While watching TV, you might start noticing campaign ads for Initiative 645. Initiative 645 aims to repeal the state's "millionaires tax" before a single cent is actually ever brought in from it. The millionaires tax applies to anyone or household making more than a million dollars each year; the... first million dollars of earnings are exempt from the tax, but any dollar made above that threshold will be subject to a 9.9% state income tax come 2029, should it withstand challenges. While fewer than 1% of Washingtonians will pay into the tax, it would earn the state an estimated $3.5 billion each year, which would help keep the state budget well-funded as Washington faces major money shortfalls. Full story here: #komo #komo4 #komonews #seattleshow more

Total propaganda against the repeal by KOMO. There are emails showing there have been discussions by Democrats/DSA leaders about lowering the threshold to 130k soon. They are hiring over 300 people to administer this tax. That number shows it’s their plan to expand the tax beyond millionaires. The DSA/Democrats have also included social security and pensions in the taxable income subject to this tax. Which most people using that to get by, are not millionaires. At some point KOMO you’re supposed to challenge the government’s lies, not shill for them.

California’s Income tax was to “tax the rich”. Now look who has to pay it: people making $28k pay 6%! The same will happen in Washington

Wow @komonews very biased and misleading reporting Did Bob Ferguson threaten you or something?

Have you reported this to the PDC?

1) State income tax is illegal, according to our WA state constitution. 2) It's NEVER going to stay at just $1 million. State pensions will be on the table, weather you make a million or $50k.

This tax will inevitably apply to people earning less than a million too. It’s just a matter of time. And no, voters will NOT get a say. This tax was specifically written to allow for lowering the threshold with a majority vote from our government, not a vote from we the people.

The only thing more embarrassing than working for @komonews, is consuming KOMO “news” and thinking you’re informed. 😬 Everything they write is essentially “everything is wonderful in Seattle and Washington state! Keep voting for democrats and their awesome policies!” I would be absolutely MORTIFIED if someone asked me what I do for a living and I had to tell them I work for KOMO! 😬

There always will be budget shortfalls because Democrat spending is out of control. They don’t even want to stop the massive Fraud to at least curtail some of the bleeding. Everyone will have to file a tax return. And it will be a simple matter to lower the income threshold to address the inevitable overspending.

And once again the propagandists posing as journalists leave out the important part about how the Democrts made sure they could expand it. @grok can you please explain to @komonews (again) how the WA State Income tax can be changed?

It’s a scam, this state does not need anymore of our money. They need to be held liable for all the waste and fraud first..

KOMO, try some journalism instead of pushing your left-wing gaslighting. You know damn well in a couple years everyone will be paying the income tax. On another note, where is the balanced reporting? Is this a KOMO opinion post? Read the Fairness Doctrine.

Under the skin of “millionaire” tax, the state is aiming everyone as the state senate blocked the clause of future cap to extending tax to lower income tax brackets. The Devil is in the DETAILS….

You left out that it's an effing income tax, which, for decades, has been understood to be unconstitutional and rejected by voters multiple times, justified by very high property tax, which won't be lowered. Not only will people move out, but far fewer will move to WA.

"earn" - This is theft of people's earnings. - Starting with millionaires, it will extend to all. - The state doesn't need more money, it needs to better manage the money it already steals. - KOMO is disgusting. - Democrats have governed WA since 1985, the result is a disgrace.

Stop shilling for ripping off the citizenry. Everyone will pay. Fact!

Umm 2 words for Washington state and their unconstitutional income tax SOUND TRANSIT! Washington state wants some money they have plenty of bloated bullshit spending to chop before coming after us

This is the same playbook the federal income tax took. It was only meant for the wealthy…

@komonews this post is disingenuous, and only half of the truth! THIS IS HOW DEMOCRATS BRING IN AN INCOME TAX FOR ALL. If they pass this then within 5 years they will have a budget requirement to extend this to every tax payer!

KOMO a cheerleader for the Democrats. The State is taking in record revenue and they are still in the tank. They have a Liberal spending problem not a funding problem. If I max out all my credit cards and can’t pay them am I not making enough money? Same idiotic Liberal logic

Our grandchildren will be paying this unconstitutional income tax.

I don’t give a damn WHO this applies to — there should be NO income tax in WA state! And anyone who believes that scumbag Dem politicians won’t expand this law to include WAY more than just “millionaires” is either too stupid to breathe properly…or just lying.

omission while "reporting" is just dishonest. Don't tell us the democrats talking pints. Give us facts. Such as no safeguards to prevent an income put on all Washingtonians. That pensions will be subject to income tax. WA state has spending problem not an income problem

Well @komonews and @NatalieFahmy, points on the effort to improve the explanation. Still missed on the most basic point: It's an income tax on all WA income, full stop. A separate section establishes a $1 million standard deduction. Can be reduced by leg. Claim of a vote of the people is an outright lie.

The tax applies to everyone, but there is a “standard deduction” of $1 million. At least for now.

Deep Blue State with stolen elections

WA state constitution does not allow income tax. Why did you omit that?

You might notice KOMO is a supporter of the Democrat Party. What they don’t tell you is the INCOME TAX is unconstitutional and once the liberal establishment has their foot in the door the tax will most likely expand. As a news organization try “reporting” on how Wa State can’t seem to find millions in tax dollars spent receipts , instead of how great this new unconstitutional tax will “help”.

How about we cut State spending and stop looking into ways to generate revenue by taxing. It always start with millionaires tax and no time it will be for all.

Your name says “KOMO News.” In the interest of journalistic accuracy, maybe you should change it “Democrat Public Relations.”

It appears Let’s Go Washington has to pay for YES on 645 campaign ads—but KOMO is advocating the “NO” campaign for free!

If less than 1% will pay why is there a provision to tax every state employee's pension. The unions sold us out. This will be expanded within the next couple of years

A one-year combined withdrawal (401K, 403b, IRA, pension) &/or salary can push a household over the $1 million dollar threshold even if they do not earn a $1 million dollar paycheck.

Its just for millionaires 😂

@komonews what the hell is this? The @fcc should look at your carriage license trying to influence a public election.