatives, such as Rep. Mary Dye, about our regressive tax code.

Unfortunately, many of our representatives are more willing to protect wasteful tax breaks for powerful special interests than advocate for their working and middle class constituents. I plead with our legislators to recognize that equitable investments from all Washingtonians supports thriving communities, a stronger state, and a tax code that works for every person, not just the very wealthy.

Mark Kartchner

Greenacres