Washington judge upholds income tax ballot disclosure statement

A Thurston County Superior Court judge has upheld a government-drafted financial disclosure statement that will appear on the November ballot regarding Initiative 645. The initiative seeks to repeal Washington state's recently enacted income tax on high earners.

Judge Chris Lanese rejected a legal challenge from activist Arthur West, affirming the language drafted by Attorney General Nick Brown's office. The disclosure statement warns voters that "This measure would decrease funding for public K-12 education, higher education (including universities and community colleges), and human services (primarily healthcare)."

Lanese ruled that the statement is constitutional, stating that such disclosures ensure "voters are aware of trade-offs." This decision preempted a separate legal challenge from Let's Go Washington (LGW), the primary campaign sponsoring the repeal. LGW attorneys argued the impact statement is "factually inaccurate and misleading," contending that because the 9.9% tax on earners making $1 million or more does not take effect until 2028, its repeal cannot currently reduce state funding levels.