income tax

The move comes just days after the Washington Supreme Court dismissed the conservative-backed group Let's Go Washington's lawsuit challenging the tax.

Brian Heywood's lawsuit challenged the law's inclusion of a clause that deems it “necessary to the functioning of government” and blocks it from being recalled via referendum.

Washington’s Supreme Court has a record number of races up for election, but voter participation is historically low.

Former Attorney General Rob McKenna and the Citizens Action Defense Fund have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Washington’s new income tax on high earners.

The 9.9% tax on incomes over $1 million starts in 2029, funding child care subsidies, tax breaks for low-income families and sales tax breaks, and supporting the general fund.

Democrats and Republicans argued over whether spending and taxing plans will make Washington more affordable. Lawmakers will have to wrangle with a forecast deficit next year.

It would be the state's first-ever income tax. The Senate's final approval came after a historic 25-hour debate in the House.

In a 51 to 46 vote with four Democrats dissenting, the bill now has a clear path to the governor’s desk. If signed into law, it would become the first income tax for the state of Washington.

Gov. Ferguson had previously wavered on his support in the bill’s earlier form, saying the legislation did not include enough to support working families as written.

In a letter to Gov. Bob Ferguson this week, a handful of founders, engineers, and executives say the tax would stifle tech talent and innovation in the region.