'Millionaires Tax' Proposal Sparks Sharp Debate Ahead of Tuesday Hearing

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers will take up one of the session’s most closely watched tax proposals Tuesday morning when the House Finance Committee holds an 8:00 a.m. public hearing on Senate Bill 6346, commonly known as the “millionaires tax.”

The bill would impose a 9.9 percent tax on annual income over $1 million. Revenue would flow primarily into the state General Fund to support education, health care, and other services.

The measure is sponsored by several Democratic lawmakers, including 33rd District Sen. Tina Orwall and 34th District Rep. Emily Alvarado, whose districts include parts of the Highline area.

The proposal was discussed Sunday, February 22, during the 33rd Legislative District Town Hall, where Sen. Orwall and Rep. Edwin Obras addressed questions about the state budget and possible revenue options.

Supporters’ View

Supporters argue Washington relies heavily on sales taxes and that the proposal would make the tax system more balanced. They say the measure would affect a small percentage of high earners while generating new revenue for public schools, health programs, and other core services.

In the Highline area, state funding plays a major role in supporting K–12 education, behavioral health services, and public programs that serve local families.

Opponents’ View

Opponents argue the tax could discourage investment, face constitutional challenges, and open the door to a broader income tax in the future.

Critics also say the proposal sends the wrong signal to employers and entrepreneurs in South King County and across Washington.

Dispute Over Public Sign-Ins

The debate has also centered on unusually high numbers of online sign-ins opposing the bill.

Advocacy group Invest in Washington Now alleges that tens of thousands of “con” sign-ins include duplicate entries and impersonations and has asked state officials to investigate.

Opponents reject those claims. In a statement released Monday, Let’s Go Washington founder Brian Heywood said:

“Even with their wildest claims, this is still the most unpopular bill in history. These attempts to minimize the concerns of voters don't change the outcome, it just emphasizes how desperate they are to downplay the clear and historic rejection. Encouraging voters to communicate with their lawmakers is one of the most meaningful activities people can engage with in a representative government.”

As of publication, no formal finding of fraud has been issued.

How to Participate

Residents can sign in as Pro, Con, or Other through the Washington State Legislature’s website before the hearing.

After Tuesday’s hearing, lawmakers will decide whether the bill advances in the House. For Highline residents, the outcome could influence both state funding levels and the broader direction of Washington’s tax policy.