Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is proposing a $45 million property tax hike to renew a program that provides public funding to political campaigns.
MyNorthwest.com reports the proposed tax would be levied over 10 years for the funding of the Democracy Voucher Program, which was created in 2015 and implemented with the 2017 election. Harrell estimated the tax would cost homeowners will be roughly $12.20 per year.
“The Democracy Voucher Program is a first-of-its-kind public campaign financing system which aims to increase participation, reduce the influence of big money in politics and make the city’s elections more accessible and transparent,” said Harrell’s office in a press statement.
The proposal will be presented to the Seattle City Council for consideration. If approved, it will be voted on during the city’s August primary.
