“The Devil is Always in the Details” (Sept. 2, Kent Reporter) – an important sentiment to keep in mind as November approaches this election year. I am sure Ms. Gill’s intention was to look out for the well being of her community. Unfortunately, she failed to get her facts right about I-732.
The effective elimination of the business and occupation (B&O) tax for manufacturers will ensure that manufacturers do not leave the state, taking living-wage jobs and pollution with them. Instead, these jobs will remain here, in Washington state, while helping industry become cleaner and more efficient.
As a result, Washington state will create an estimated 5,000 to 40,000 new jobs by 2035, strengthening our local economy and preparing us to lead the world in environmental responsibility.
The concept is simple: tax pollution and use the revenue to reduce other taxes. Specifically a 1 percentage-point reduction in the state sales tax, funding the Working Families Rebate, and the effective elimination the B&O tax for manufacturers. Ms. Gill suggested that the elimination of the B&O tax was the sole purpose of I-732. In reality, less than 20 percent of the revenue goes toward eliminating the B&O tax.
As a University of Washington student and Washington native, issues concerning the environment and the health of our state economy are deeply important to me. If passed, I-732 will be the most ambitious piece of climate change legislation in the country, if not the world, as well as a substantial step toward reforming our regressive tax system.
Environmentalists, economists, business leaders, citizens and politicians from across the political spectrum have come together in support of I-732 because it is a pragmatic approach.
Voting yes on I-732 is a vote for substantive action on climate change, a vote for fixing our states regressive tax system, a vote for bipartisanism, common sense and progress.
Help us protect our beautiful state and ensure an equitable and prosperous world for future generations. Vote “Yes” on I-732.
– Quillan Robinson
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