Washington House passes income-tax substitute after marathon debate; final vote 51-46

The Washington House approved a gross substitute to Senate Bill 6346 after an extended day-and-night session that included long debates over constitutionality, administrative costs and protections for pensioners.

The final roll call recorded 51 yeas, 46 nays and one excused, and the clerk declared the engrossed substitute passed. Supporters said the measure is structural tax reform needed to pay for K-12, child care, Medicaid reimbursements and an expanded Working Families Tax Credit; opponents said it was rushed, would be subject to legal challenge and risked capital flight.

"As a state, we are struggling to fund these vital services," Representative Berg said in closing remarks in favor of the bill. "This millionaires tax ... is a way to change that and ensure that all Washingtonians are able to live here for the reasons I chose to live here." (Representative Berg)

Backers repeatedly framed the bill as targeted: it taxes income above $1,000,000 while phasing out or reducing several regressive levies and expanding targeted…