🤑 Is it time for WA’s first income tax?

Gov. Ferguson Not Ready to Approve Millionaires Tax

On Tuesday, lawmakers in the House and Senate rolled out their proposal for the “millionaires’ tax,” which, if enacted, would be Washington’s first income tax. It would tax 9.9% of income over $1 million. But, less than two hours before legislators rolled out their proposal Tuesday morning, Gov. Ferguson, who previously signaled his support, released a statement saying he did not support the bill in its current form. Currently, about 7% of the recurring revenue from the tax would be sent back as regular tax relief to working people. Gov. Ferguson said this isn’t enough: “We need to have the largest tax break for small business owners in state history. Full stop.” [Washington State Standard]

• How Does It Work? Democrats say the tax will be paid by around 20,000 households and would raise $3.7 billion. As written in the bill, that money would fund tax relief for small businesses and low-income families. It would also repeal some sales taxes on products like soap, toothpaste, antiperspirants, and sun tan lotions. Some money from the income tax would also go to counties to cover the costs of public defenders for people who can’t afford lawyers. [KUOW]
• Support Divided Along Party Lines: Republicans came out hard against the bill, saying, “It’s millionaires today, and the rest of us tomorrow.” With majorities in the House and Senate and Gov. Ferguson, Democrats have the power to pass the tax over GOP opposition. They also say public opinion is in their favor, pointing to signals like voters in 2024 upholding a tax on capital gains. [Washington State Standard]
• Tax Wouldn’t Apply Until 2028: Democrats say they plan to create a bill Gov. Ferguson will agree on before the session ends in a little more than a month. Regardless, the tax won’t be imposed until January 2028 and not collected until the following year or even later. [KUOW]

The Best Seattle Sports Year Ever? 🏈

With the Seahawks going to the Super Bowl after 11 years and the Mariners winning the American League West after 24 years, the 2025-2026 season for sports in our city has been one for the books. There’s really never been a better time to jump on the bandwagon, if you haven’t already. [Seattle Met]

Little Free Music Library Opens In Lake Forest Park 🥹

Thanks to 17-year-old high school senior Araya Trujillo, Lake Forest Park’s nonprofit gathering space, Third Place Commons, now has an intricately painted Little Free Music Library. Part of her journey to becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting America, Araya handbuilt the library and stocked it with vinyl, CDs, and cassette tapes to be shared. “Enjoy the music—and keep paying it forward.” Araya said. [KNKX]

The Stream Buried Under a Columbia City Park 💧

In Columbia City’s Columbia Park, there’s a metal placard that reads “A Stream once meandered through a ravine on the path you are about to walk.” Environmental journalist Hanover Vale spoke to Seattle's history keepers and, through interviews with three water historians, helped find the story of the buried stream. [South Seattle Emerald]

New Bill Could Turn Stagnant Malls Into Residential Space 🏘️

Senate Bill 6026 has been attracting attention because it could pave the way for mixed-use development. The bill could require any Washington city with more than 30,000 residents to allow residential development by-right on all commercially zoned land. The bill is getting extra attention because it has been talked about favorably by Microsoft president Brad Smith and advocacy groups with ties to former Governor Chris Gregoire. [The Urbanist]