1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Dear Senator Murray, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your continued leadership in Washington. Your unwavering support for issues such as climate change, healthcare access, and workers' rights has been invaluable, and your recent actions to secure federal investments for infrastructure and local communities are a testament to your dedication to the people of Washington state. Your advocacy for public health and efforts to advance policy that supports working families have made a significant difference, and I am grateful for all that you’ve done. However, I must raise a pressing issue that is threatening the well-being of many in our state—Governor Ferguson’s recent proposal to furlough state employees as a means to address budget shortfalls. This austerity measure will undoubtedly harm working-class families who rely on public services, while disproportionately impacting those who can least afford it. Even more concerning is Governor Ferguson’s rejection of the proposed wealth tax—an incredibly modest 1% on assets over $100 million—that would provide a sustainable solution to this problem. This wealth tax is essential in ensuring that the ultra-wealthy contribute fairly to the state’s needs. The 1% have benefited immensely while contributing little to the common good, and it is time for them to shoulder some of the financial burden. Enacting this tax would not only prevent harmful furloughs but would provide much-needed funding for critical programs, such as ensuring that all public school students receive free lunches and that our public transit systems remain affordable and accessible. In fact, with parking fees scheduled to be implemented for the light rail, it is more important than ever to have the resources to support affordable transportation for all, and the wealth tax could help cover those costs without placing a financial burden on working families. I urge you to use your considerable influence to push for the implementation of the wealth tax, so we can protect our public services and ensure that the needs of the many are met. Your leadership on this issue could help ensure that Washington remains a place where every resident—regardless of income—has access to the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for your time and continued commitment to improving the lives of all Washingtonians. I look forward to your support on this critical matter.