Income Tax Repeal Gains Momentum Statewide + Budget Issues Raise Questions About Future Tax Hikes

Washington's income tax repeal effort continues to gain momentum, with Let's Go Washington reporting more than 242,000 signatures collected in just three weeks. Supporters say the campaign is on pace to shatter previous signature-gathering records as organizers work toward qualifying the measure for the November ballot. The initiative would repeal the state's newly approved 9.9% income tax on earnings above $1 million. The show also examines reports of harassment involving petition signature gatherers as election-season tensions continue to rise. A recent incident outside a Safeway store prompted a police response and has drawn attention to the increasingly contentious debate surrounding ballot initiatives. Meanwhile, Spokane County leaders are considering a potential sales tax increase as they confront a projected $30 million budget deficit. Officials warn that without additional revenue, cuts to public safety and other services may be necessary. At the same time, Senate Republican budget leader Chris Gildon is warning that Washington's broader fiscal challenges stem from excessive spending rather than a lack of tax revenue, renewing debate over the state's long-term financial outlook. #IncomeTax #IncomeTaxReform #LetsGoWashington #ChrisGildon #WashingtonPolitics #Taxes #Taxpayer #SpokaneCounty #BudgetDeficit #SalesTax #WashingtonBudget #Election2026 #GovernmentSpending #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare