WA Income Tax Study Warns of Job Losses & Economic Damage + Brandi Kruse Beats Seattle

A new Washington income tax study warns of major economic consequences, journalist Brandi Kruse scores a legal victory in her public records fight against Seattle, and the heated WA-03 congressional race takes a personal turn. In Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square examines the latest developments involving Washington's millionaires tax, Initiative 645, government transparency, taxpayer accountability and the 2026 congressional elections. STORY 1 — WASHINGTON INCOME TAX COULD COST ECONOMY $2.50 FOR EVERY $1 COLLECTED, STUDY SAYS A new report from the Washington Policy Center and Buckeye Institute estimates that Washington could lose up to $2.50 in economic output for every $1 collected through the state's income tax. Washington Policy Center Tax and Budget Policy Director Ryan Frost discusses the report's projections for economic growth, business investment and employment. The study examines Washington's 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million and the potential consequences for the state's economy. The findings come as voters prepare to decide Initiative 645 on November 3, which would repeal the income tax. Opponents of I-645 argue that repealing the tax would eliminate approximately $13 billion in projected revenue intended for education, health care and other state priorities. Frost challenges that argument, questioning how future projected revenue should be characterized in the debate over current government services. STORY 2 — BRANDI KRUSE WINS MAJOR PUBLIC RECORDS BATTLE AGAINST SEATTLE The Washington Supreme Court unanimously declined Seattle's appeal in a years-long public records dispute involving journalist and unDivided host Brandi Kruse. The case began after Kruse sought public records relating to former Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis and his unexpected 2023 vote against a proposal addressing public drug use. Kruse challenged the city's handling and timing of her public records request, including records scheduled for release after the 2023 primary and general elections. After an initial loss in King County Superior Court, Kruse and the Citizens Action Defense Fund prevailed before the Division I Court of Appeals. Seattle appealed, but the Washington Supreme Court has now declined to take up the case. The dispute returns to the trial court for further proceedings involving attorney fees and potentially penalties. The Center Square examines the implications for Washington's Public Records Act, government transparency and taxpayer-funded legal spending. STORY 3 — JOHN BRAUN CONFRONTS MARIE GLUESENKAMP PEREZ IN HEATED WA-03 DEBATE Washington's closely watched 3rd Congressional District race takes a personal turn as Republican state Sen. John Braun clashes with Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez during a debate hosted by KATU. The confrontation centers on a campaign advertisement involving a fatal workplace accident at Braun Northwest, the Chehalis-based company operated by Braun. Perez criticized Braun's treatment of the employee's family, while Braun strongly disputed the characterization. "This is a new low for Marie," Braun said, before demanding an apology. The exchange highlights the increasingly contentious WA-03 race as Republicans seek to flip the southwest Washington congressional seat. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Washington Income Tax Economic Warning 01:23 — Ryan Frost Discusses Business and Economic Consequences 02:35 — Initiative 645 and the $13 Billion Revenue Debate 03:31 — Washington Policy Center Challenges Revenue Claims 05:32 — Brandi Kruse Public Records Victory 06:12 — Andrew Lewis and Seattle Drug Policy Vote 06:57 — Public Records Request and Election Timing 08:18 — Brandi Kruse Responds to Court of Appeals Victory 08:56 — Washington Supreme Court Rejects Seattle Appeal 09:57 — Citizens Action Defense Fund Responds 11:14 — WA-03 Congressional Debate Turns Personal 12:31 — Controversial Braun Northwest Campaign Advertisement 14:25 — Perez and Braun Clash During Debate 14:44 — Braun Calls Advertisement a "New Low" 15:14 — Braun Demands an Apology 16:06 — Stakes of Washington's 3rd Congressional District Race GET WASHINGTON NEWS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE Important decisions in Washington state can be easy to miss. The Center Square delivers concise updates about what happened, why it matters and what it could mean for you. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 to receive Washington news updates approximately twice a week. Subscribe to Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Washington politics, taxes, business, government transparency, public safety and taxpayer accountability. #WashingtonIncomeTax #Initiative645 #BrandiKruse #WA03 #MarieGluesenkampPerez #JohnBraun #WashingtonSupremeCourt #WashingtonPolitics #TheCenterSquare