State Watch

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

WA House Finance Committee Passes Income Tax Bill: Floor Vote Set for Next Week

By Ryan FrostThe House Finance Committee passed ESSB 6346 on a 9-6 vote, with only one Democrat, Rep. Walen, voting against the proposed 9.9% income tax. This despite over 100,000 people signing up in...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Internal Emails Reveal the Real Plan for a Statewide Income Tax

By Ryan FrostThe sales pitch for Democrats’ proposed 9.9% income tax is a polished, oft-repeated one: it will finally lower “regressive” taxes for the working class and willonlyever apply to millionai...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Supplemental Budget Proposals Include an Income Tax, a Pension Raid, and More Spending

By Ryan FrostOn Sunday, House Appropriations Committee Chair Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) and Senate Ways & Means Committee Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) released their respective 2026 supplemental opera...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Lawmakers Want to Raid Police & Firefighters Pensions to Cover Spending

By Ryan FrostFor the second year in a row, the legislative majority in Olympia is treating Washington's pension funds like a piggy bank to paper over their spending problems.

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Are you a public employee with a pension? The income tax is coming for you too

By Mark HarmsworthWashington state's push for a new income tax under Senate Bill 6346 (SB 6346) represents a dangerous shift in fiscal policy, one that not only introduces a 9.9% tax on high earners b...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Senate Bill 5496 - When governments tell you what you can buy and sell

By Mark HarmsworthWashington state's housing crisis is real. High home prices, limited supply, and families squeezed out of homeownership. But the legislature's response in Senate Bill 5496 (E2SSB 549...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Senate shenanigans: Income tax debate, double-standards

By Elizabeth NewWatchSenate floor debateover the as-of-yet unconstitutional income tax that Washington state lawmakers have proposed inSenate Bill 6346. Spoiler alert: The Democratic-led Senate ended ...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

State lawmakers considering a bill to make health care less affordable

By Elizabeth NewMaking it difficult or unlikely that health care workers get paid for their services does not make health care more affordable in our state. It shifts some people’s costs onto others, ...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

SB 5838 would add tribal members to the State Board of Natural Resources, decoupling accountability from stewardship of state lands

By Todd MyersSenate Bill 5838 would add two tribal members to the Washington State Board of Natural Resources, diluting accountability for the stewardship of state trust lands.

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Democrats signal retreat on the death tax as exodus fears mount

By Mark HarmsworthRecent articles from the Seattle Times, one on the wealth tax, the other on the Seattle head tax, underscore a growing reckoning in Washington state. Now it seems even the most arden...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson thinks the residents she represents are Filthy Rich'

By Mark HarmsworthMayor Katie Wilson's blunt assessment suggests progressive taxes on high earners are sustainable and lucrative. While highlighting revenue surprises, Seattle Times reporter, Danny We...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

From Hate Free' to Anti-Immigrant: The Shift in Jayapal's Farmworker Policy

By Pam LewisonWhen OneAmerica, originally called Hate Free Zone, was formed by U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, prior to her current role, it was “in response to anti-immigrant hate,” according to ...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

If It's "Only Millionaires," Why Not Bet on It?

By Todd MyersThe legislature says the proposed state income tax will only impact millionaires.Anyone who has been paying attention knows that isn’t true. And I’m willing to put my money on the line to...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

The soda tax proposal is back and it's still a tax grab

By Elizabeth NewAn old idea for a statewide tax on sweetened beverages is back on repeat.House Bill 2734was filed Feb. 6, 2026, and it’s sitting in the House Finance Committee. It’s late in the season...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

SB 5292: PFML tax bill looks like a trap

By Elizabeth NewMost people want their savings and investments to work for them. But majority lawmakers in Washington state want your savings and investments to work for other people — funding paid ti...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Allowing longer-term debt won't solve Sound Transit's light rail problems

By Charles PrestrudThe legislature is considering a bill that would allow Sound Transit to issue bonds with 75-year maturities. If approved this will fundamentally change the plan voters approved in 2...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Common-Sense Fixes to the Income Tax Bill Rejected in Committee

By Ryan FrostSenate Democrats on the Ways & Means Committee voted down every Republican amendment to the proposed 9.9% income tax, refusing even modest improvements that would have protected taxpayers...

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Washington Parental Rights Battle Goes National: What's at Stake in 2026

By Vicki MurrayWashington's parental rights initiative heads to 2026 ballot after legislators refuse hearings. National implications for education policy.

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Fact Checking Pro-Income Tax Claims

By Ryan FrostWhen a policy idea is sound, the facts speak for themselves. But when a policy idea is bad, it has to be sold, often using tactics and messaging designed to obscure the truth.

Washington Policy Center Washington 8/10 ?

Another favor for unions at the expense of taxpayers, workers

By Elizabeth NewThis disappointing bill may receive a floor vote.House Bill 2091is a favor to unions at the expense of workers and taxpayers. It violates employee privacy and makes it easier to keep p...

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