Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda unveiled a big business tax proposal called “JumpStart Seattle” today that would raise $200 million per year from the wealthiest companies in the city. A handful of business, labor, and nonprofit leaders joined Mosqueda, who chairs the Budget Committee, during the announcement and voiced support.
While the proposal would raise less money that the “Tax Amazon” proposal backed by Councilmembers Kshama Sawant and Tammy Morales, the coalition behind it appears broader. Unlike Tax Amazon, Mosqueda’s proposal is not an emergency ordinance, so it can be passed without Mayor Jenny Durkan’s signature via a veto override. It needs six votes.
“Everybody who we’ve spoken to over the last couple of months had come to same conclusion,” Councilmember Mosqueda said. “Our community is hurting. Our economy is tanking. We cannot wait for the Feds or the State to step in. We have to act now to help Seattle.”
