Washington state Democrats in Olympia accidentally emailed their revenue plans and internal talking points on tax hikes to all members of the upper chamber. The document, titled “2025 Revenue Options,” contains proposals for an 11% tax on ammunition and firearms, reclassifying storage unit rentals, and lifting the property tax levy for certain residents. A PowerPoint presentation included in the message provides guidelines on the best way to discuss taxes with constituents, discouraging phrases like “tax the rich” and suggesting alternatives such as “funding,” “providing,” and “ensuring.”
Another proposal is the introduction of a “capital assets ownership tax,” extending real estate-type taxes to holdings in financial instruments like stocks and bonds. Lawmakers are directed to identify the “villains” blocking progress and outline how to take action to solve issues. The documents also criticize the current tax code, which benefits big corporations and the wealthiest few. Despite promises from Democrats during the election cycle, the plans include 10 new taxes on residents, a move that some argue may be unconstitutional.
Seattle radio host Jason Rantz highlighted the contradiction between the proposed tax hikes and promises made by Democrats during the election. He argues that capital gains taxes, like those proposed in the document, may discourage growth and lead to reduced job opportunities, exemplified by the departure of Amazon founder Jeffrey Bezos from Washington state. The incoming Democratic Governor, Robert Ferguson, faces criticism from State Rep. Travis Couture, who described outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee’s budget proposal as unserious, stating that the state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
The leaked documents present a detailed plan for revenue options in Washington state, including 10 new taxes on residents, such as a tax on firearms and ammunition. The proposed capital assets ownership tax extends real estate-type taxes to holdings in financial instruments like stocks and bonds, aiming to ensure that wealthy Washingtonians are taxed on their assets. Critics argue that these tax schemes contradict promises made by Democrats and may have negative consequences on economic growth and job opportunities in the state.
The leaked documents also provide guidelines for lawmakers on how to discuss taxes with constituents, suggesting phrases like “funding,” “providing,” and “ensuring” rather than “tax the rich.” The presentation encourages lawmakers to identify the villains blocking progress and calls for an update to the current tax code, which benefits big corporations and the wealthiest few. As Washington state Democrats prepare to implement these new tax proposals, critics argue that they may be unconstitutional and could worsen the affordability crisis in the state, despite promises made during the election cycle.
The proposals have sparked controversy and backlash from critics who argue that the state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Democrats are facing scrutiny for proposing new taxes during a time of record revenue in the state. Some fear that these tax hikes may discourage economic growth and lead to consequences like job losses, as seen in the case of Jeffrey Bezos leaving Washington state for Florida. The incoming Democratic Governor is also facing criticism for his budget proposal, which some lawmakers describe as unserious. The leaked documents have raised questions about the future of tax policy in Washington state and the impact it may have on residents and the economy.
