House passes income tax on millionaires after marathon debate; key amendments rejected

The Washington State House passed an amended engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346 late in the day, approving a new, graduated income tax on high earners and a package of tax changes and relief measures by a final vote of 51 yeas to 46 nays.

Proponents framed the bill as structural tax reform that will shift funding away from regressive levies and provide targeted relief and new investments for schools, child care and health care. "This is a way to change that," Representative Berg (speaker 23) said in final remarks, arguing the code has not kept up with the state's growth and that the measure would bring "structural reform." Representative Mena (speaker 43) said the measure would expand the Working Families Tax Credit and exempt many grocery and hygiene items from sales tax.

Opponents warned that the bill is constitutionally vulnerable and will prompt capital flight and harm employers and rural economies. Representative Orcutt (speaker 14) cited Washington precedent and said the state should not rush a measure that may be found unconstitutional; Representative Penner (speaker 33) and others said the bill’s protections (including the $1,000,000…