Pediatric Nurse Emily Kay
In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, we treat the sickest kids in the region. Nurses like me help patients from throughout Washington state. Our unit is filled with children on ventilators to help them breathe, IV antibiotics to treat life-threatening infections, and chemotherapy to rid their body of dangerous cancer cells. I love taking care of these kids, and I especially love helping their families navigate one of the worst experiences of their lives.
At a time when they’re seeing their children at their most vulnerable, I hate that families also have to worry about how they’ll pay for it all.
Unfortunately, things will get worse under Initiative 645, an effort to repeal the Millionaires Tax. I-645 would cut millions in healthcare funding, raising costs for Washington families, including many of my patients.
I-645 costs the rest of us
For decades, our upside-down tax code has made it so that those with the least pay the highest share of their income in state and local taxes. Meanwhile, the wealthiest people—the ones with second and third homes, kids in fancy private schools, country club memberships, and luxury vehicles – are only paying 3% of their income in taxes. I-645 gives these wealthy few a tax break, while increasing taxes and costs for the rest of us.
Don’t believe it if you hear that the Millionaires Tax will eventually apply to all of us. Right now, our tax code is rigged to favor the very wealthy. They’ve been getting away with paying less than they truly owe for years, and they are using that extra money to convince you to keep things that way. The Millionaires Tax just applies to multi-millionaires – and voters will always have the last say if there’s ever any attempt to change that.
Our tax code makes it impossible for the state budget to keep up with funding even basic services people need. I-645 will make this even worse. It will blow a $13 billion hole in the budget, forcing lawmakers to make cuts to schools, childcare, and critical services used by seniors, those with disabilities, and the children in my ICU.
It stings
I have three young kids myself, so I know things cost a lot right now. It’s rare that I can go grocery shopping without spending $200 or more. It stings to know we pay more of our income in taxes than the very wealthy.
I can’t imagine how hard it must be for those with less. And if I-645 passes, I’m worried the government funding shortfall will be made up by increased taxes on over-the-counter medicine, diapers, and other essentials – items working families already hustle to afford.
When children are admitted to the ICU, all families meet with our social workers to discuss their needs. I hear these parents talk about the struggle to afford travel costs, time off work, and making sure family back home are cared for and have enough to eat. To help them, we have a food bank at the hospital, as well as some gas cards and cafeteria vouchers. But the number of families in need is staggering. It hurts to see more and more who struggle with basic necessities, all while trying to support their critically ill child.
Just imagine
Put yourself in the shoes of these parents stuck in the ICU with their sick children. Imagine having to figure out how to keep your job when your child needs an extended hospital stay, and you have the added expenses of gas and hotel rooms during repeated long treks to the hospital.
This is not the time to give a tax break to the 1% while making things more expensive for working families, including those with very sick kids. So this fall, when I get my ballot, I’m taking a stand for my young patients and their families. Join me in voting no on I-645!
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