Millionaires Tax Battle Heats Up | Seattle News

Governor Bob Ferguson is locked in a high-stakes battle to defend Washington’s Millionaires Tax, facing a repeal effort led by conservative activist Brian Heywood and his group “Let’s Go Washington,” which collected over half a million signatures. The tax, expected to generate $3 billion annually, funds vital programs like education, childcare, and food security — and also includes expanding the Working Families Tax Credit and eliminating sales tax on diapers and health essentials. Ferguson warns that repealing the tax means cutting critical services, while Heywood argues the state’s budget can cover these needs without the tax, claiming funds are misallocated. Surprisingly, some wealthy residents, including tech exec Brian Kirshner, support the tax, saying it’s not about tax cuts but fairness — and repealing it would hurt everyone. Amid rising unemployment — Washington’s second-highest in the nation — Ferguson counters that the state is still improving its business climate, proving the tax doesn’t hinder economic growth. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0870551a0ba856df