🤑 Ferguson will sign millionaire tax

WA House Advances ‘Millionaire Tax’ After Marathon Session

Democrats in the Washington House have approved an income tax on households earning over $1 million a year. It is now headed to the Senate for changes and then to Governor Bob Ferguson, who says he’ll sign it. The bill passed after over 24 hours of debate. [Washington State Standard]

• The Details: The tax would impose a 9.9% levy on adjusted gross income above $1 million a year. It will take effect in 2028 and will be adjusted for inflation every two years. It is expected to bring in between $3.5 and $4 billion annually.
• Going Deeper: Proceeds will expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and earmarks 5% for the Fair Start for Kids Act. Sales tax for diapers, personal care products, and many over-the-counter products will be eliminated. Schools will be exempt from paying a new state sales tax on services. Leftover funds will go into the general fund, or to public schools, higher education, and healthcare.
• Failed and Accepted Changes: Numerous amendments were rejected, including putting the measure on a ballot and making it contingent on a change to the state constitution. Democrats did allow an amendment to prevent the tax from being applied to any homes earning below a million dollars. One of the more wild proposals was to prohibit the bill from going into effect until we have an NBA team again.

Library Levy Proposed by Mayor Wilson Will Fund Access 📚

Mayor Wilson is proposing a seven-year, $410 million property tax levy to help fund the Seattle Public Library. More than half the funding will be set aside for maintaining library hours, literacy programs, social services, and expanding security. $60 million will go to the collections, and another $86 million for maintenance. Homeowners will pay roughly 19 cents for every $1,000 of assessed value. For the average Seattle home (around $837K, according to Zillow), that’s approximately $150. [SPL]

No New Detention Centers for a Year 🏛️

On Tuesday, the Seattle City Council passed a moratorium on new detention centers in Seattle. The bill was sponsored by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, and while it is not specifically aimed at immigration enforcement, it will prevent the construction of privately owned and operated new immigration enforcement detention centers, like the one in Tacoma. The Times reports that focusing on general land use also gives the proposal “stronger legal footing.” The PNW hasn’t yet seen an immigration enforcement buildup like the Twin Cities, but ICE arrests climbed to a high at the end of 2025, according to data published Wednesday by the UW Center for Human Rights. [Seattle Times]

Northbound 1st Avenue S Bridge Closed Through Friday 🛣️

Last week, we reported that WSDOT planned to close the northbound lanes of State Route 99 First Avenue South Bridge through Wednesday at 9 am to repair some cracked gates. That closure has been extended to 11:59 pm Friday, March 13, after crews working found that the damage was more extensive than initially thought. A second phase of repair will occur in mid-to-late April, and a third phase is expected in 2027. This is a good time to consult WSDOT’s nice travel time site before you get in the car. [WSDOT]