UW Tacoma: Gates Sr., Gorton to debate I-1098

The University of Washington Tacoma announced today it will host a debate between Bill Gates Sr. and former Senator Slade Gorton on the issue of Initiative Measure No. 1098 on Mon., Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. at Philip Hall. Billed as the “Great State Income Tax Debate,” the event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, UW Tacoma’s Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, and City Club of Tacoma. The event is free, but seating is limited. Tickets are required. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. A reception will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. To register, visit https://catalyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/bjaiteh/110390 . Initiative 1098 concerns establishing a state income tax and reducing other taxes. According to the official initiative summary, this measure would establish a tax on “adjusted gross income” (as determined under the federal internal revenue code) above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples or domestic partners filing jointly; reduce the limit on statewide property taxes by 20 percent; and increase the business and occupation tax credit to $4,800. The tax revenues would replace revenues lost from the reduced levy and increased credit. Remaining revenues would be directed to education and health services.