Nick Brown defends advising lawmakers on Washington millionaires' tax bill
Updated
Updated · KIRO Seattle · May 2
Nick Brown defends advising lawmakers on Washington millionaires' tax bill
6 articles · Updated · KIRO Seattle · May 2
On KIRO Newsradio, Brown said the 9.9% tax on household income above $1m, due in 2028, was drafted with legal-risk advice after Culliton v. Chase.
He rejected former attorney general Rob McKenna's claim that his office overstepped, saying attorneys general routinely advise state clients and can argue precedents were wrongly decided.
Brown also disputed McKenna's criticism of an emergency clause, saying revenue bills are not subject to referendum anyway; McKenna is helping lead a legal challenge to the tax.
The new law targets millionaires, but could it pave the way for a state income tax on everyone?
With a referendum blocked, will Washington's Supreme Court defy 93 years of precedent to allow the new millionaires' tax?