Local legislators speak out on legislative session, new state income tax

Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, the assistant ranking member of the Senate Transportation Committee, said not much was accomplished to move road and bridge projects forward in North Central Washington during the current legislative session.

"There are no local projects being done," said Goehner on KOZI Community Connection. "We will not do as much as we had hoped to with preservation, bridge replacements and significant investments. Right now we're falling behind, projected to be a billion dollars a year in actual maintenance."

The 12th District Senator said being in the minority party has been challenging.

"I'm very disappointed for the State of Washington," Goehner shared. "We continue to make commitments that we can't keep. What we've done is created larger burdens. It's very difficult to feel good about what we've done when some of the poor and the most needy among us, their needs are not even being addressed, even though we're spending considerably more each year. That is very troubling to me."

Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, is criticizing House Democrats for passing a state income tax, warning the policy threatens Washington's economic competitiveness and disregards both the state constitution and the will of voters.

Senate Bill 6346 establishes a 9.9% Washington state income tax on certain income above $1 million. While supporters have framed the measure as targeting only the wealthiest taxpayers, Burnett said the bill's structure reveals a broader reality.

"The way this bill is written, it is an income tax on everyone with a $1 million exemption," said Burnett. "Nothing in the law guarantees that threshold will stay there. Once the infrastructure for an income tax is in place, lowering the exemption becomes a simple majority vote. That is why so many Washingtonians are concerned about what comes next."

House Republicans fought the proposal throughout the lengthy debate, offering numerous amendments aimed at reducing costs for working families and ensuring voters would have a direct say in such a major change to Washington's tax system.

Among the proposals were amendments to reduce the tax rate, protect small businesses and pass-through income, lower the state sales tax to provide real relief to consumers, and require that any future reduction of the $1 million threshold be approved by voters. Republicans also proposed a referendum clause to allow the people of Washington to vote directly on the tax. All of those proposals were rejected.

"Republicans spent hours offering practical ideas to lower costs for families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses," said Burnett. "Every single one of those amendments was voted down. If the majority were serious about affordability, they had the opportunity to prove it. Instead, they doubled down on a brand-new tax."

Burnett also raised concerns about the constitutionality of the measure. Washington courts have long interpreted income as property under the state constitution, which requires uniform taxation of property and limits how it may be taxed.

"Washington's constitution has clear protections when it comes to income taxation," said Burnett. "Those protections exist for a reason. If lawmakers want to fundamentally change our tax system, the honest and transparent way to do that is through a constitutional amendment and a vote of the people."

Burnett said Washington voters have repeatedly rejected income tax proposals at the ballot box and should have the opportunity to weigh in again before such a sweeping policy takes effect. He said he's received more contact from constituents on the income tax bill than any previous legislative proposal.

"The phone calls, emails, and personal requests for me to oppose and fight against this unnecessary, unconstitutional, and unpopular income tax have been off the charts. Major changes to our tax system should never be forced through Olympia without the consent of the people," said Burnett. "Washingtonians deserve the final say on a decision this significant."

Rep. Mike Steele, R-Chelan, released the following statement on his "no" vote:

"Washington families are already struggling with the rising cost of living-from housing and groceries to fuel and utilities. Passing a new income tax moves our state in the wrong direction and risks making Washington even less affordable for the people who live and work here. At a time when residents are asking the Legislature to lower costs, this policy does nothing to help low- and middle-income families trying to balance their budgets. And once an income tax is created, there is no guarantee it will not eventually expand to everyone.

"We often hear that Washington's tax system is regressive. This proposal does not fix that problem-it simply adds another tax. Despite the bill's intent language, most of the revenue generated would flow into the state's general fund. We offered 53 amendments to improve the bill, all but two were rejected.

"This policy also sends the wrong message to employers, innovators, and investors who help drive our economy. Washington has long benefited from a competitive tax structure, and creating a new income tax introduces uncertainty that could discourage investment and job creation across our communities."

Legal challenges to the measure are widely expected. The annual state legislative session is scheduled to conclude on Thursday.