Manweller, House Republicans seek to ban state income tax

February 15, 2017

Voters in Washington have rejected a state income tax nine times. Yet the issue continues to come up repeatedly as a potential source of revenue in the state Legislature. Now a group of House Republicans wants a permanent ban. John Sattgast reports from Olympia.

SATTGAST: How many times do Washington voters have to say “no” to an income tax before Olympia finally gets it? Yet Governor Inslee and legislative Democrats continue to push for a tax on capital gains income. And the state Supreme Court has hinted it might favor a state income tax.

Ellensburg Representative Matt Manweller and 37 other House Republicans say “enough!” They say legislation introduced this week would settle the issue once and for all.

MANWELLER: “The people have spoken repeatedly about an income tax. They've said 'no' every time. But I'm very nervous about the court which has been dropping this message that even though the income tax might be unconstitutional, they might be open to it. I dropped a constitutional amendment specifically banning income tax in the state of Washington.”

SATTGAST: If approved, House Joint Resolution 4207 would go before voters in November. Manweller is hoping it would finally settle the debate of whether Washington should or should not have a state income tax.

The measure has been referred to the House Finance Committee.

John Sattgast, Olympia.