Bracing for the Taxalanche

The next few weeks will see an avalanche of tax proposals, most of which will likely go nowhere. But each unveiling may produce some shockwaves.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reaches back in time for this warning in an editorial from earlier this week.

If the famed patriot Paul Revere were alive today, no doubt he would be warning fellow Americans: "The taxes are coming, the taxes are coming."

Gov. Gregoire's tax plan, released Wednesday may set the stage. Today's editorial in The News Tribune carries the apt headline: A tax package to love, hate and stir debate  I doubt, though,  there's much love lost on this thing, as they note:

Republicans and businesses say her plan is irresponsible for raising taxes. Liberal Democrats say it’s irresponsible for not raising more taxes.

TNT editorial writers have the right idea:

Legislators can’t tax themselves out of this hole. A sustainable budget still depends on making meaningful changes to the way state agencies operate. Lawmakers – Democrats and Republicans alike – have put forth some sweeping proposals for reshaping, reorganizing and reforming government. The extent to which they survive the session will indicate how serious the Legislature is about not taking the easier way out.

The Seattle Times takes careful aim at one of the worst taxes in the governor's package.

Let lawmakers know that putting people back to work must be their top priority. Cut, don't increase, employer costs.