Washington voters to review 9.9% tax on millionaires

Legislature acts, voters get the next decision

Washington voters will get a direct say on the 9.9 percent income tax on millionaires approved by the state Legislature. The ballot decision will allow voters to accept the tax or reject it.

The Legislature’s approval marked a significant change in state tax policy. Washington has long resisted imposing income taxes, making the new tax a departure from that tradition.

Lawmakers have already taken the legislative step to establish the tax. The next step belongs to voters, whose decision will determine whether that action remains in place. Acceptance would preserve the Legislature’s decision, while rejection would repeal the tax.

The policy question

The ballot question concerns a specific tax rather than a candidate or political office. Its central issue is whether Washington should retain a 9.9 percent income tax that applies to millionaires.

The measure places tax policy directly before the electorate after legislative approval. That gives voters a choice between keeping the state’s new approach and returning to the policy that existed before lawmakers acted.

The debate falls within the broader issue of the economy and jobs because it concerns how Washington raises money through its tax system. The facts here do not establish how the tax would affect employment, investment or individual economic decisions.

The public vote will serve as a review of a major change in Washington’s approach to taxation. Its result will decide the future of this tax without resolving broader questions about other possible income taxes or state revenue policies.