WA Democrats drop push for business tax to cover Medicaid costs

By: Jake Goldstein-Street

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: February 23, 2026

Words: 987

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 3 days ago

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Washington state Democrats are likely abandoning plans for a new tax on employers like Walmart and Amazon, whose workers get health coverage through Medicaid.

The proposal came amid recent federal cuts to the program, which provides insurance for low-income Americans.

The Senate’s budget committee was set to vote on advancing the legislation last week, but declined to take action.

“I think it’s safe to say that that bill, at least on the Senate …

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