To do better for the people of Seattle we can raise more revenue, or, alternatively, we could shift funds from underperforming programs to those that in fact do better. Alas, we almost always go for more revenue.
Our property tax rate has increased significantly, most recently because of the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 measure last November. Car tab fees have skyrocketed for the same reason.
The King County Executive has proposed raising the county-wide sales tax to fund arts, science, and cultural education and experiences.
The Mayor of Seattle has said he would like the property tax to increase again to fund urgently needed homelessness solutions. And he is proposing an excise tax on the distribution of sugary drinks, like sodas and energy beverages to fund education programs for children and families.
In this post, I want to discuss two significant questions.