This bill has a long way to go before it actually becomes law. In my opinion, it is almost certainly against the state constitution, which says that any
"property" tax be graduated, in other words, that it not apply to a single class of taxpayers. For example, federal income tax is a graduated tax. Unless you are very poor, everyone pays taxes, it's only a question of how much.
Over the past 80 some years, courts in WA have consistently ruled that income qualifies as property. Limiting the tax to a particular bracket, ie $1M+, does not meet that threshold. Traditionally, all courts are very reluctant to go against such long standing precedent unless there is a very compelling argument.
If the courts do rule it unconstitutional, it then the bill needs a constitutional amendment in order to become law, and that requires a 2/3 vote of the state legislature and a vote of the people. Neither of those are likely to happen.
And while it's true that the only other team from a non-income tax state to win a SB in this century besides us is Tampa Bay, it doesn't make John Schneider's job any easier as it removes what is currently a huge advantage in recruiting free agents, that they won't have to pay any income tax. That could make a difference with some players.
@pmedic920, how's that for not talking politics?
