Why Voters May Never Get a Say on This Tax
Washington lawmakers introduced a new income tax this week — a 9.9% tax on individual income above $1 million, starting in 2028.
Supporters argue the state’s tax system is deeply regressive, and the data backs that up. Lower-income households pay a much larger share of their income in taxes than the wealthiest residents. That’s a real problem — and it deserves a real debate. But here’s where concerns start to grow.
The bill includes an “emergency” clause that would block voters from challenging the tax through referendum. It also includes a poison pill that would wipe out popular tax relief provisions if the income tax is struck down in court.
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