The following opinion piece is co-authored by ILWU Local 23 President Scott Mason and Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe:

Unfortunately, as if the competitive threats from other ports aren’t enough, we now face a new threat from within our own state.

The Legislature has introduced a dramatic increase in the state business and occupation tax on the companies that load and unload cargo, as well as the public utility tax on the companies that move that cargo through the state.

It’s an idea that couldn’t come at a worse time. Other states are doing just the opposite.

Let’s grow the economy – which generates more taxes – instead of putting up new barriers that restrict economic growth.

Read the full opinion piece in the News Tribune