We had hoped to start this blog post by celebrating the election wins in Washington state, but given the results of the federal elections, we must start with acknowledging what happened there. As we look to a future with far-right extremists in the White House – and with Republicans in Congress who seem poised to adopt Project 2025 – it is of course an understatement to say we are facing a hard road ahead. Project 2025 is a threat to the well-being of people, communities, families, economies, and our planet.
And at the same time, we know that organizations like our national partner, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), as well as the National Urban League, the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for American Progress, Democracy Forward, and other national organizations committed to protecting everyday people in America are prepared to fight Project 2025. They have been laying the groundwork to help stop this dangerous and regressive roadmap for America’s future.
In addition to the efforts to fight Project 2025 specifically, there are countless people, organizations, and leaders who are part of a strong movement to advance anti-racism, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, trans rights, women’s rights, climate protection, reproductive health, and other progressive values in this country. Indeed, this nation has a vast network of advocates and change-makers who are committed to fighting for freedom, liberation, justice, and equality for all. We, too, are committed to being part of that fight.
We feel fortunate to live in a state that voted overwhelmingly for progressive policies, and we are ready to work with our national and state partners to ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a life of safety and dignity.
State initiative results are cause for celebration and gratitude
People in Washington state voted overwhelmingly to protect the well-being of our communities. In rejecting initiatives 2109, 2124, and 2117, the message from voters was clear: We must protect tax revenue that funds programs that help our people and our climate.
This nation has a vast network of advocates and change-makers who are committed to fighting for freedom, liberation, justice, and equality for all. We, too, are committed to being part of that fight. Share on XBatting down these harmful initiatives means that Washington now keeps: its capital gains tax that supports kids and families, the state long-term care program that helps elders and people with disabilities, and the cap-and-trade fee that is addressing the climate crisis. We were proud to endorse the efforts to reject these initiatives.
In particular, as an organization that has been part of the fight to enact and protect a commonsense capital gains tax for more than a decade, we are grateful that the efforts to keep this in place tax were a success. This is another sign of importance of collective people power. As we told the team at Inequality.org, so many groups and individuals – including business owners, labor unions, teachers, racial justice advocates, parents, lawmakers, and many more – have worked together for more than a decade to help the public at large in our state make the connection between commonsense progressive taxes and the very real needs of our communities. This win is thanks to all of us.
Ultimately, voters in Washington state didn’t fall for the efforts of a small group of special interests who wanted to rig the tax code in favor of the rich and powerful. Instead, they made it clear that the capital gains tax is the kind of policy that is critical to clean up our tax code, ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their share, and fund community priorities. This tax has already provided $1.3 billion in funds to schools and early learning throughout the state. It is on track to provide $2.2 billion more in the next five years. What’s more, the capital gains tax has already been upheld by the state Supreme Court and now it is the clear will of the people.
Washington maintains its place as a progressive leader
The election and re-election of lawmakers in Washington state who are committed to economic justice was another win for progressive values. The election of Bob Ferguson as governor, who has supported the capital gains tax and is championing the expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit, is promising for our efforts to make our tax code more progressive. The re-election of State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, a staunch supporter of Baby Bonds, is good news for efforts to create a brighter future for young people.
We call on lawmakers and budget-writers to listen to the voices of Washington voters who are saying progressive economic policies work. We also call on them to pay attention to recent polling that shows that people want to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their share and that schools get more funding.
And to offer a few notable highlights from state elections: Shaun Scott, a Black leader in Seattle and long-time partner in coalitions that advocate for progressive economic policies, won the House position in Seattle’s 43rd legislative district. Natasha Hill, a proponent of women’s rights and environmental justice, will be the first Black woman to represent the House in Spokane’s 3rd legislative district. Emily Randall, who worked in the state legislature to support abortion access and Medicaid expansions, will be the first out LGBTQ+ Latina in Congress. And Nick Brown, who fought Trump’s previous Muslim ban and is positioned well for the fights ahead, will be our state’s first Black attorney general.
Where we go from here
After taking some time to regroup and reassess, we turn our attention to the next legislative session, in which lawmakers will pass a state budget for the next two years. Retaining the capital gains tax, the long-term care tax, and the cap-and-invest program are enormously good news for the future needs of our state. And yet, we also know we’re going into a legislative session in which lawmakers have already been sounding the alarm for potential budget cuts due to a projected budget deficit.
We call on lawmakers and budget-writers to listen to the voices of Washington voters who are saying progressive economic policies work. We also call on them to pay attention to recent polling that shows that people want to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their share and that schools get more funding.
Budget writers must make bold decisions to enact new forms of progressive revenue. They must reject budget cuts and they must not rely on regressive taxes – like the sales tax – to balance the state’s budget. Passing bold progressive revenue will not only ensure there’s funding for critical public services – from schools to unemployment insurance – but it will also help improve our notoriously inequitable tax code that over-relies on people with low and moderate incomes.
Lawmakers have multiple opportunities to make this happen this session by enacting a wealth tax, making reforms to our property tax system, and fixing the estate tax. In the session that begins in Olympia in January, lawmakers must reject austerity approaches of the past and instead make bold choices to create a budget and tax code that works for us all.
We’re in this together
We don’t know yet what mix of state and national policies our organization will be engaged in in the months ahead. What we do know is that we are inspired by the people in our state who are helping make this a better place for all of us. At the same time, we would be remiss if we didn’t name that so many of us have relatives and loved ones who we are scared for in other parts of this country.
In these trying times, we will find energy and strength in the collaborative alliances that have helped make Washington the progressive stronghold that it is.
