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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I want to make you aware of an important development regarding Senate Bill 6346, the majority party’s proposal to create a state income tax in Washington. This legislation would impose a 9.9% income tax on individuals with Washington taxable income over $1 million, including married couples earning $1 million combined, not individually. The tax would begin in January 2028 and is projected to raise $3–4 billion annually.
Despite being framed as a “millionaires only” tax, this proposal would capture many small business owners and job creators who file taxes as individuals. It also amends the voter-approved prohibition on a state income tax, effectively creating an exception to a law Washingtonians supported just last year.
Voters in our state have rejected a state income tax ten times, and even proponents have acknowledged that residents should not assume it would remain limited in the future. It’s very likely to eventually expand to more people, changing Washington’s tax system over time.
Additionally, high earners and investors might leave the state for places with lower taxes, which could mean less investment, job creation, and charitable giving here. Because many small businesses file taxes through personal income, the tax could hit business owners and make it harder to grow or hire. Revenue from high-income taxes can also fluctuate during economic downturns, making budgeting less predictable. Lastly, it could make Washington less competitive and potentially discourage long-term investment, innovation, and economic growth.
Make Your Voice Heard During the Next Public Hearing
SB 6346 has passed the Senate, with three Democrats joining all 19 Republicans in voting against this policy. The bill is now scheduled for a public hearing before the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, February 24, at 8:00 a.m. I strongly encourage you to share your opinion, as thousands of people have already done, as shown in the chart below.
There are several ways for you to participate. You can testify in person in Olympia, remotely via Zoom, or by signing in on the legislative website to register your position as “pro” or “con” without testifying. Use the links below to participate:
Register to testify in-person or remotely
Submit your position for the legislative record
Please share your input and let the Legislature know where you stand on this policy. Washington does not have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. According to analysis from the Washington Policy Center, a state income tax raises serious constitutional concerns and risks harming economic growth, jobs, and our state’s long-standing competitive advantage as a no-income-tax state. Once created, it becomes far easier to expand over time.
I will continue opposing policies that increase taxes and make Washington less affordable for families, workers, and small businesses.
Stephanie McClintock
