Washington voters will have an opportunity to hear both sides of Initiative 645, the ballot measure that would repeal Washington’s newly enacted income tax, during a televised debate on Thursday, October 8 at 8 p.m.
The debate, hosted by KING 5 and The Seattle Times, will feature former Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, representing supporters of I-645, and April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, representing opponents. It will air live on KONG-TV and stream digitally through KING 5 and The Seattle Times.
The Legislature approved a new 9.9% tax on individual and household income above $1 million during the 2026 legislative session. The tax is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2028, with the first payments due in 2029. Initiative 645 would repeal that tax before it takes effect.
AGC opposed the income tax throughout the 2026 legislative session, and AGC’s BUILD PAC supports Initiative 645 to repeal it.
AGC’s concerns extend beyond the $1 million threshold. Many construction companies are organized as LLCs, S corporations and partnerships, where business income passes through to the owners for tax purposes. That means income reported on an individual tax return can include money generated by the business and needed for working capital, equipment, bonding capacity, payroll and future investment.
For an industry operating on tight margins and dealing with significant year-to-year fluctuations, AGC raised concerns that the tax could have consequences for Washington contractors and the cost of doing business in the state.
With ballots arriving shortly after the debate, AGC members are encouraged to tune in and learn more about an issue that could have significant implications on Washingtonians and employers.
Mark your calendar: Thursday, October 8 at 8 p.m. on KONG-TV and streaming through KING 5 and The Seattle Times.
Remember: A YES vote on Initiative 645 repeals the new state income tax.
If you are interested in contributing to the Vote Yes to Repeal campaign, contact AGC’s Michele Willms.