Dori Monson issues a warning after state treasurer proposes income tax

Washington State Treasurer Jim McIntire is calling a proposed 5 percent personal income tax to help pay for education a “grand bargain.”

McIntire’s plan would substitute the income tax for the state property tax and a reduction in business tax.

He says the plan would raise billions of dollars that could help pay for basic education, something the Supreme Court has mandated of the state. Currently, Washington is being fined $100,000 every day it’s without an educational funding system.

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McIntire called the proposal a conversation starter and that, moving forward, the solutions needs to be less ideologically driven. He argues that the current tax system was designed for an old economy that wasn’t service based. It wasn’t “based on internet sales,” he said.

“The reality is we have a new economy,” he continued.

McIntire believes the only revenue source large and stable enough to better fund public education is some kind of income tax.

“The question is not if we go to an income tax, but when and how,” he said.

Coinicidentally, Gov. Jay Inslee told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson Wednesday that he does not support the Washington Democrat’s platform that calls for a state income tax.

“I’m not proposing or accepting a state income tax,” Inslee said. “I don’t think it’s right for the State of Washington.”

Dori also asked Inslee if the party is misguided for calling for the tax.

“I do not agree with it, so I guess you can say it’s misguided because I suppose anything I don’t agree with is misguided by definition,” he said. “… They don’t let me write the whole platform.”

Monson says this is a critical issue heading into the general election.

“You better know who you’re voting for in the House, Senate and Governor’s Office,” Dori warned.

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