OLYMPIA… Leaders in the state Legislature’s Senate Republican caucus offered these comments following the majority Democrats’ passage of legislation to create a state income tax. Senate Bill 6346 was passed with a 27-22 vote:
From Senate Republican Leader John Braun of Centralia:
“This income-tax bill clearly goes against our state constitution as well as 90-plus years of legal precedent. The Democrats passed it anyway, even though they know the people have also rejected an income tax at every opportunity in those past 90-plus years.
“We learned during today’s debate why the prime sponsor doesn’t seem concerned about constitutionality – he said in so many words that Washington’s constitution is wrong to consider your income as your property. I suspect many in our state would take offense at that, as they should.
“Supporters insist this tax would apply only to high earners. Do they think the people of our state are fools who can’t see the real intent? Because the sponsors refused to refer this to the voters, Republicans offered an amendment to preserve the public’s right to weigh in through a referendum if it becomes law. Washingtonians deserve a clear, direct vote on something this important and expensive. The majority rejected our amendment. It’s undemocratic how they are shutting the public out.
“There also are real economic consequences to consider. In recent years the family employers across our state have faced wave after wave of new taxes. The income tax represents another step in dismantling an economy that had served us well. If we want job growth, economic opportunity, and long-term prosperity, this is not the way forward.”
From Sen. Chris Gildon of Puyallup, Senate Republican budget leader:
“This would be the largest tax increase in our state’s history at a time when Washington is already bringing in record revenue. If the supporters were truly committed to limiting this tax to ‘high earners,’ they would propose changing the state constitution.
“Instead, they passed a bill that could be converted into a universal income tax by changing just a few words – and call that ‘flexibility.’ The people of Washington will see it for what it is – an open door to make this a tax on everyone.
“The supporters also claim this is about fairness. If that were the case, the majority of the projected revenue would be directed toward lowering the cost of living for lower- and middle-income families. Instead, 80 percent of it would be routed straight into the general fund.
“This tax isn’t about reform. It isn’t about relief. It’s about tapping taxpayers to fund even more government that they don’t need. We can’t afford to go down this path.”
From Sen. Nikki Torres of Pasco, assistant budget leader:
“On top of being unconstitutional and undemocratic, this tax is unnecessary. Washingtonians need to know this will not make life more affordable next year or the year after. It does nothing to reduce the regressive taxes that hit working families the hardest. We gave the supporters a chance to exempt diapers from the sales tax, only to have them reject my amendment.
“Although the income-tax bill starts with a claim about investing in K–12 education, health care, and higher education, it also doesn’t dedicate a single dollar to any of those priorities. That language is nothing but marketing.
“The bill includes support specifically for public defense, which is positive, but if funding public defense were truly a priority, the Legislature could address it right now using the record revenue already coming into state government. It doesn’t require an income tax.
“At a time when affordability is the top concern across our state, we should be lowering costs. Unfortunately, the majority decided this is the time to pursue the largest tax increase in state history – which will be coming for everyone in Washington.”