Washington's 9.9% income tax faces a major repeal vote as supporters and opponents clash over Initiative 645. Meanwhile, Washington Supreme Court candidates answer questions about voter initiatives, and 13 mayors urge Gov. Bob Ferguson to rethink the state's approach to fentanyl addiction.

WASHINGTON INCOME TAX / INITIATIVE 645

At the Bellevue Chamber's Eastside Leadership Conference, Sen. Manka Dhingra, Dr. Soleil Boyd, House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary and Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood debated Washington's millionaire's tax. Supporters argued it would make the tax system fairer, while opponents criticized state spending and warned about possible future tax expansion. Voters decide I-645 on November 3.

WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT DEBATE

Judges Sean O'Donnell and Ian Birk faced questions about Washington's Supreme Court overturning voter-approved Initiative 2066, the natural gas measure. Both discussed the importance of protecting the initiative process while declining to directly criticize the ruling.

13 MAYORS PRESS FERGUSON ON FENTANYL

At a Kent forum organized by Battlefield Addiction, 13 mayors called for changes to Washington's drug policies. Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and Normandy Park Mayor Eric Zimmerman discussed addiction, treatment and accountability. Representatives from Ferguson's office attended, and an advocate reported encouraging conversations afterward.

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Vice President JD Vance is targeting Microsoft over alleged H-1B visa abuse and American worker layoffs, announcing a suspension of the company's PERM labor-certification processing amid a federal investigation. Microsoft is pushing back against the administration's claims.

JD VANCE TARGETS MICROSOFT OVER H-1B VISAS

Vance accused Microsoft of laying off thousands of American workers while relying on foreign employees through the H-1B visa system. Microsoft responded that approximately 80% of its recent H-1B filings involved existing employees, not new hires, and disputed the administration's characterization of its hiring practices.

WASHINGTON CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE HEATS UP

Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican challenger John Braun faced off in a debate for Washington's 3rd Congressional District. The candidates clashed over the Iran war, rising gas prices, affordability and federal policy, while also addressing Washington's income tax and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program ahead of the November 3 election.

WASHINGTON'S $537 MILLION LAWSUIT PAYOUTS

Washington state paid approximately $537 million in lawsuit verdicts and payouts during the last fiscal year. As a tort reform advisory committee finalizes recommendations, critics argue the process has overlooked survivors and focused too heavily on limiting payouts rather than preventing abuse and neglect of vulnerable people under state supervision.

Follow The Center Square for Washington state news, Microsoft and technology industry developments, elections, taxpayer accountability and government investigations.

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#Microsoft #JDVance #H1BVisa #AmericanJobs #TrumpAdministration #MarieGluesenkampPerez #JohnBraun #WA03 #WashingtonElection #TortReform #TaxpayerAccountability #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is still deciding whether to join a new federal education tax credit program that supporters estimate could bring more than $700 million annually to Washington students. Meanwhile, Washington's 9.9% income tax faces new questions, and the Tacoma Urban League confirms its CEO has been terminated following months of scrutiny.

FEDERAL EDUCATION TAX CREDIT

Former Obama Education Secretary Arne Duncan is urging Gov. Bob Ferguson to opt into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. The program offers taxpayers up to $1,700 in federal tax credits for qualifying scholarship donations. With new Treasury guidance released, Ferguson's office says it is reviewing the rules before making a decision.

WASHINGTON'S 9.9% INCOME TAX

Washington's new millionaire's tax is raising concerns over compliance, potential loopholes and implementation. Lawmakers and tax experts are examining how the 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million will work. Meanwhile, voters will decide Initiative 645 on November 3, which would repeal the income tax before it takes effect.

TACOMA URBAN LEAGUE CEO TERMINATED

The Center Square has confirmed that Tacoma Urban League CEO Desiree Wilkins Finch has been terminated after nearly a year on paid administrative leave. Her departure follows months of scrutiny involving allegations of potential self-dealing with taxpayer-funded Community Reinvestment Program grants. Whistleblower Cory Orvold discusses the allegations and her push for greater oversight. The organization has not disclosed the reason for the termination.

Follow The Center Square for Washington state news, government accountability, taxes, education and investigative reporting.

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#BobFerguson #EducationTaxCredit #SchoolChoice #WashingtonEducation #ArneDuncan #WashingtonIncomeTax #MillionairesTax #I645 #TacomaUrbanLeague #DesireeWilkinsFinch #Whistleblower #TaxpayerAccountability #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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