Rep. Brian Burnett criticizes passage of state income tax after marathon House debate
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Rep. Brian Burnett criticizes passage of state income tax after marathon House debate
Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, is criticizing House Democrats for passing a state income tax after a marathon floor debate that stretched more than 24 hours, warning the policy threatens Washington’s economic competitiveness and disregards both the state constitution and the will of voters.
Senate Bill 6346 establishes a 9.9% Washington state income tax on certain income above $1 million. While supporters have framed the measure as targeting only the wealthiest taxpayers, Burnett said the bill’s structure reveals a broader reality.
“The way this bill is written, it is an income tax on everyone with a $1 million exemption,” said Burnett. “Nothing in the law guarantees that threshold will stay there. Once the infrastructure for an income tax is in place, lowering the exemption becomes a simple majority vote. That is why so many Washingtonians are concerned about what comes next.”
House Republicans fought the proposal throughout the lengthy debate, offering numerous amendments aimed at reducing costs for working families and ensuring voters would have a direct say in such a major change to Washington’s tax system.
Among the proposals were amendments to reduce the tax rate, protect small businesses and pass-through income, lower the state sales tax to provide real relief to consumers, and require that any future reduction of the $1 million threshold be approved by voters. Republicans also proposed a referendum clause to allow the people of Washington to vote directly on the tax.
All of those proposals were rejected.
“Republicans spent hours offering practical ideas to lower costs for families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses,” said Burnett. “Every single one of those amendments was voted down. If the majority were serious about affordability, they had the opportunity to prove it. Instead, they doubled down on a brand-new tax.”
Burnett also raised concerns about the constitutionality of the measure. Washington courts have long interpreted income as property under the state constitution, which requires uniform taxation of property and limits how it may be taxed.
“Washington’s constitution has clear protections when it comes to income taxation,” said Burnett. “Those protections exist for a reason. If lawmakers want to fundamentally change our tax system, the honest and transparent way to do that is through a constitutional amendment and a vote of the people.”
Burnett said Washington voters have repeatedly rejected income tax proposals at the ballot box and should have the opportunity to weigh in again before such a sweeping policy takes effect. He said he’s received more contact from constituents on the income tax bill than any previous legislative proposal.
“The phone calls, emails, and personal requests for me to oppose and fight against this unnecessary, unconstitutional, and unpopular income tax have been off the charts. Major changes to our tax system should never be forced through Olympia without the consent of the people,” said Burnett. “Washingtonians deserve the final say on a decision this significant.”
Senate Bill 6346 now moves forward in the legislative process as legal challenges to the measure are widely expected.
