After a 25-hour marathon debate, the Washington state Legislature passed legislation to instate a “millionaire’s tax.”
“We did it!!!” Rep. Natasha Hill, of Spokane, wrote to supporters about the income tax set to begin in 2028.
“This is a monumental step toward economic justice and greater equity and opportunity in our state,” she continued.
Below is Rep. Hill’s address to lawmakers during debate:
There’s a myth floating around today and yesterday. The Capitol will leave Washington. This whole concept of capital flight. The truth is, millionaires would pay more in other states, Madam Speaker. Even our youth today appreciate when we talk about the difference between six, seven figures. And that this only applies to .25% of Washington’s population, meaning 99.75% are not going to be paying this tax.
Those making six figures or less, Madam Speaker, pay less in Washington. If you’re making about 60 K to 120 K a year in Washington, you don’t pay any income tax. Over in Idaho, you’re paying about $3,400 to $6,800. If somebody is making over seven figures, they still pay less. For example, if you’re making $1.2 million here in Washington, you’re only paying, you get that 1st Milli free and you’re only paying taxes on the 200 grand, about 20,000. Over in Idaho, you’re going to be paying about 68 K.
This is more progressive and fair than any of our neighbors. Idaho, Oregon, California. Oregon has the 9.9% on that first dollar, like we’ve talked about. They’re just not giving that free Millie like we’re doing here in this bill.
41 other states have an income tax, red states, blue states, purple states. California, Rhode Island, and Illinois considering similar taxes on their highest earners. Massachusetts and Minnesota already passed a tax on high earners. And all the terrible predictions that we’re hearing about people leaving those states, it didn’t happen.
This is why you’ve heard us voting down amendment after amendment after amendment. In Massachusetts, the number of millionaires increased by over 30% in the years after passage.
Leaving a million here, a million there. The revenue they gained has fixed bridges, funded bus routes, hired teachers, and made community colleges and school meals available to all.
Spending has increased with population and cost of living, spending to maintain a safety net for all. I believe we have the ability to earn over a million in wages that we’d be happy, Madam Speaker, you and I, to pay this tax to help us maintain and continue to build a safety net for all Washingtonians.
So, I’m voting yes for fairness and economic justice. For the wheat farmers in Eastern Washington, to the oyster farmers by the Hood Canal, which I learned, Madam Speaker, is a fjord, and the only fjord we have in the Lower 48. Yes, for working parents who need affordable childcare.
When I look across state, I see in the east, I see, you know, we have an urban center in Spokane, but we’re very rural in my region. We go to the West, and there’s coastal regions, and there’s a lot more urban metropolitan centers. And what I see, Mr. Speaker, is that we have more in common than we have different.
I also see how much life has changed, not just for me, but across Washington State since 2016, and I want to leave you, Mr. Speaker, with a poem that means a lot to me and folks in my district who are supporting this bill.
This is a quote from an author who has helped define science fiction writers in the Black community, who has some eerie reflections in some of her writings. And she tells us that, all that you touch, you change. And all that you change changes you. And the only lasting truth is change.
Vote yes with me on this, Mr. Speaker, so we can move this bill forward, and we can get the change we need for Washingtonians across our state.
Other important bills to watch for
Alongside the passage of the millionaire’s tax, the House also advanced several important bills that support communities across Washington, including right here in Spokane. These bills are now heading to the governor’s desk.
HB 1974: Expanding Tools for Affordable Housing
HB 1974 gives communities new tools to acquire land and plan for affordable housing before development pressures make it too expensive. This helps cities like Spokane plan ahead and create more housing options for working families.
HB 2416: Recognizing the Role of Waste-to-Energy Facilities
HB 2416 addresses how waste-to-energy facilities are treated under Washington’s climate program. Facilities like Spokane’s play an important role in managing waste while reducing landfill emissions, and our policies should recognize that contribution while continuing to move toward a cleaner future.
HB 1750: Protecting Voting Rights
HB 1750 strengthens Washington’s voting rights protections and helps ensure every community has a fair voice in our elections. The bill provides clearer pathways for addressing voting barriers and reinforces our state’s commitment to accessible and equitable participation in democracy.