Some Democrats in Olympic weigh creating state income tax — but not Gregoire

  • By RACHEL LA CORTE Associated Press Writer
  • Thursday, April 2, 2009 4:14pm
  • News

By RACHEL LA CORTE

Associated Press Writer

OLYMPIA — The notion of a state income tax, long politically taboo, is officially being considered by top Senate Democrats, but Gov. Chris Gregoire says she is opposed to the concept.

Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, said Thursday that she and her caucus are still weighing the idea of an income tax on the state’s highest earners.

“I agree that there are constitutional and legal challenges that will be brought forward, however, we have to come back to the fundamental question of the fairness of our system,” Brown said. “And it’s not fair that our more affluent citizens don’t pay their fair share.”

Brown commented shortly after Gregoire said she opposed income taxes, referring to a proposal introduced Wednesday by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle.

More in Friday’s editions of the Peninsula Daily News.

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