Washington's Millionaire Tax Clears House Amid Fierce Opposition
Washington state lawmakers have advanced a controversial tax on high earners after a lengthy debate. The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 6346, targeting annual personal income over $1 million. The proposal now heads back to the Senate for final approval as the legislative session nears its end.
Critics, including business groups and opposition leaders, have raised concerns about its impact on small firms and the state's competitiveness.
The bill cleared the House following a 24-hour debate, with amendments requiring Senate review before it can become law. Lawmakers must finalise the measure before the session concludes on Thursday.
Opposition has been vocal. Patrick Connor, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, argued that small businesses reject the tax. Americans for Prosperity warned it could harm families, workers, and local enterprises. AWB President Kris Johnson added that the policy might push business owners to relocate to lower-tax states. House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary clashed with Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon over claims about the tax's constitutionality. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader John Braun linked the proposed levy to recent high-profile departures, including former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. Schultz and his wife moved to Florida after nearly 50 years in Washington, though he cited broader concerns about the state's business environment rather than the tax itself. The Washington Roundtable and other business coalitions urged leaders to prioritise the state's economic competitiveness. Their joint statement highlighted fears that the tax could weaken Washington's appeal to employers and investors.
The bill now returns to the Senate for a final vote. If approved, it will impose a 1% tax on personal income exceeding $1 million annually. Business groups continue to warn of potential relocations and economic consequences as the deadline for legislative action approaches.
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