Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Earlier today, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced that he supports the changes the House of Representatives has proposed to the income tax and will sign the bill if the House passes it.
Senate Bill 6346 proposes an unconstitutional income tax — the kind of income tax Washingtonians have rejected repeatedly. It levies a 9.9% income tax on everyone, with a temporary deduction for those earning less than $1 million.
All it will take to expand the tax to everyone is for majority Democrats to amend it during a future legislative session. The bill also contains a clause that prevents the people from overturning the tax through referendum.
The House’s changes add some tax relief, but they also add what we refer to as a “poison pill,” repealing all of that tax relief if the the people repeal the income tax at any point (e.g. – through initiative).
This development is deeply disappointing. The governor previously demanded that $1.6 billion of the income tax revenue be returned to taxpayers. As amended, the bill provides less than half of that amount.
It’s discouraging that the governor has once again backed down from his claim to protect taxpayers. By ignoring that the bill is unconstitutional and prevents voters from overturning it through referendum, the governor and the majority are disrespecting the people. By not acknowledging how the income tax will affect our economy, Democrats look indifferent to reality.
When elected leaders start looking for ways around the will of the people, that’s a serious problem. It’s no surprise that people do not trust government.
Tell the governor that his decision is wrong for Washington and demand that he veto SB 6346.
Call upon the governor to VETO the income tax.
If you have any questions or comments, email me or call my office at (360) 786-7638.
Sincerely,
John Braun
Cuts to the “Running Start” college program
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A bill passed in the Senate this week (Senate Bill 6260) would cut $14 million from the program that allows high school students to earn an two-year college degree at the same time they earn their high school diploma.
It’s called “Running Start,” and in 2024, the Legislature passed a Republican bill that expanded the popular program so that 10th graders could participate.
Students in the program get free community college tuition, but must pay for fees, books and supplies.
Those who complete the program get a leg up toward earning a four-year degree, allowing them to finish college earlier with less student debt than if they waited until after high school to begin their post-secondary education.
Chris Reykdal, the superintendent of public instruction, criticized the cuts to the dual-credit program, saying that they “starve students” of future opportunities. His office estimates the cuts will affect 7,000 kids annually.
Running Start is an important pathway to an advanced degree, making college possible for many who can’t afford four years of tuition. Because they can apply to a university as transfer students, the likelihood that these students will be accepted to a good school increases.
Unfortunately, this same bill cuts $32 million from the transition to kindergarten program.
This is a bad bill and it’s disheartening that when Democrats are forced to cut spending, they look toward education. It’s all about priorities.
LISTEN: My meeting with the governor
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LISTEN
In this episode of Elephant in the Dome, I share what was discussed in the meeting, where negotiations stand, and why Republicans believe the proposal could affect families, businesses, and Washington’s economy.
The conversation also covers concerns about the state operating budget, potential future deficits, and legislation aimed at protecting children from fentanyl exposure.
In this episode:
∙ What happened during the meeting with the governor
∙ The latest developments in the income tax debate
∙ Concerns about the proposed state budget
∙ How tax policy could impact businesses and economic growth
∙ Efforts to address fentanyl exposure among children