Republican leaders warn a proposed state income tax could push more residents and businesses to leave Washington, worsening affordability concerns. John Sattgast reports from Olympia.
At a Republican leadership media availability Tuesday in Olympia, lawmakers warned Washington risks losing employers and taxpayers if a Democrat-proposed statewide income tax becomes law.
House Republican Deputy Leader Chris Corry says many small business owners already fear what comes next.
“People know that this is not going to stop at millionaires… this will not be a millionaire’s tax for long… immediately impacting small businesses… and I’ve got a lot of people that are scared about that.”
House Republican Floor Leader April Connors says she’s seeing signs of people leaving the state already.
“I just got another email this week… that they’re done and they’re moving to Montana. And I’m getting this weekly at this point in time.”
Republican leaders argue higher taxes and rising costs are driving families and employers to look outside Washington as debate continues over the income tax proposal.
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