Debate underlines deep divisions on what WA voters should do about income tax

By: Jerry Cornfield

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: October 9, 2026

Words: 1,138

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

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An enclave of Washington’s wealthy provided a backdrop Thursday for a saucy debate on the merits and dangers of a ballot measure to erase the state’s controversial new income tax on millionaires.

Brian Heywood, the hedge fund manager behind Initiative 645, and House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, argued onstage at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue that the tax is unnecessary, will drive some wealthy innovators to other states and, eventually, will be …

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