Washington state’s ‘historic’ millionaire tax takes aim at super-rich – will it succeed?

The Guardian US News
by Andrew Gumbel
March 31, 2026
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3 min read

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Washington state passed a new millionaire tax targeting ultra-wealthy earners to fund public services.

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Washington state is advancing a "historic" millionaire tax targeting ultra-high earners, a goal that state legislator Noel Frame has pursued for 15 years with little success until now. The tax-free state, home to Microsoft, Amazon, and other major tech corporations, has struggled to fund basic services despite the exponential wealth growth of its billionaire residents. Frame's long battle reflects the difficulty of raising taxes on the ultra-wealthy, even in a progressive blue state with a clear need for additional revenue to support public schools and long-term healthcare. The proposal could set a precedent for other states seeking new funding sources as living costs rise. Success would mark a significant shift in Washington's tax policy and potentially influence how other states approach revenue generation from top earners.

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