OLYMPIA… Leaders in the Senate Republican Caucus offered these reactions to today’s announcement by Gov. Bob Ferguson that he will support the proposed state income tax if a rewrite suggested by House Democrats is approved.
From Senate Republican Leader John Braun, of Centralia:
“Washingtonians have voted down an income tax 11 times. That should mean something to the people in charge. Instead, the governor is signaling he’ll sign a bill that moves us toward the very thing voters have repeatedly rejected.
“Don’t be fooled by Democrat rhetoric — this income tax will expand in the future to include everyone. Democrats are leaving themselves that loophole, and the majority leader said they could amend it any time they want to. Similarly, Democrats have included a clause that prevents the public from overturning it through referendum.
“When elected leaders start looking for ways around the will of the people instead of respecting it, that’s a serious problem. It’s no surprise that people do not trust government.”
From Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup and budget leader:
“With all due respect to the governor, his endorsement doesn’t change the fact that this income-tax bill is unconstitutional, unnecessary, unfair and unpopular. If he is serious about making Washington more affordable, then let’s talk about controlling spending instead of more ways to enrich government.
“It seems Governor Ferguson was swayed by the major expansion of eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit. I question whether gifting money back to a single filer with an income of $115,000, as the House rewrite would allow, is the sort of tax relief the people of our state need most.
“Any of the promises Democrats make about an income tax can be easily broken, like a pie crust, because they won’t be protected by the constitution. Also, if spending continues at the rate seen since 2018, the next shortfall could hit $10 billion even with an income tax – which is likely to mean even more taxes and no tax relief. There’s no way to turn this bill into something good, so the best answer is no income tax at all.”
From Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco and assistant budget leader:
“If the governor and majority lawmakers are serious about affordability, the solution isn’t inventing new taxes. It’s setting better priorities and remembering that government doesn’t have its own money — it has yours.
“Many small business owners report their business income on personal tax returns, so a policy like this could hit the very entrepreneurs and job creators who keep our communities strong. And while supporters say this is just a tax on the wealthy, we all know how that story goes: once the door is open, they start reaching into everyone’s pocketbook.
“And despite all their talk about affordability, the end result is the same old formula — more taxes, more government spending, and very little that actually lowers costs for working individuals and families.”
