Sen. Rosa Franklin sets the record straight
I would like to correct the record regarding The Times’ editorial, “Time for Democrats to widen the fold,” Opinion, March 18].
First and foremost, my presentation of Senate Bill 6250 was in no way “a case of horse-trading for a vote,” as the editorial implied. That should be clear to anyone familiar with my votes on the budget — both before and after I presented the bill.
In both cases, I voted against the budget that the majority of my colleagues supported because I feel that a general sales tax makes an already regressive tax system worse.
Second, no one “allowed” me to offer an income-tax proposal. The fact is that I have sponsored legislation to create a state income tax every year since 2003 — when the Gates Commission first recommended it. I will continue to further this dialogue for as long as it takes because I believe restructuring our system of taxation is in the best interest of our state.
In this case, I was asked to present an amended version of my original bill in an effort to continue the dialogue at the legislative level in order to create more open discussion for planning to help address a more fair and sustainable budget.
An income tax is only one in a series of needed changes recommended by the Gates Commission. I have sponsored bills for all of them and have consistently advocated for passage. Should The Times wish to talk to me instead of demonizing me and my colleagues, I am open for a conversation now and have always been.
The Times’ dismissive characterization of my efforts to propose an income tax serves no one — least of all its readers. Washingtonians need an open dialogue and honest discussion, not a competition of who can sound the most derisive.
I would like to request The Times’ assistance in helping to educate Washingtonians about our tax structure. This is what is needed: unfettered, unbiased information.
— Sen. Rosa Franklin. D-South Tacoma
Do the math: Sen. Tom is increasing taxes
While Rodney Tom, D-Medina, should be commended for not voting for the increased sales tax, it should be noted that he, as a member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, has voted for eight out of eight [tax] measures since Feb. 15 — totaling more than $1 billion in new taxes or fees over the next 10 years.
Noteworthy as well, Sen. Tom has voted 19 out of 21 times to increase taxes or fees over the next 10 years to the mighty tune of $9.2 billion! This is not making “structural-spending changes” nor reducing “the footprint of government” as suggested in The Times’ editorial.
These tax and fee increases are outrageous! Beware, the huge tax-increase amendments have not even come up for a vote in the Senate and might possibly appear in the dark of night or on Sunday when no one is looking.
— Teresa Holland, Seattle