With the national election casting a dark cloud over the last week, I am writing with a word of hope. While progressives struggled across the country, Washington proved that we are not willing to go back. Even with four right-wing initiatives on the ballot, Washington was one of the few states to become even more strongly progressive than in the past.

The election results clearly demonstrate what our state stands for and will continue to stand for: Environmental protections. Community care. Economic justice. Things that make Washington a place we are proud to live. I hope you feel a wave of victory, of relief, but also of deep responsibility as you take your seat at the Capitol. With progressive leadership in the state House, Senate, and governor’s office, you must seize this moment and political momentum. 

With the undeniable results of three statewide initiatives, you know you also have public opinion on your side. Voters gave a resounding “no thanks” to the right wing’s attempt to give more tax breaks to the wealthy at the cost of our schools, healthcare and climate.

Washingtonians are more aware than ever that our tax code is one of the most upside down in the nation, with low-wage workers paying three times more of their incomes in local taxes than their billionaire neighbors. We don’t just blindly favor tax cuts — we care about who is paying taxes and how.

This January, there are many options on the table to balance our tax code in favor of working people. 

You could pass the Affordable Homes Act to build homes for working families and people with disabilities. It would increase the tax on multi-million dollar property sales, and decrease that tax for ordinary Washingtonians selling homes for less than $3 million.

You could close the loophole that allows corporations to avoid paying payroll taxes on employees with the largest salaries (above $168,600). This could bolster programs in our state like Paid Family Medical Leave, which allows us to take time off to recover from health crises, care for a family member, or be with a new child.

You could also pass a tax on excessive wealth, a 1% tax on financial assets over $250 million. This could fund affordable housing, disability services, education, and tax rebates for working families.

For too long, many of your predecessors have stayed beholden to big businesses and wealthy donors, choosing any other path but progressive tax reform. In 2009, instead of finding new revenue, Washington lawmakers slashed budgets and aid programs that plunged working families into financial ruin. 

The Legislature cannot make that mistake again. Since 2021, not a single legislator lost their seat because they voted for the capital gains tax, and now a 64% majority of voters have defended it at the ballot box. We have made it clear that we support progressive tax reform and a true state safety net, and in the same election, handed you the power to make it possible.

With a billionaire in the Oval Office, you are working people’s last line of defense. 

The initiative funders, hedge fund millionaire Brian Heywood and MAGA Republican Jim Walsh, are products of a terrifying national trend. But Washingtonians no longer want to be beholden to or misled by the ultra-wealthy.

In an uncertain time, we are depending on you to boldly protect our environment, fund our community needs, and hold corporations and wealthy donors to task. The people of Washington will have your back.

Emma Scalzo is the executive director of Balance Our Tax Code, a coalition of more than 80 labor unions, non-profits, human service providers, housing advocates and activists. This column was first published by the Washington State Standard.