March 11, 2026
Millionaires, start your U‑Hauls?
WA income tax clears House after 24-hour debate
After 24-hour brawl, WA House OKs millionaires tax — comment section splits and sizzles
TLDR: After a 24-hour slog, Washington’s House passed an income tax on earnings over $1 million, sending it to the Senate next. Commenters are split between celebrating a fairness fix for schools and fearing talent flight, loopholes, and punishing work—plus memes about paying “a dime” if you’re $1 over the line.
Washington just staged a political marathon, and the finish line set the internet on fire. After more than 24 hours of coffee-fueled debate, the state House squeaked through a “millionaires tax” (51–46, with eight Democrats crossing over), teeing up a final Senate vote next. Gov. Bob Ferguson called it “truly historic,” while supporters say it will finally fund schools, health care, and child care in a state long criticized for a regressive tax system.
Online? Pure chaos. Pro-tax voices cheered, with one commenter breaking it down to meme form: “If you make $1 over a million, you pay a dime.” Others fired back that an income tax “disincentivizes labor” and leaves truly wealthy wealth (stocks, assets) mostly untouched, urging corporate or capital-gains taxes instead. The big drama thread: will millionaires flee? One user warned that high earners will just change residency or restructure income, while another lamented that Seattle’s no-income-tax mystique was part of its hiring allure. Meanwhile, the timing of the Starbucks CEO reportedly decamping from Washington drew raised eyebrows and conspiracy emojis.
Add in jokes about sleep-deprived lawmakers running on Costco muffins, and you’ve got a comment section doing laps. Whether you see it as fairness at last or a welcome sign for moving trucks, the mood is loud, divided, and extremely online. Read the bill here and bring your popcorn.
Key Points
- •The Washington House approved an income tax on annual earnings over $1 million with a 51-46 vote.
- •Eight Democrats joined all Republicans in opposing the bill after a debate lasting more than 24 hours.
- •Roughly 80 proposed amendments, mostly from Republicans and some Democrats, were mostly rejected.
- •A final Senate vote could occur as early as Wednesday; Gov. Bob Ferguson has pledged to sign the bill.
- •Supporters say the tax would address a regressive tax code and raise billions for schools, health care, and child care.