Letter: State's Regressive Tax System Compromises Health Care by WPSR Member GLEB SYCH

To the editor — As a medical student, I have witnessed how access to health care can mean the difference between stability and crisis. Throughout my clinical rotations in South Puget Sound and time in Yakima, I’ve seen patients struggle to receive the care they need due to gaps in funding and resources. Yet, without progressive revenue solutions, lawmakers may have to gut life-saving support programs, disability services, paid medical leave and other critical health care resources.

Washington has one of the most regressive tax systems in the country. The lowest-income residents pay nearly three times more of their income in taxes than the wealthiest, while a handful of ultra-wealthy individuals and corporations avoid paying their fair share. The result? Underfunded hospitals, delayed medical care, and working families forced to choose between health and financial survival.

We have a choice: allow cuts to essential services or ensure the wealthiest pay what they owe to keep these programs funded. Lawmakers must enact progressive tax reforms to secure stable, long-term health care funding.

No one should suffer because a billionaire gets another tax break. I urge my fellow Washingtonians to contact their legislators and demand action. Our communities — and our patients — are depending on it.

GLEB SYCH

Olympia

https://www.yakimaherald.com/letter-states-regressive-tax-system-compromises-health-care/article_2e8125de-f3bc-11ef-bfbe-771ff47ef7be.html#