Just one day after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Washington’s new income tax into law, Democrats slammed the door on voters trying to repeal it.

Opponents, led by Brian Heywood, filed a referendum — only to be told by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs’ office that it won’t even be allowed to proceed.

Why? Because Democrats preemptively slapped a “necessity clause” on the bill, claiming the tax is required for government operations — a legal maneuver they argue makes the law “referendum proof.”

Heywood isn’t buying it. He argues the state constitution requires both an emergency and necessity to block a referendum — not just whatever lawmakers decide to label as important. Translation: Democrats are stretching the law to avoid letting voters weigh in.

The Secretary of State’s office basically shrugged and said their hands are tied — if the Legislature says it’s exempt, they won’t question it. Convenient.

So now, instead of voters deciding, the fight heads straight to the courts — with a legal challenge already lined up by the Citizen Action Defense Fund and former AG Rob McKenna.

Meanwhile, critics described Ferguson’s bill signing — complete with cheering supporters and union-backed fanfare — as less of a serious policy moment and more of a political pep rally, wildly out of touch with the people who may soon be paying the bill.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting: the case likely won’t be decided until after upcoming Washington Supreme Court elections, meaning the outcome could hinge on who voters put on the bench.

So let’s recap the playbook:

• Pass a controversial income tax
• Declare it “necessary” to dodge a referendum
• Block voters from having a say
• Let the courts sort it out later

Nothing says “trust the people” quite like making sure they don’t get a vote. Read more at Center Square.

Jamie Dimon just did what Olympia Democrats refuse to do: state the obvious.

The JPMorgan Chase CEO warned that Washington’s new 9.9% income tax is exactly the kind of policy that sends wealthy residents — and their money — out the door. And he didn’t sugarcoat it.

“People vote with their feet.”

That’s not theory. That’s already happening.

Dimon pointed to the growing migration from high-tax states like California and New York to lower-tax states like Florida and Nevada — a trend Washington Democrats are apparently eager to replicate. Because nothing says smart economic policy like copying the places people are actively leaving.

And while Democrats love to frame these taxes as “moral,” Dimon torched that argument too. He made it clear: calling something fair doesn’t make it smart — especially when it weakens your own state.

Meanwhile, back in Washington, the consequences are already showing up.

Howard Schultz didn’t wait around — he announced he’s moving to Florida before the ink was even dry on the bill signed by Bob Ferguson.

But don’t worry — Democrats insist this is all fine.

Because in their world:

• Losing high earners is “equity”
• Businesses leaving is “progress”
• And warning signs are just “talking points”

Now the policy heads to the courts, with a constitutional challenge led by former AG Rob McKenna already in motion.

So here’s the situation:
Experts warn it will drive people out.
Real people are already leaving.
Legal challenges are stacking up.

And Democrats? Still doubling down.

At this point, it’s not a debate — it’s a test to see how many warning signs they can ignore before the bill comes due. Read more at Seattle Red.

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