The NFL draft is just a few weeks away and free agency is winding down. Given off-season developments, it’s relevant to note all the attractions the Seattle Seahawks have to offer free agents (as the Washington Policy Center recently did).
A key advantage rears its head when players ask the club to “show me the money.” Washington State’s lack of a state income tax is often credited for granting a competitive advantage for attracting businesses. The same goes for professional athletes. When the free agent signing period opened, Forbes reported:
“While NFL GMs and coaches strategize their free agent game plan this week, the biggest advantage teams get may be decided in state legislatures.
“Free agency officially opens Tuesday, and a massive factor in where players sign are state income tax rates. Teams in states with low or no income tax have a huge advantage in that they can offer vastly more money to prospective free agents.”
But, if Washington Democrats get their way, the Seahawks would lose their competitive advantage. Democrats have long pushed for a state income tax.
As Shift reported, a state income tax is listed as a “guiding principle” for the Washington State Democrat Party. Democrat lawmakers propose state income tax bill during every legislative session.
It’s an unhealthy obsession that would have far-reaching , and very negative economic implications, even for our sports teams.
Go Hawks.
