Millionaires tax: Repeal is bad for our health

In my 35 years practicing medicine in Washington, I have seen nothing that compares to the millionaires tax in its ability to improve the health of my patients.

That’s why I’m concerned about I-645, an initiative that attempts to repeal it.

Research consistently demonstrates that more equitable societies experience lower mortality rates, longer lives and greater overall well-being.

A fairer tax system that provides the resources to build a robust social safety net is by far the most impactful health intervention. That’s why the millionaires tax is a monumental step toward building a Washington where all communities, regardless of income, can thrive and experience long and healthy lives.

But I-645 would cut billions from healthcare, education and childcare, which would result in higher costs and poorer health outcomes for Washington families.

I-645 would eliminate free school meals for many K-12 students and increase taxes for hundreds of thousands of working families by limiting eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit.

Doctors and healthcare providers like me are sounding the alarm: I-645 is bad for health.

By Charles Mayer, MD, MPH, in the Seattle Times