Washington Millionaire Backs Wealth Tax for Top Earners

A 70-year-old Washington retiree, Victoria Hattersley, advocates a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million, proposed to take effect in 2028 with first payments in 2029. In an as-told-to interview, she describes rising from modest means to wealth through a pharma career and stock options, rejects the bootstrap myth, and argues that excessive inequality harms society and that the wealthy should pay their fair share to fund healthcare, daycare, and other public goods. She notes the plan would affect less than 1% of residents and could bolster small businesses and social programs while reducing societal and cultural instability caused by inequality.