Washington State Legislature Passes Controversial 9.9% Millionaires Tax as Session Concludes Today

Washington State's legislative session nears its close today, March 12, with the controversial millionaires tax dominating headlines. After a record 24-and-a-half-hour House debate, Democrats passed the bill 51-46, imposing a 9.9 percent tax on income over one million dollars starting in 2028, affecting about 30,000 households. The Center Square reports House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon dismissed constitutionality concerns, leaving that to courts, while Republicans like Leader Drew Stokesberry decried it as a seismic shift. The Senate approved its version earlier, and Governor Bob Ferguson plans to sign it soon, directing revenue to universal K-12 school meals, child care, tax credits, and affordability measures, per Fox 13 Seattle and KATU. Business groups, including the National Federation of Independent Business, oppose it, citing harm to small businesses, and note Starbucks' new office in Tennessee amid tax unfriendliness. Conservative journalists Randy Hoarffman, Ari Hoffman, and Jonathan Choe lost their federal court bid for Capitol press credentials, denied due to opinions; their attorney vows appeals, according to The Center Square. Housing advances include SB 6026, expanding development in commercial zones, passing both chambers for Ferguson's signature, and HB 2266 easing zoning for supportive housing. Privacy bill SB 6002 regulating license plate readers also cleared hurdles with bipartisan support. Economically, the tax fuels deficit talks, while cannabis license fee hikes advanced. No major employment shifts reported, but session delays from tax debates risk special session rumors. Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 reopened after spinouts, per WSDOT, with no ongoing weather crises. Looking Ahead: Expect budget votes, bill reconciliations, and governor's tax signing amid lawsuits and initiative threats; session ends today, but special session whispers persist. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.