Implementing an income tax is the wrong direction for our state and would will ultimately harm our ability to solve state challenges in education, social services, law enforcement and housing by reducing our competitive advantage and discouraging the expansion of businesses, high-tech job growth and entrepreneurial initiative that has helped our state achieve record revenue and stability.
We are already seeing examples of long-term, iconic businesses (foundational to Seattle's history and evolution) and their owners leaving. This trend is certain to get worse if this bill is signed into law.
Governor Ferguson promised that he would only sign the income tax bill if it significantly improved affordability for residents, provided free school meals and dedicated education funding and reduced taxes on small businesses. The reality: the bill delivers none of these things permanently. It offers a fraction of the tax relief the governor said was the minimum required. Worse, the assumptions in the current budget guarantee future deficits and new pressures to expand the income tax. This income tax leaves non-millionaires vulnerable to taxation, and while it claims "intent" for school lunch funding on one hand, the Legislature diverted $400 million from school construction funds with their other hand.
Our state constitution prohibits these kinds of taxes in clear and plain language. Voters have clearly said NO to income taxes many times over many years.
A state income tax will not solve Washington’s problems; it will add to them.
Let’s work together for affordability in Washington and put our state on a path of competitiveness, growth and innovation. Tell Governor Ferguson to veto the costly income tax and keep Washington income tax-free.
