Republican Calls Out New Millionaire Tax
Washington State Senate Republican Leader John Braun is pushing back hard against a proposal from Democratic lawmakers to impose a new tax on the state’s highest earners, arguing the measure could damage Washington’s economy and violate the state constitution.
Speaking Saturday on Newsmax TV’s Saturday Agenda, Braun criticized the plan—often described by supporters as a “millionaires’ tax”—as unnecessary and legally questionable.
According to Braun, the proposal reflects what he believes is flawed economic thinking by the Democratic majority in Olympia.
“This is simply the wrong direction for Washington,” Braun said during the interview. “It’s unconstitutional, it’s unpopular, and it isn’t needed if lawmakers would manage the state budget responsibly.”
Democrats Push for New Tax on Wealthy Residents
Democratic lawmakers have been discussing a plan to target the state’s highest-income residents with a new tax designed to generate additional government revenue. Supporters argue the policy could help fund public programs and address what they describe as inequities in Washington’s tax system.
Washington is one of the few states in the nation that does not impose a traditional personal income tax. Instead, the state relies heavily on sales taxes and other consumption-based revenue sources.
Advocates for the new tax argue that this structure places a heavier burden on lower- and middle-income families while allowing wealthy residents to contribute proportionally less.
They say increasing taxes on high earners could help fund priorities such as education, housing initiatives, and social services.
Braun: Voters Have Rejected Income Taxes Repeatedly
Braun strongly disputed the idea that Washington voters want such a change.
He pointed out that previous attempts to introduce an income tax have repeatedly failed at the ballot box.
“The state constitution clearly prohibits an income tax,” Braun said. “And voters have rejected the idea again and again.”
According to Braun, Washington voters have voted down income-tax proposals 11 separate times over the years.
“Eleven times the people of Washington have made their position clear,” he said. “They’ve told Olympia lawmakers ‘no.’”
Republicans Say Spending, Not Taxes, Is the Problem
Braun also accused Democratic leaders of pushing the proposal for political reasons rather than financial necessity.
“This feels more like a power move than a serious fiscal solution,” he said. “Instead of raising taxes, lawmakers should focus on responsible budgeting.”
Republicans in the state legislature have argued that Washington’s budget challenges can be addressed through better spending discipline rather than creating new taxes that could drive wealth and investment out of the state.
Critics of the tax also warn that higher taxes on top earners could discourage business growth or encourage wealthy residents to relocate.
Proposal Likely to Spark Legal and Political Battle
If Democratic lawmakers move forward with the proposal, it could face a difficult path in both the legislature and the courts.
Legal experts say any attempt to impose an income-style tax in Washington could immediately trigger constitutional challenges.
With both legal questions and political opposition looming, the debate over taxing high earners is expected to remain a major issue in Washington state politics in the months ahead.
