9th District Representatives vote ‘no’ on Democrat proposal to create new state income tax on high earners

Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, and Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, issued the following statement today after Democrats in the Washington State House of Representatives passed an income tax on high earners after a House floor debate lasting more than 24 hours:

“The proposal to impose a so-called ‘high earners income tax’ takes Washington in the wrong direction.

“For decades, our state has benefited from not having a personal income tax. That policy has helped attract businesses, investors, and families who want to build their futures here. When government starts targeting success with new taxes, people and investment eventually start looking elsewhere.

“The question we have is simple: how many people do we have to drive out of this state because of high taxes and a bloated state government before we decide to change course?

“Supporters say this tax will only apply to millionaires. But once the door to an income tax is opened, it rarely stays limited to the group it was originally promised to target. A ‘high earner’ tax today easily becomes a tax on everyone tomorrow.

“House Republicans offered amendments that would have protected taxpayers and increased transparency. We proposed requiring voter approval if the $1 million threshold is ever lowered. We offered a referendum clause so Washingtonians could vote on this tax immediately. And we proposed requiring the state to notify workers if the threshold ever drops below $1 million.

“Every one of those proposals was rejected.

“At a time when families are already struggling with rising costs, Washington should be focused on affordability and responsible spending – not creating new taxes that risk driving jobs, investment, and opportunity out of our state.”

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov