Part 4/12:
Despite this failure, lawmakers are now considering making such taxes statewide. The political leadership, including some of the most left-leaning figures, is pushing these proposals in hopes of funding social programs like housing, healthcare, and food assistance through the "Well Washington Fund." However, critics argue that these are token measures; the taxes are ultimately paid by businesses, which pass the costs onto workers and consumers. It becomes a cycle of increasing burdens on the very economy that should be fostering growth.