UPDATE: Washington State Senator Noel Frame is gearing up for a critical tax reform battle that could reshape the state’s financial landscape in 2026. During a packed event at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle, Frame, dubbed the “Revenue Queen,” highlighted the urgency of addressing the state’s escalating budget shortfall.
The stakes are high as Washington lawmakers grapple with a budget crisis that remains unresolved despite billions in tax increases and spending cuts. With pressure mounting from progressive groups who argue that wealthy corporate entities are not contributing their fair share, Frame’s leadership on tax policy is more vital than ever. “I want to have a future for Washington state where it’s not just a rich person’s playground,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for equitable tax legislation.
One of the most talked-about proposals is a potential 9.9% income tax on individuals earning over $1 million annually. Though no formal bill has been drafted, discussions among Senate Democrats are intensifying. Frame stated, “We have heard more chatter about the income tax in the last six months than I’ve heard in the last 15 years.”
In addition to the income tax, Frame is championing a wealth tax that targets assets exceeding $50 million and a payroll tax aimed at large companies. Despite facing significant political hurdles, including opposition from Governor Bob Ferguson, who raised concerns about the tax’s viability in court, Frame remains optimistic due to the strong public support her proposals have received.
“Passing that bill in the Legislature is the first step, not the last,” Frame cautioned attendees, emphasizing the need for robust advocacy to defend any new tax legislation. “If we do it, we’d better be prepared to win three times over,” she noted, highlighting the multi-faceted challenges ahead, including potential legal battles and public votes.
As advocates rally support for these measures, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty. Washington is one of only nine states that does not tax individual income, making the push for an income tax a particularly contentious issue. Frame’s previous attempts, including a wealth tax proposal that narrowly passed the Senate but stalled in the House, underscore the uphill battle for reform.
With the legislative session set to commence in January and only 60 days to make significant changes before the upcoming elections, the urgency for progressives to act is palpable. Frame’s commitment to changing the tax code aims to alleviate the financial burden disproportionately affecting low-income households.
As preparations for the upcoming legislative session accelerate, all eyes will be on Frame and her allies to see if they can turn these ambitious proposals into reality. The future of Washington’s tax policy hangs in the balance, and with the stakes so high, the pressure to act decisively has never been greater.
