A bill introduced in the Legislature would allow King County to place an excise tax on large businesses with employees who make at least $150,000 a year. Current state law prohibits counties from imposing such a tax.
The estimated $121 million annually raised would be spent on affordable housing, public safety needs, homeless services, and behavioral health services. The legislation, Senate Bill 2907, has been heard by a House Committee on Finance.
Meanwhile, Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant has talked about resurrecting a head tax similar to the tax approved – and repealed – by the Council in 2018.
This year, Councilmember Sawant has raised the possibility of putting the tax on the November general election ballot.
Sources: Washington Research County, Seattle Times
