NFIB's Patrick Connor Challenges Claims WA Income Tax Repeal Would Cut Funding

Could repealing Washington state's millionaire's tax really mean cuts to education and healthcare? Patrick Connor, Washington State Policy Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), is challenging that argument. Connor questions how the state could characterize the loss of future income tax revenue as a funding cut when the money has not yet been collected or allocated to specific programs. “How can you cut something when you haven't brought in the money?” Connor asked. He also argues that even if the tax generates billions of dollars annually, there is no guarantee that schools or healthcare programs will receive meaningful funding increases. According to Connor, Democratic lawmakers rejected several amendments intended to direct revenue toward specific purposes. He also warns that the millionaire's tax's $1 million threshold could eventually be lowered, potentially affecting more taxpayers. Connor questions whether an additional $3 billion to $4 billion in annual revenue would satisfy Washington lawmakers' spending priorities. The comments highlight the ongoing debate over Washington's millionaire's tax, income tax repeal, education funding, healthcare spending and government accountability. Subscribe to The Center Square for more Washington tax news, state budget coverage, economic policy reporting and government accountability.