Summary:
A proposed Millionaire's Tax in Washington State, which would impose a 9.9% income tax on residents earning more than $1 million annually, has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers and small-business owners. Supporters of the tax say it would generate revenue to expand the Working Families Tax Credit and fund education, child care and health care programs statewide. The proposal has passed committee and is under review by the Rules Committee. If enacted, the tax would likely take effect in 2029.
Hundreds gathered Tuesday on the steps of the Washington Capitol to rally in support of a proposed Millionaire’s Tax that would impose a 9.9% income tax on residents earning more than $1 million annually. Supporters say the measure would generate critical revenue to expand the Working Families Tax Credit and fund education, child care and health care programs statewide.
The proposal has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argue it lacks sufficient safeguards for small-business owners. Some opponents warn the tax could eventually be expanded beyond high earners, potentially affecting all taxpayers.
Union workers, caregivers, educators and public employees filled the Capitol grounds with chants, handmade signs and matching T-shirts, calling on lawmakers to end what they described as a regressive tax structure.
State Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, addressed the crowd and said revenue generated from the tax would provide a much-needed lifeline for education systems across the state.
“School is no longer about just reading and writing. It is about helping and saving our students,” Berg said. “This is 100 years of tax code that we are going to fix for the people and by the people.”
“Keep telling your stories. Help me get this across the finish line,” Berg said.
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, also urged supporters to continue advocating for the bill.
“For 100 years it’s been the poorest people who have been holding up the burden. It’s time to put an end to this regressive tax system,” Jinkins said. “The only way we do this is with you. We need you every morning, every day, every night to tell people why this is so important for our future.”
Melissah Watts spoke alongside her adult son, Max, whom she cares for full time. Watts serves as an executive board member of the Service Employees International Union and advocates for people with disabilities. She emphasized the need for investment in home care so people with disabilities can receive the detailed care they need.
“He needs care, and the people who care for him need to be well-trained and well-paid. People who live with disabilities deserve to have a safe future.”
Rep. Natasha Hill, D-Spokane, told the crowd their advocacy has made a difference.
“You all have a lot of influence. We have been able to send a strong message to our legislators and our governor,” Hill said. “When we came back for this session it was quite a different tone than last year. We’re not going back. We’re going to move our tax system towards the future so we can take care of the people of Washington State.”
The proposal passed committee Feb. 9 and is under review by the Rules Committee. The bill must be approved by the House before it can go to the governor for signature. If enacted, the tax would likely take effect in 2029.