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Republican incumbent Rep. Ed Orcutt of Kalama, left, and Jonathan Fant, the Democratic challenger for the position two 18th district House seat.

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Orcutt, Fant differ over merits of state income tax

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 7:30 PM PDT

By Barbara LaBoe

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Does Washington need to consider an income tax?

Jonathan Fant, the Democratic challenger for the position two 18th district House seat says yes, though he admits it would be a hard sell in these financially precarious times. He said the current tax system places too much of a burden on the poor and isn’t a good way to budget or pay the state’s bills.

Fant’s Republican opponent, incumbent Rep. Ed Orcutt of Kalama, opposes such a move. Orcutt said previous studies have found income tax more volatile and that it could lead to increased local property taxes. And, given the $3.2 billion shortfall already looming in Olympia, Orcutt said the focus needs to be on reigning in spending, not changing the tax system.

Fant, of Battle Ground, stopped short of saying he wants to institute an income tax Monday afternoon. But he said the question does need to be studied by lawmakers and explained clearly to residents.

Creating a state income tax and lowering property taxes and the more regressive sales tax would be a fairer and more balanced way to raise the money the state needs to operate, Fant said. Currently, he said lower income residents have a tax burden of 16 to 18 percent because sales taxes and “sin taxes” on alcohol and tobacco tend to affect the poor more. Wealthy residents, he said, have a tax burden of 4 percent of their income.

“We can’t keep asking people with the least ability to pay to pay the most (percentage wise),” Fant said. “The goal isn’t more taxes, the goal is a fair and balanced tax system.”

He also said that Washington residents aren’t necessarily paying enough taxes overall to support all the programs and services they’ve come to expect from government. Nationally the state ranks in the middle for per capital spending and below several other Western states, Fant said.

“If we as a state want similar services as other Western states, then we’re not paying our bills,” he said.

Such a change may not be possible this session, still should be a long-term goal, Fant said.

Orcutt said the problem in Olympia isn’t revenues but spending.

“We’ve seen $8 billion in new spending in the past four years — that’s a 33 percent increase,” he said.

And, studies in other states have shown that if a state income tax was created and state property tax lowered, local governments would eventually increase local property and sales taxes to cover their own needs, he said. That, Orcutt, said would end up increasing everyone’s taxes.

Orcutt called for stricter, wiser budgeting and putting more money aside each year to anticipate downtowns.

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Lucky7 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:58 AM:

" Congratulations Ed you just won re-election! Mr. Fant may be a nice guy and could be a good lawmaker but to even speak of income tax in Washington puts a nail in your political coffin... "

Citizen Joe wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:19 AM:

" Orcut gets my Vote. A sales tax and an income tax? Wait a minute this isn't California. Is it? Lets see they just passed a budget down there that raised the Income Tax to 10.1% and have a 7 % sales tax. That = hum 17% of what you make going to a state to support programs like gay, lesbian, transgender education, free health care for illegal aliens and where does it end? These people are dangerous. Has this guy figured out that the economic system of this country is about to crumble? and he wants you to give the gravy sucking pigs of Olympia more of what you make. I don't know I was raised to judge people by what they do not what they say. The bottom line is we get teh Gov. we deserve. If as a whole we are that stupid to let these socialist control our life then so be it. Are you really that apathetic that you will keep sending these losers to run our affairs? I have an idea, vote out the incumbant, unless the only option is a guy like Mr. Fant. Wh is relly to blame?? Look in the mirror. "

Viewpoint wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Fant has my vote for having the guts to even mention a state income tax. If you want government and government services you/we have to pay for them. You want highways, police service, synchronized traffic lights, schools to babysit yours and the neighbor's kids, oversight agencies so your employer, doctor, insurance agency, bank, etc. doesn't rip you off, then you have to pay for it. All Fant is saying is that the tax system should be fair and equitable and maybe the property tax along with the rest of Washingtons tax system should be reviewed. "

snow shark wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:05 AM:

" Income tax huh, That's right I do not pay enough already. Orcutt is my man, and has my vote. "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:25 AM:

" I know... I know... I got this! How about a state income tax only for those earning over $250,000 a year? That would surely be poplular. Think about it we would reap in a windfall of tax revenue just from our Seattle area professional athletes! "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:55 AM:

" A little political tria for you: Disregarding political affiliation. What do Ed Orcutt and Sarah Palin have in common? Answer: Both have Bachelors Degrees from The University of Idaho... Hers in communications, his in forestry.... Now can you tell me what communications or forestry have to do with government? No disrespect meant. Ed seems like a good guy. I have voted for him in the past but he's not even in my district anymore. Ed did tick me off once. Calling me as a business owner to ask my opionion on an issue vital to those in my industry and then voting exactly opposite of my beliefs on the issue. One thing you will find if you research Ed is that he votes party line - 100% of the time which in my opionion isn't always the best no matter which party you're affiliated with. I honestly don't know anything about Fant as I don't research races or issues that I don't get to vote on. "

Rosey Glasses wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Someone needs to get running for office soon... these two need the competition! I can't say I would want to vote for either one.... it is tough to make a decision when all the people running stink! "

fanky wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:28 PM:

" Here is a novel idea.... why don't we stop expecting the government to take care of us i.e. stop being a welfare state and nation, making people get off the rears and earn a living.. instead of free hand out's for welfare, etc. why not make them get a job, even if it is minimum wage... then give them a subsidy based on how much they work and the family size... this will not only increase taxes paid into the system.. but will reduce dependence on the system... I am all for assisting people in need.. but we have just gone too far in trying to take care of everyone... this is not socialism.. it is a democracy... "

American First wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:18 PM:

" Fant is another good example of party before the people, he's a good little Dem wanting to turn our state & nation into a communist form of government. What is it with the Democrats desire to tax, and dictate us into oblivion? "

DUH wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:46 PM:

" I understand what you're saying fanky and can't say that I disagree but, in order for your plan to work, there has to be jobs available. There just aren't any. With minimum wage going up every year, businesses can't afford to hire more people. Instead they are laying them off. That's why the high unemployment rate. Got any more suggestions? "

bizowner wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:33 PM:

" State Income Tax ? The average business owner pays 28% federal income tax & 15.3% social security tax - that's 43% before we even start talking about Business & Occupation and business property taxes. Keep up the battle Orcutt - there are some crazies out there...... "

Viewpoint wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:02 PM:

" According to the Washington State Dept. of Revenue, 'the state of Washington does not have a corporate, unitary, or personal income tax. However, Washington businesses are subject to three major taxes either administered or overseen by the Department of Revenue: business and occupation tax, retail sales/use tax. and property tax', along with various tax deferrals, exemptions, and credits. State income taxes can be used as an itemized deduction on your federal income taxes. If your federal income tax rate is 28% you're probably making at least TWICE the median household income in Cowlitz County. With a state income tax the sales tax and perhaps others might be eliminated or reduced, a benefit for business. "

Rosey Glasses wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:40 AM:

" Fed income tax ranges from 28% up to 38% going up at each interval for income. State companies pay a B&O tax, on top of unemployment and workers comp. More taxes aren't needed..... more jobs are. Put people to work and quit giving them a handout. I am tired of watching people on welfare drive new cars (I don't have one) and talking on cell phones (I pay dearly for mine). I work hard and am considered 100% disabled, so please don't lecture on how people need these handouts... get a job. "

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