Protecting Washington's Competitive Advantage
Say No to a State Income Tax
For decades, Washington's lack of a state income tax has helped make our state an attractive place to live, work, and build businesses. Companies like Microsoft, Boeing, Nordstrom, Starbucks, and countless others chose Washington because it offered opportunity, innovation, and a competitive business environment.
Today, that advantage is under threat.
As housing costs, regulations, and taxes continue to rise, more families and businesses are questioning whether they can afford to stay in Washington.
Olympia's Budget Problem Is Not a Taxpayer Problem
Washington faces a projected budget shortfall of $7–10 billion, and there are lawmakers want to pave the way for a state income tax.
Supporters argue that it would only apply to individuals earning more than $1 million per year. But once an income tax is established, expanding it to additional income brackets becomes far easier.
My opponent has publicly supported applying an income tax to households to $125,000 annually.
The Middle Class Cannot Afford More Taxes
Housing affordability is already a major challenge in Whatcom County.
Consider the Numbers
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Median home price in Whatcom County: approximately $590,000
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Household income needed to afford that home: approximately $145,000–$170,000
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Average household income: approximately $81,784
Families who earn enough to purchase a median-priced home are already carrying significant financial obligations.
Adding a state income tax on top of:
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Federal income taxes
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Property taxes
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Sales taxes
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Gas taxes
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Excise taxes
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Paid Family Leave taxes
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Washington Cares taxes
would place even more pressure on working families and homeowners.
For many households, higher taxes could be the difference between financial stability and becoming cost-burdened by housing expenses.
Hold Olympia Accountable
Washington doesn't have a revenue problem—it has a spending problem.
Before asking taxpayers for more money, Olympia must demonstrate that existing programs are producing measurable results.
If government programs are not delivering a return on investment for taxpayers, they should be reviewed, reformed, or eliminated.
The era of federal COVID-19 relief funding is over. Our state government must adjust its spending priorities accordingly and focus on responsible budgeting.
Invest in What Matters
Taxpayer dollars should be focused on priorities that directly improve quality of life and strengthen our communities.
My Priorities
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Strengthening the middle class
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Investing in public education
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Expanding actual access to healthcare and mental health services
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Repairing roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure
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Supporting public safety
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Creating an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs These are investments that benefit every family in Whatcom County.
Support Small Businesses, Don't Punish Them
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy.
Too often, business owners are treated as an afterthought when new taxes and regulations are proposed.
Before Olympia imposes new taxes— like the newly implemented sales taxes on services that was enacted last October—we need to bring small business owners to the table and understand how these decisions affect their ability to operate, hire employees, and serve our communities.
Keep Opportunity in Washington
When government continues to increase costs, businesses and entrepreneurs begin looking elsewhere.
A state income tax risks making Washington less competitive and less attractive to the innovators, employers, and job creators who drive our economy.
We should be making it easier to live, work, and build a business in Washington— not harder.
I'll fight to protect taxpayers, support small businesses, and ensure Olympia lives within its means.