I'm a millionaire living in Washington. I'm happy to pay more in taxes — it helps everybody.

Summary: Victoria Hattersley is a retired millionaire living in Washington state, but she didn't always have money. Growing up, she shopped at discount stores while her friends went to fancy malls, and as a young mom, she even had to rely on food banks. Later in life, she and her husband made a fortune working in the pharmaceutical industry and investing in the stock market.

Now, Victoria is loudly supporting a new Washington state bill that would put a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million. She admits that getting rich involves a lot of luck, not just "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." She believes that extreme wealth inequality is dangerous for society and even calls the constant greed of the ultra-rich "excessive wealth disorder." By making the top 1% pay their fair share, the state can help everyday people afford basic needs like housing, healthcare, and daycare. Victoria says a healthy society is better for everyone.

For more details, see Business Insider at businessinsider.com/washington-millionaire-tax-wealthy-support-paying-more-2026-3 (opens in new tab)

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