A package of legislation in Olympia aims to reduce growing wealth inequality by reforming Washington’s tax code.
With the nation’s second-most regressive tax system, the state relies heavily on sales and property taxes, which do not take income into account. Critics said the system overburdens low- and middle-income families while benefiting the wealthy and corporations, and adding to the state’s revenue shortfall.
Elana Mainer, executive director of the advocacy group Rural People’s Voice, noted low-income families pay 14% of their income in taxes, while the wealthiest pay just 4%…