UW politicos square off on taxes, immigration
December 1, 2005
The UW College Republicans (UWCR) and the Young Democrats of UW (YDUW) clashed over a progressive income tax in Washington and tuition rates for illegal immigrants during a debate last night before a packed room in Miller Hall.
The two organizations hold debates each quarter to promote discussion of political issues.
YDUW member Robert Blake opened the debate, saying the sales tax in Washington "favors the rich and targets the poor and middle-class. It is, in a word, regressive."
Blake said a progressive income tax -- which taxes wages instead of purchases -- would "lift up the 750,000 people currently living in poverty."
"The sales tax is the most progressive system because every person contributes equally," responded CR President Brent Ludeman.
"The concept of an income tax sends chills through voters -- just ask Ron Sims," Ludeman continued, referring to the King County executive's failed gubernatorial run last year when Sims ran on the platform of establishing a state income tax.
"A progressive income tax penalizes people not for what they consume, but for what they make. Hardly a fair system," Ludeman argued, noting that it is easier to save for college without an income tax.
The second topic was state House Bill 1079, which allows students who have attended three or more years of high school in Washington state to receive in-state tuition. This portion of the debate focused on children of illegal immigrants.
"Out-of-state tuition can often triple the cost of education," said YDUW President Ashleigh Flowers. "Students should not be punished for their parents' illegal actions."
Audience members were mixed as to which side won.
"I'd say the Republicans had them. They supported systematically what they were saying. The other side didn't have logic behind what they were saying," said Courtney Hoffman, who doesn't affiliate herself with either party on campus.
Debates are supposed to show both sides of the issue, senior Lysondra Ludwig said.
"I think they did a really good job of showing both sides," she said. "It was one of the better debates where people got the dialogue."
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