For decades, Washington has held an unfortunate title: having one of the most unfair tax systems in the country.
Despite being home to some of the world’s richest people, our tax rules are outdated and hit regular folks the hardest. Now, a new plan to tax annual income over $1 million at 9.9% has sparked claims that it is a "trick" or a hidden way to raise taxes on the middle class.
But the real problem is pretending our current system is fair or sustainable, or that asking the ultra-wealthy to pay more somehow harms everyday workers.
Opponents often use the "slippery slope" argument, claiming that taxing millionaires today means the middle class will pay tomorrow. This argument is effective, not because it is true, but because Washington residents have seen new taxes hit them hardest for decades. After years of unfair taxes, it makes sense to be wary of new tax proposals.
Washington relies heavily on sales and excise taxes, which means working families pay more, while the wealthy pay less as a share of their income. When people see their cost of living go up every time the state needs money, it is no wonder that "tax" feels like a bad word.
Anti-tax groups use this fear, pushing the idea that protecting millionaires protects the middle class. But this argument keeps the system unfair and prevents us from demanding real change.
The truth is, working families in Washington pay the biggest share of their income in taxes. Someone earning $40,000 a year pays a much bigger percentage of their income for state services than someone making $4 million. That’s what makes the system “upside-down.” Taxing millionaires isn’t about punishing success. It is the first step toward giving middle-class families a break.
Some critics say the state just has a "spending problem." But Washington’s population has grown by almost a million people since 2014. We cannot serve a modern, growing state with old, outdated tax rules. We have more kids in schools, more traffic, and greater needs for mental health and housing support. Cutting budgets alone will not fix these challenges, especially while the wealth gap keeps growing. Our communities need real investment.
Some opponents point to a court decision from the 1930s, saying an income tax is not allowed in Washington. But laws change and courts can adapt to new times. Recently, the court upheld a tax on capital gains, showing that interpretations can change. Challenging old legal ideas is not about ignoring voters. It is about making sure our laws work for today’s world, not just the past.
A tax on income over $1 million is not a "bait-and-switch." It is a reasonable way to make sure those who have benefited most from our economy help pay to keep it strong and affordable. Instead of protecting only the wealthiest few, Washington’s families deserve a system that lifts everyone. For too long, the state has provided sanctuary to the ultra-rich. Now is the time to invest in the people and communities that make Washington great and to build a better future for everyone who calls our state home.
Rob Richards is a Navy veteran and former congressional staffer who has been an active community member in Thurston County for over two decades. To submit an opinion piece to Thurston Chronicle, email news@thurstonchronicle.com.
