Your Daily Guide

What’s the Deal With Initiative 645 on Your Ballot?

You’ve probably heard about Initiative 645, which is a measure to repeal the “millionaires tax.” Governor Ferguson signed the tax (formally known as SB 6346) into law in March, 2026. The tax was immediately called unconstitutional by the conservative group Citizens Action Defense Fund. I-645 is being sponsored by Let’s Go Washington and millionaire Brian Heywood, who filed the repeal soon after the bill was signed. And now, Washingtonians are going to vote on whether to repeal that tax.

• What is the millionaires tax? Simply put, Ferguson signed a bill that put a 9.9% tax on an individual earning over $1,000,000 a year. It would affect approximately 21,000 residents and, according to the Seattle Times, ‘In 2029, its first year, the income tax is projected to bring in $2.7 billion. It’s $3.7 billion in 2030, $3.2 billion in 2031, and $3.3 billion in 2032. That’s a grand total — over four years — of $12.9 billion.’ Opponents of I-645, which would repeal the 9.9% tax, say that repeal amounts to a $13 billion tax break for the rich. Proponents say introducing an income tax means it will eventually be applied to all Washingtonians.
• Further reading: Check your mailbox! Your voter guide will have lots of details, including arguments for and against. Here’s a link to the guide if you want to read it now. But, briefly, ‘This measure would decrease funding for public K-12 education, higher education (including universities and community colleges), and ‘human services (primarily healthcare).’ Governor Ferguson has also warned it would hurt childcare.
• Related episodes: First, Ashley breaks down the facts and fiction on the Millionaires Tax here. Then, former host Jane C. Hu talks with contributor Chase Hutchinson about the details on the tax and other efforts to raise funds for the state. Finally, we chatted with the one-and-only Rick Steves about why he supports the millionaires tax.