EPISODE · Sep 25, 2025 · 20 MIN
Microsoft President DESTROYS Washington's 35% Tax: 'Driving Jobs Away'
from News For Reasonable People · host Sean Reynolds
Washington state just enacted one of the largest tax increases in state history, and even Microsoft's president is calling it insane. $9.2 billion in new taxes, including a brutal 35% estate tax that makes Hawaii's 20% look reasonable – at least Hawaii has beaches! We break down how Washington's tax-happy legislature is driving businesses and billionaires away, from Jeff Bezos saving $1 billion by fleeing to Florida to 61% of businesses citing taxes as their reason to leave. Microsoft's Brad Smith didn't mince words: if you're going to charge premium prices, you better deliver premium results. But Washington keeps throwing more money at failing programs while taxing everything from business operations to literally dying in the state. Meanwhile, progressive think tanks are publishing studies claiming the wealth exodus is a "myth" – tell that to Bezos and his billion-dollar tax savings.Is this what voters actually wanted when they elected these tax-obsessed politicians? How long before even big tech says enough is enough? The cavalry isn't coming to save Washington businesses – they're on their own in this progressive tax wonderland.
What this episode covers
Washington state just enacted one of the largest tax increases in state history, and even Microsoft's president is calling it insane. $9.2 billion in new taxes, including a brutal 35% estate tax that makes Hawaii's 20% look reasonable – at least Hawaii has beaches! We break down how Washington's tax-happy legislature is driving businesses and billionaires away, from Jeff Bezos saving $1 billion by fleeing to Florida to 61% of businesses citing taxes as their reason to leave. Microsoft's Brad Smith didn't mince words: if you're going to charge premium prices, you better deliver premium results. But Washington keeps throwing more money at failing programs while taxing everything from business operations to literally dying in the state. Meanwhile, progressive think tanks are publishing studies claiming the wealth exodus is a "myth" – tell that to Bezos and his billion-dollar tax savings.Is this what voters actually wanted when they elected these tax-obsessed politicians? How long before even big tech says enough is enough? The cavalry isn't coming to save Washington businesses – they're on their own in this progressive tax wonderland.
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Microsoft President DESTROYS Washington's 35% Tax: 'Driving Jobs Away'
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