Tax the rich? 43rd Districts Rep. Scott at the center of debate over a Washington wealth tax

At a recent town hall meeting at Seattle First Baptist Church, Rep. Shaun Scott focused on transforming the "tax the rich" slogan into viable legislation. The event featured discussions by panelists from Working Washington and the Seattle Democratic Socialists of America, who emphasized the need for progressive tax reforms. Scott criticized state budget cuts impacting higher education and health services, asserting that the values of the 43rd Legislative District demand better funding solutions. He proposed redefining community banks in Washington's tax code to ensure tax benefits support local financial institutions rather than digital-only banks.

Additionally, Scott advocated for a state-level payroll tax similar to Seattle’s existing laws, which could raise $2 billion for essential services. His legislative priorities include expanding the working families' tax credit and increasing funding for affordable housing projects. Scott aims to push these proposals forward in the upcoming session, as he prepares for reelection in the August 2026 primary. The discussions reflect a broader movement for progressive taxation in Washington amid uncertain federal support.