Letter: Washington’s millionaires tax a fair path to economic stability

During the recent debate over the new millionaires tax, I heard this argument:

“Let’s infuse some humanity, decency and fairness into the Washington state tax code, once and for all. It’s obscene that the rich and the super-rich continue to grow endlessly wealthier while so many of our fellow citizens struggle to get by or even put food on the table.”

I agree wholeheartedly, and I’m proud this tax just became law. As an upper-middle-class taxpayer, I know I benefit from strong public education, affordable child care and the services we all depend on like public safety, roads, the legal system and more! When our society is broadly supported we all benefit. Communities tend to function better, people are more able to maintain stable employment, and crime rates are generally lower in safer, more stable environments. That stability benefits everyone — not just in quality of life, but also in protecting our shared infrastructure and assets.

I believe everyone should be responsible and pay what they owe in taxes, and that those taxes should be a fair and reasonable percentage of their income. But up until now, the super wealthy have not been. The millionaires tax will change that. They’ll now owe 9.9% on every dollar they make over $1 million. The rest of us will see more investments in the things we all need.

It’s about time.

Tammy Fehrer, Bellingham