Income Tax Proposal Sparks Major Debate in Olympia as Session Nears Final Stretch

A busy week in Olympia was capped off today with a hearing on a proposal to enforce the first state income tax in over 90 years. Not only does this call into question the entire tax structure in Washington State, but it has significant impacts to home building. While proponents attempt to convince the public that it will only apply to the very wealthy, we know that a tax on someone today is a tax on everyone tomorrow. Time after time taxes the legislature has voted to broaden the collection of taxes. When asked why Washingtonians should trust that the legislature won’t expand the income tax as well, even State Democrat Representative Larry Springer said, “they shouldn’t.” This is bad policy, for the wrong reasons, at the wrong time.

You can see more information on SB6346.

Elsewhere, positive bills we reviewed in committee, including EHB 1345 supporting detached ADUs in rural areas, SHB 2418 to streamline permit review, and HB 2141 putting a pause in the State Building Codes. There’s 34 days left in the legislative session, and we need your voice! You can check out more information at BIAW’s take action center to take action, check out the Legislative Broadcasts for more in depth analysis, and sign up for the Tuesday Morning Briefing Calls.