WA lawmakers continue debate over 'millionaires tax'
WA House debates millionaires tax
It's an all nighter on the House floor. State representatives have been deliberating the millionaires tax.
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington state lawmakers are pulling an all-nighter in a marathon floor session as they debate a controversial new tax targeting the state’s wealthiest residents.
The proposed "millionaires tax," which would levy a nearly 10% tax on individuals and households earning more than $1 million annually, has kept lawmakers at the Capitol for over 12 consecutive hours.
The session, which began at 5:40 p.m. Monday, continued through Tuesday morning as Republicans introduced dozens of amendments to stall the bill’s progress.
What they're saying:
"The biggest thing I hear... is that this income tax will never remain on millionaires," said Rep. Travis Couture, citing the history of the federal income tax since 1913. "No income tax... has ever just remained on millionaires."
Proponents of the measure argue the tax is a necessary step toward balancing Washington’s tax code and making the state more affordable for the working class.
Dozens rally in Olympia, WA against proposed Washington ‘millionaires tax’
With days left in the legislative session, dozens gathered in Olympia to protest Senate Bill 6346, the proposed "millionaires tax," calling it unconstitutional.
"A household that makes $1.2 million a year... is making $100,000 per month," said Rep. April Berg during the floor debate, noting that such an income exceeds the annual salary of many local police officers and teachers. "There is a responsibility that comes with money and with income."
Gov. Bob Ferguson has previously said the proposed millionaires tax, as written, wasn’t something he could support. However, after additional amendments, the governor is changing his mind. Last week he released this statement:
"I’m glad to say the latest floor amendment to the bill achieves these critical goals and will help make our state more affordable. I will sign this version of the bill," Ferguson said in a statement.
What's next:
The House needs to pass the bill before they can send it back to the Senate, which then would need to approve it. If approved by both chambers, it moves to Gov. Ferguson’s desk for his signature.
The Source: Information in this story came from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle.
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