Seattle Now Tax the wealthy? New session, big questions for WA lawmakers
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Jan 13, 2026 Join Paul Queary, editor and publisher of The Washington Observer, as he dives into the complexities of the new legislative session in Olympia. He discusses the pressing $2 billion budget shortfall and the push for a millionaire's income tax to tackle income inequality in Washington. Queary also touches on the historical Culleton ruling impacting tax legislation and examines innovative proposals like the corporation payroll tax and housing conversion plans. It's an insightful look at how lawmakers aim to reshape the state's financial landscape.
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Two Budget Themes Driving The Session
- Washington's two big budget themes are short-term balancing and long-term tax structure changes.
- Progressives aim to tax the very wealthy to correct regressive state revenues.
Why A Millionaire Tax Is Being Pushed
- Progressives favor a millionaire's income tax because Washington taxes hit the poor harder than the wealthy.
- The proposed tax targets the highest earners to make the system fairer over time.
Legal And Political Hurdles For Income Taxes
- A 1930s state Supreme Court ruling (Culleton) treats income like property and limits progressive income taxes.
- Any millionaire income tax would likely face court reversal and a citizen referendum fight.