October 7, 2010
Slade Gorton and Bill Gates Sr. to debate income tax initiative at UWT
UW Regent Bill Gates Sr. and former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton will appear in “The Great State Income Tax Debate” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11 in Philip Hall at UW Tacoma. A reception will follow. John Burbank, executive director of the Economic Opportunity Institute, will serve in a supporting role for Gates.
This free event is now full but registration is being taken for a waiting list, and an overflow room is being sought.
Gates is the originator of Initiative 1098 that is on the ballot in the November election; Gorton opposes it. The measure would establish a tax on “adjusted gross income” (as determined under the federal internal revenue code) above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples or domestic partners filing jointly; reduce the limit on statewide property taxes by 20 percent; and increase the business and occupation tax credit to $4,800. The tax revenues would replace revenues lost from the reduced levy and increased credit; remaining revenues would be directed to education and health services.
The debate is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County, City Club of Tacoma, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and UW Tacoma’s Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. To register, go here.
