Washington GOP Leaders Reject Proposed State Income Tax, Warn of Economic Harm

House Republican leader Drew Stokesberry and Senate Republican leaders held a press conference on the second day of the 60‑day legislative session to oppose a proposed state income tax and criticize the governor's State of the State.

"They are marching in lockstep on the idea of a state income tax," Stokesberry said, arguing the governor's proposals represent a departure from earlier statements and urging skepticism that a tax limited to millionaires would remain narrow over time. Stokesberry pointed to recent changes in state fees and taxes as evidence that new levies often expand beyond initial promises.

Senate Republican leader John Bridal said affordability is the top issue this year and argued the state should pursue "less taxes, less regulation, and less government involvement" to spur economic growth. Bridal said his caucus doubts the votes exist for a constitutional amendment to enact an income tax and called moving such a complex change through a 60‑day session "a stretch."

Republicans said even if a so‑called "millionaires" tax were approved, it would not affect the current budget biennium and would not be a quick fix for an immediate deficit. They also argued prior tax increases had failed to deliver expected revenues and left the state with a larger supplemental shortfall.

The GOP leaders urged alternatives to new income taxes, including reallocation of existing funds and targeted relief, and cautioned that using the rainy day fund repeatedly would undermine the state's AAA bond rating. They said their caucus would oppose any income‑tax proposal they believe ultimately broadens tax burdens on working residents.

The press conference concluded with GOP leaders signaling they would contest the income‑tax push in the coming weeks of the session.