Council Budget Chair Statement on Executive’s Tax Increase Proposal

March 9, 2017

Summary

“This proposed sales tax increase would hit low income folks the hardest. Our state already has the most regressive tax system in the country, and this would make it even worse in King County.”

Story

King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove is releasing the following statement concerning the County Executive’s proposed sales tax increase for Arts & Culture. The Council will have to pass the measure in order for it to appear on the August ballot.

“This proposed sales tax increase would hit low income folks the hardest. Our state already has the most regressive tax system in the country, and this would make it even worse in King County. I look forward to an honest and hard look at exactly how and where the money would be spent, and will expect a major and direct investment back into the working class communities of South King County if I am going to consider supporting this tax increase.”

Councilmember Upthegrove is Chair of the King County Council Budget & Fiscal Management and represents District 5, which includes part of Kent, Renton, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Tukwila, and Normandy Park.