Editor’s note: This article was updated with new information from Olympia. Last updated: March 11 at 7:44 a.m.
OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Washington State House of Representatives passed the controversial millionaires tax bill yesterday, after lawmakers passed amendments that added free meals for K-12 students and expanded sales tax exemptions.
The state House began a discussion of roughly 80 proposed amendments to SB 6346 at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 9.
Gov. Bob Ferguson said he would sign the bill as proposed on Friday only if those two amendments were added.
Republicans, including Rep. Drew Stokesbary, argued the bill is unconstitutional, and the tax could eventually apply to all Washingtonians.
“If you say you’re only going to tax people who make a million dollars, then put your money where your mouth is, and put it in the constitution,” the state Representative said Tuesday. “Otherwise, I’m pretty sure, I’m going to be full of shame, and in another few years, we’re going to be hearing about another pie-crust promise, because as we have heard time and time again, a tax on anyone today is a tax on everyone tomorrow.”
Democrats have a 60% majority in the House, with most of the votes for amendments dividing along party lines.
The house resumed its session after a 15-minute break on Tuesday afternoon, after over 23 hours of near-constant debate.
The bill now heads to the Senate for a final vote before it heads to Gov. Ferguson’s desk.
