Washington State's tax system relies heavily on dollars from the poor. The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports:

The study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy -- which is affiliated with the liberal-leaning Citizens for Tax Justice -- found that the poorest 20 percent of Washingtonians pay 17.5 percent of their income in taxes each year, while the top 1 percent pay just 3.3 percent.

This is radically different than in other states, because Washington has no income tax. Most state revenues come from sales taxes, which affect the poor the most.

Sales taxes are considered regressive because they fall more heavily on poor people, who typically spend nearly all their money on everyday necessities.

Adding to the burden are so-called "sin taxes" on tobacco and alcohol, which also fall heavily on the poor. Washington has one of the highest cigarette taxes of any state.

Clearly, a state income tax is needed, so that the rich will start paying their fair share. Why should the poor pay 17.5% when the rich pay only 3.3%.