Father Of Microsoft Mogul Promotes Tax Hike For Washington State's Wealthy

By Samira Sadeque

Bill Gates Sr., the father of Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates, Jr., has thrown his support behind a ballot initiative in Washington state that would tax the income of individuals who make $200,000 by up to nine percent.

“It’s a proposal to reform Washington’s state’s tax code which is ranked dead last in terms of basic fairness,” Gates said during a conference call with reporters Wendesday morning.

The initiative, I-1098, puts a 5 percent tax on income for individuals making over $200,000 and a 9 percent tax if a person’s income exceeds $500,000.

Gates argued that by passing the initative, the middle class and small business community would be shielded from tax hikes. Gates added that it would act as a “vital investment” for the state’s educational and health care systems.

Gates, sr. is an attorney in the state.