To Run for the State Legislature, My Platform

As one who wants to run for the state Legislature, I have a few issues that I want to talk about:

The Economy:

The state economy is one that needs some serious structural reform.  Currently, we are operating our state's economy like the one we had during the 1800s and early 1900s.  Washington State has always operated their fiscal policy under the belief that we are a heavily goods producing state.  Washington is steadily moving towards a service-based economy...and we must adjust our fiscal and tax policy to reflect this reality.

1) I call for the end of the Sales tax, B&O tax, and severe reductions in property taxes.

2) I call for the creation of a new tax system that creates a simple, flat rate tax which both is progressive, fair and across the board.  This new tax system would be a flat tax of 18%, with a personal deduction equal to Minimum wage times 40 hours times 52 weeks.  For businesses, we would create a new tax structure that separates the tax returns of persons and businesses.  There would be no ability for Business owners to list their business income on their personal taxes.  Owners would be required to itemize their personal withdraws so that those withdraws can be taxed as personal income.  Further, taxes would be levied on profits not gross earnings/receipts to ensure that the money made after bills are paid is taxed.  I do not believe in taxing money people did not make.

3) Property taxes would be reserved exclusively for the county governments, with strict regulations on increases by counties.  Those funds would be earmarked exclusively for county-level spending, and for the funding of schools, local utilities, and local emergency services.  It would also establish guidelines about how much property tax is paid based on income.  Those living in poverty do not deserve to be taxed on their property value, and those situations should be taken into account as such.

4) Lottery proceeds would be exclusively earmarked for education.  No portion of lotto proceeds would be deposited into the general fund.  The money would be prioritized for school districts that are in the poorest areas of the state in need of the most help.  It would also fund scholarships for Higher Education, and be used for school improvements, upgrades, and construction projects.

HealthCare:

1) I am a proponent of Universal Healthcare.  I believe in the establishment of a Single-Payer State-funded system modeled after Medicare.  But, I am realistic and know this will no be a reality for a while.  So I will further any goal or policy that moves us in that direction.  In the mean time, I do call for universal healthcare for all children from womb to 20 years old.  Also, parents who already have health insurance would qualify for a 100% subsidy for the portion of their premiums which pay for their children's healthcare.  All copays, premiums, and other costs associated with that care.  It would establish a division of DSHS that would pay those bills for parents.  All the doctor would have to do is bill the State for the service, and it would be paid.

Employment:

1) I favor a state-wide mandate which would provide 2 weeks of paid medical leave per year after 60 days of employment.  Said leave would accumulate monthly based on the number of hours worked.

2) I favor a state law that further restricts the termination of ill employees.  No employee deserves termination due to being sick.

3) I favor new revisions to union membership and unionization of businesses.  I support reforms that would allow individual businesses to unionize without a vote of the entire company.  So for example, a Walmart Store in our state would be able to unionize without the entire company having to take a vote on it.

Transportation:

1) Collective shared cost is the cornerstone of state unity.  I oppose all tolling and surcharging to use public roads.

2) A state commitment to public transportation state-wide offering 50% matching funds to all public transit authorities.

3) Public infrastructure investment into commuter rail and outsourcing of rail services to Amtrak to utilize the already-existing rail infrastructure.

4) The creation of expressways and bypasses around traffic congested areas to increase the flow of through traffic.

Social Issues:

I am pro-choice, I believe in letting a woman decide for herself what is right for her body.

I am pro-marriage equality, marriage contracts should be available to all couples regardless of sex.

I am pro-religious liberty.  I believe all religions are correct and valid so long as they do not impede another person's ability to exercise their personal rights as a person.

I am for the strict separation of Church and State.  No religious viewpoint should be used exclusively to pass law or create legislation.  Religion and State have no business being bedfellows with each other in the creation or execution of law.

I believe in a strong social safety net, creating a web of protection against the shocks of life from destroying a home and family.

I believe in the fair and just execution of business in this state, and that businesses have a moral obligation to ensure their employees are justly compensated and that the interests of employees are incorporated into the decisions that affect a business.