The editorial cartoon in the Jan. 13 edition takes an unfair shot at taxation in our state. It helps perpetuate the myth that our state taxes are too high or too burdensome. In fact, our state taxes are both inadequate and regressive.

Our taxes are not too high. They are arguably too low. Over the past 40 years the national average for state and local taxes is 10.6 percent of personal income. Washington’s average is just 9.38 percent. As a result, we collect $5 billion a year less than the average state does. As a result, we’re not spending nearly enough on public services like education, transportation and mental health.

It is no wonder that the Washington State Supreme Court is holding our Legislature in contempt for failure to adequately fund basic education. The state spends $30.55 per $1,000 of personal income (2013 figure) on education. The national average is $37.11 per $1,000. We spend $2.2 billion less each year than the average state and rank 46th out of the 50 states.

While no one, myself included, enjoys paying taxes, they are necessary to pay for public services. We need to do better. Our legislators need to figure out how to raise the money to fund education and do it in a way that is fair to all, both rich and poor. So, if you want to address taxes in our state, please give us the facts and not myths.

Phil Defliese, Mercer Island