Hundreds of students at Gonzaga University and Washington State University this week participated in Washington Policy Center’s Young Professionals debate series. “The Great Tax Debate” sought to inform and educate college students and young professionals on one of the most contentious public policy topics currently debated. And judging by a real-time, post-debate survey, it succeeded.

Students at Gonzaga and WSU heard from two panelists arguing in favor of more conservative tax policy, and two panelists arguing in favor of more progressive tax policy. They debated everything from income taxes to carbon taxes to sin taxes and the possibility of no taxes at all.

The goal of the panelists was to try and sway opinion in the room to their point of view. 

Both during and toward the end of the debate, we asked those in attendance to take a survey to see if they were successful. 

Here are the combined results of the events:

• After hearing the arguments presented at the debate, I am now more open to changing my views on taxation.
  • Strongly Agree/Agree – 44%
  • Neither Agree nor disagree – 30%
  • Disagree/Strongly Disagree – 27%

• The winners of tonight’s debate were the panelists on the side of:
  • More Progressive taxation – 33%
  • More Conservative taxation – 67%

• After hearing tonight’s discussion, I am in favor of:
  • More Progressive taxation – 30%
  • More Conservative taxation – 60%
  • No changes in taxation – 10%

• The arguments presented at tonight’s debate are arguments I have never heard before on a college campus.
  • Agree – 82%
  • Disagree – 18%

The results of the last question are perhaps most startling. Events like “The Great Tax Debate” should be exactly what college is all about – giving students the opportunity to hear from and be exposed to both sides of a political argument. 

WPC is thrilled our Young Professionals clubs at Gonzaga and WSU were able to help bring a civil and engaging discussion to each campus. We wish to thank KAYU and KHQ's Kjerstin Bell for moderating the Gonzaga discussion, and Evan Ellis of Pullman's KQQQ radio for leading the discussion at WSU.