The Cost of Disparity: How State Tax Policies Fuel the Racial Wealth Gap

Speaker: Melissa Hellmann / Racial, gender and economic inequality reporter / Center for Public Integrity

Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” And if you’re a Black American, it’s almost certain that you’ll pay a higher percentage of your income in taxes than white people. The racial wealth gap has persisted, in part, due to state tax policies. Journalist Melissa Hellmann will share what she’s learned while reporting on economic inequality for the Center for Public Integrity. She’ll discuss the discriminatory history behind tax codes, how Washington’s system exacerbates inequality, and possible solutions.

Open to all students

Amplifier Requirement: Tier I: Resource Workshop

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