News

Challenge on ballot language for tax repeal initiative heads to WA Supreme Court

Challenge on ballot language for tax repeal initiative heads to WA Supreme Court

Washington's Temple of Justice in Olympia. Photo: Saga Communications/Emma Toscani


OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The legal battle over Washington’s so-called Millionaire’s Tax is heading back to court.

The Washington Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday, Sept. 1 in a dispute over ballot language tied to Initiative 645. The measure would repeal a tax on high-income earners set to take effect in 2026.

Activist Arthur West is asking the court to remove a required Public Investment Impact Disclosure from the ballot. The Washington State Standard reports West’s challenge was initially dismissed in Thurston County.

The disclosure tells voters the measure would reduce funding for K-12 education, higher education and human services.

West argues the law requiring the disclosure is unconstitutional, saying it improperly influences voters and infringes on Washington’s initiative process.

State attorneys say the disclosure is required by law and helps voters understand the financial impact of tax measures.

Other legal battles over the millionaire’s tax

The case is the latest in a series of court challenges tied to Washington’s new tax on high-income earners.

Initiative sponsor Let’s Go Washington unsuccessfully challenged the disclosure’s wording, arguing repealing the tax would increase, rather than decrease, available funding. A Thurston County judge rejected that claim earlier this month the same day West’s challenge was heard.

Earlier this year, the Citizen Action Defense Fund filed a separate lawsuit alleging lawmakers violated the state constitution by approving the tax. That case remains pending.

Let’s Go Washington also sued after state officials blocked a referendum on the measure because of an emergency clause in the law, but that challenge was also rejected.

Recent Headlines

4 hours ago in Entertainment, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Local, Outdoors, Trending

Burn ban to lift for unincorporated Skagit County

Starting in October, residents will be permitted to burn on their property, though some stipulations remain.

5 hours ago in Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Photos, Trending

See the festivities of SeaFeast 2026 | Photos

Check out the sights of this year's SeaFeast at Squalicum Harbor!

7 hours ago in Crime, Local, Trending

Bellingham woman accused of attempted child murder found competent to stand trial

She initially pled not guilty to charges in June.

7 hours ago in Government, Lifestyle, Local, Trending

Bellingham introduces preliminary budget for 2027

The proposed budget would avoid any service or staff cuts, but hinges on future approval of a Regional Fire Authority from voters.

8 hours ago in Lifestyle, Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

Wind advisory issued for Tuesday with more rain to come

Forecasters are warning residents to prepare for a few power outages due to tree limbs being blown down.

Bellingham Traffic