Democrats hide income tax behind bogus ‘necessity’

Washington Democrats are once again trying to impose an income tax that voters have rejected nearly a dozen times. This time, they are not only pushing a so called millionaires tax, they are also trying to shield it from voters before it even takes effect. And finally the The Seattle Times took notice.

Lawmakers paired the proposal “with a contentious ‘necessity clause’ that could limit voters’ ability to challenge the law at the ballot box.” The move is not subtle. It is a defensive measure because they know it would be rejected.

Senate Bill 6346 would impose a 9.9 percent tax on income above 1 million dollars starting Jan. 1, 2028. First payments would not be due until April 2029. Legislative staff estimate it would raise 3.5 billion dollars annually. Democrats insist it is needed to prop up a tax system they consider regressive. Critics point out that voters have repeatedly said no to an income tax.

Washington income tax history voters keep saying no

Late to the game, The Seattle Times acknowledges the obvious political problem. Critics, the paper reports, “point to Washington voters’ history of rejecting income tax proposals at the ballot box, saying the Legislature should not sidestep that history.”

Yet that is exactly what Democrats are doing. Buried in the bill is language declaring the tax “necessary for the support of the state government and its existing public institutions.” Under the state constitution, laws deemed necessary cannot be suspended by referendum. The tax does not begin for years. Payments are not due until 2029. Calling that immediate necessity stretches the word beyond recognition.

Too bad left-wing media can’t muster of the courage to aggressively push Governor Bob Ferguson and Democrat leaders on this clear abuse of power. Covering it after it passed the Senate is lazy journalism.

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