The Income Tax - SB 6346
Democrats introduced their income-tax bill on day 23. They have attempted to brand it as a “millionaire tax” in line with their ongoing, progressive-socialist “make the wealthy pay more” messaging.
In reality, the 9.9% tax applies to everyone, with a temporary deduction for those earning less than $1 million per year. Democrats rejected an amendment to limit the tax only to millionaires. A House Democrat even said not to trust those that say the tax won’t expand to everyone.
Last year, Democrats voted to pass a ban on an income tax the state and local levels. This year, the majority leader called that vote a “pie crust promise” — easily made, easily broken.
Gov. Ferguson supports the tax but says SB 6346 “does not come close” to including the tax relief he wants. Will he sign it if it ends up on his desk? We’ll know soon enough.
Democrats Want an Income Tax
Democrats are pushing SB 6346, a 9.9% income tax on earnings over $1 million.
They call it “fair,” but history shows income taxes always expand.
This is the most significant tax proposal in decades.
It was rushed through with limited public notice.
Unpopular and Unconstitutional
Unpopular
- Voters have rejected an income tax at every opportunity for 90+ years, including the most recent attempt in 2010 (Initiative 1098), which failed with 64% voting NO.
- Over 100,000 Washingtonians signed in against SB 6346, making it the most unpopular bill ever introduced.
Unconstitutional
- Washington’s Supreme Court struck down income taxes multiple times, starting with Culliton v. Chase (1933), ruling that income is “property” and a graduated tax violates the uniformity clause. Subsequent attempts in 1934 and 1935 were also invalidated.
Read the Washington State Constitution
What They’re Not Telling You
- 95% of revenue goes to government spending—not tax relief.
- Marriage penalty: Couples pay more if married.
- Exemptions can be removed with a simple majority vote.
- Rushed process: Only 2½ days’ notice for hearings.