I have long been troubled by our tax system. Although I am like everyone else in that I hate to pay taxes, I believe in paying for good services that we need. Our business tax system is so out of date that we have around 700 tax preferences (some call them loopholes). Some are adjustments to avoid the negative impacts of our system on businesses we want to help, and some were granted to businesses with strong lobbying efforts, but all have an impact on the money for schools, safety net pro- grams, water and sewer systems, the criminal justice system, and much more. Change is not possible without many people working together to find a solution that works and that is acceptable to most. Many agree the system doesn’t work but few agree on a common solution.
I have worked hard to make our tax system friendly to the industries of the future; to invest in fiber and strong internet throughout the state, to support technical training, to ensure that our roads and transit systems are safe and prepared for a green future, to support good jobs throughout our state, and to ensure our schools and communities have the support they need. I have sponsored and supported increased property tax assistance for low-income seniors and movement to a less regressive system. Hungry children can’t learn, and teachers cannot teach without counselors and support. I will fight for fairness as well as the services we need and for sustainable and fair ways to pay for them.