Cities and counties are begging for more progressive revenue tools. And it just so happens there's this progressive revenue tool in the Leg right now.... by Teresa Mosqueda As the federal government continues to sow chaos and force unprecedented cuts that threaten our communities in need, the work we do at the local level to provide stability and support is more critical than ever. But with limited local revenue tools, our county and city resources are already failing to keep up with growing community needs.  We cannot keep our communities housed, fed, and safe without new tools for revenue at the state and local level—and we cannot possibly fill the gaps left by looming federal funding cuts, which will leave cities and counties like ours (and its population of 2.4 million) without the money for  basic community and infrastructure needs, like roads, sidewalks, childcare, food assistance, affordable housing, and other critical services. That is why state and local elected officials have been desperately asking the state legislature for new revenue options.  Furthermore, despite our state having among the highest concentrations of wealthy individuals and corporations in the country, our notoriously upside-down tax policies place an unfair burden on the backs of working families who have the least. This was true even before the Trump tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy were passed last year. This fundamental inequity is reflected in our local economic reality: massive wealth among a few and thriving large corporations alongside an affordability crisis and widening disparities between the haves and have-nots. I join faith leaders, social service and housing providers, small businesses, and union members in calling for a Millionaires Tax. Senate Bill 6346, currently under consideration in Olympia, is a 9.9% tax on the few wealthy individuals earning $1 million or more that would take effect in 2028; with revenue coming in 2029, it would bring in over $3 billion for schools, child care, community colleges and higher education, health care and other essential services. It would also expand the Working Families Tax Credit and dedicate funding to county public defense services, a vital component of our justice system. This will help add balance to our regressive tax code and create a long-term funding source for community needs we know will only become more acute under the current federal administration. It is past time to pass this law.  It’s a critical step now in fixing our upside-down tax code and finding sustainable and equitable revenue sources for state and local services.  We are a region of abundance, rich in resources, with remarkable workers, small businesses and communities. We resist and reject federal attacks on fundamental rights and essential federal funding. We believe in shared responsibility, opportunity for all, and a level playing field. We believe in everyone doing their part. And this bill is one part of how we fight back and act locally to protect Washington residents.   Teresa Mosqueda is a King County Councilmember representing District 8, from Downtown Seattle to Vashon Island and beyond. Mosqueda has led on housing, health and worker protections in her time on King County and previously Seattle City Council, along with passing JumpStart in Seattle in 2020 to respond to growing needs and the pandemic. ...read more read less