Overview
- Let’s Go Washington filed a supplemental brief with the state Supreme Court that leans on internal emails to back its push for a voter referendum on the 9.9% tax for income above $1 million.
- The brief highlights a note from Solicitor General Noah Purcell advising that an emergency clause could block a referendum, which the group says shows state lawyers guiding a path around voter review.
- Nearly 1,000 pages of emails show bill sponsor Sen. Jamie Pedersen seeking to “force” the high court to revisit Culliton v. Chase, with Attorney General staff suggesting edits to keep the case focused on overturning the income-as-property rule.
- The Attorney General’s Office said it routinely advises lawmakers and will defend the law in court, while a separate lawsuit led by Citizen Action Defense Fund argues the tax violates long-standing constitutional limits.
- The tax takes effect in 2028 with collections expected in 2029, and opponents warn pass-through business owners could face higher personal tax bills if profits push them over the $1 million threshold.