Governor Ferguson Eyes Targeted Relief in Washington's Millionaire Tax
Governor's Stance on Washington's Millionaire Tax
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has expressed conditional support for the state's proposed millionaire tax, emphasizing that the legislation must prioritize returning revenue directly to working families. While acknowledging the bill's progress through the Senate with a 27-22 vote, Ferguson stressed that significant refinements are necessary before he can fully endorse the measure. His position reflects concerns about ensuring the tax structure genuinely benefits middle and lower-income households rather than simply expanding government revenue.
Key Requirements for Support
Ferguson has outlined specific conditions for his approval, including an inflation adjustment mechanism that would increase the $1 million income threshold over time. He advocates for eliminating the business and occupation tax on companies earning up to $1 million annually and strengthening the Working Families Tax Credit, which currently provides up to $1,290 annually to eligible families. These provisions would ensure the tax reform addresses Washington's regressive tax structure while protecting small business growth and supporting vulnerable populations struggling with affordability.
Path Forward
The proposal now moves to the House for further consideration before the legislative session concludes March 12, 2026. Ferguson's measured approach signals that additional amendments addressing revenue allocation and family relief mechanisms remain essential for final passage and gubernatorial approval.
```About the People Mentioned
Bob Ferguson
Robert Watson Ferguson, born February 23, 1965, in Seattle, is a fourth-generation Washingtonian, Democratic politician, and attorney serving as the 24th governor of Washington since January 15, 2025.[1][4][5] He earned a BA in political science from the University of Washington in 1989 and a JD from New York University School of Law in 1995, followed by clerkships for federal judges before joining the Seattle law firm Preston Gates & Ellis (now K&L Gates) as a litigator.[1][3][5] Ferguson entered public service on the King County Council from 2004 to 2013, where he championed open space preservation via the Open Space Preservation Act protecting 100,000 acres, civilian oversight of the sheriff's office, veteran health services, and bans on business with wage theft violators.[1][3] Elected Washington's 18th attorney general in 2012 with 53.5% of the vote, he was reelected in 2016 and 2020, focusing on consumer protection from fraud, environmental conservation, veteran advocacy, and equal rights.[1][2][3] Key achievements as attorney general include defending a same-sex couple's right to wedding services in a unanimous Washington Supreme Court ruling, challenging corporate fraud, opposing gun violence through assault weapon restrictions, and litigating against the Trump administration's travel ban.[1][2] He also represented taxpayers against Safeco Field cost overruns and contested anti-tax initiatives.[1] On his first day as governor, Ferguson issued executive orders reviewing housing regulations, advancing reproductive freedom, and reforming permitting processes.[1] Married to Colleen with two children, Jack and Katie, he remains active in public policy amid Washington's economic drivers like technology and aerospace.[4][5] As of early 2026, he continues leading the Evergreen State as its chief executive.[1][4]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Senate
The **United States Senate** includes several key committees critical to business and technology policy, notably the *Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship* and the *Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation*. These committees play pivotal roles in shaping legislation that impacts small businesses, innovation, technology development, and commerce nationwide. The **Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship** advocates for small businesses by overseeing the Small Business Administration (SBA), which provides capital access, education, technical assistance, and federal contracting opportunities to small enterprises. This committee’s historical role has been to ensure the vitality of small businesses, which are essential to the American economy. Recent efforts include bipartisan reforms targeting SBA program efficiency, fraud prevention related to pandemic aid, and support for entrepreneurship in underserved communities. They also focus on programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), which connect federal agencies with private entrepreneurs to accelerate research and development in critical tech areas, thereby maintaining U.S. technological leadership[1][4][5][8]. The **Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation** is one of the largest Senate committees, overseeing broad sectors including consumer protection, economic development, manufacturing, trade, science, and transportation infrastructure. It addresses emerging technologies, environmental issues like climate change, and space exploration, both government-funded and private. This committee significantly influences national business practices, product safety, competitiveness, and innovation ecosystems, affecting industries from maritime to digital technology[2][7]. Notable recent activities include Senate hearings on Big Tech antitrust and competition policies, emphasizing the need to regulate dominant technology firms to foster innovation and protect consumers and workers. This aligns with broader legislative efforts addressing artificial intelligence and technological competitiveness in 2025[6][10]. In summary, the Senate’s organizational structure and committees serve as crucial instruments in shaping U.S. business and technology landscapes. Through oversight, legislation, and reform initiatives, they support small businesses, promote innovation
House
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