Advocates Campaigned Against Initiative I-645

Tri-City campaigners rallied in Pasco to protect Washington state tax funding for education and health care.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of a stone plinth surrounded by evergreen boughs, representing the structural impact of tax policy decisions. — Advocates are actively campaigning against Washington's Initiative I-645, which would repeal the state's 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should states maintain taxes on millionaires to fund public education and child care?

Advocates have launched a campaign against Initiative I-645, a ballot measure that seeks to repeal the 9.9% tax on income over $1 million. Supporters of the existing tax argue that a repeal would result in $13 billion in critical funding cuts for state services.

Why it matters

The outcome of this ballot measure will determine the future of funding for education, health care, and child care initiatives across Washington. Opponents claim the tax is vital for public infrastructure, while proponents of the repeal argue it is necessary to prevent wealthy residents from leaving.

The tax applies a 9.9% levy on income exceeding $1 million, which is currently expected to provide $320 million annually for affordable child care. Approximately 97 taxpayers in the 16th Legislative District and 195 in the 8th Legislative District are subject to the tax.

The players

DHM Research

This is a public opinion and strategy firm that conducts research on political and social issues in the Pacific Northwest.

The details

Campaigners gathered in downtown Pasco to conduct door-to-door visits and phone outreach to urge a no vote. Proponents of the repeal suggest the measure is essential to stop wealthy individuals from fleeing the state, while opponents emphasize the loss of $13 billion in state funding.

September 2026: DHM Research polled 400 Washington residents regarding I-645.
October 16, 2026: Election ballots are mailed to registered voters.
November 3, 2026: Midterm election date.
2028: Millionaires tax collection starts.

Taxes
Sept. 26
Washington State Revenue Forecast Increased
Law
Sept. 30
Washington Supreme Court Invalidated Initiative 2066
Secondary Education
Sept. 25
Washington Voters Will Decide School Records Initiative

Market Landscape

This campaign reflects the broader national trend of legislative battles over state-level wealth taxation and fiscal revenue streams. The result will influence how Washington competes for high-net-worth residents against rival states without such taxes.

Residents should monitor the election results as the repeal could lead to significant reductions in public service funding and changes to state tax obligations. The ballot measure directly impacts the availability of $320 million in annual funding dedicated to affordable child care.

The takeaway

Voters should review their ballots carefully before the November 3 deadline to understand how this initiative impacts state-funded services. Engaging with official voter guides can help residents weigh the $13 billion budget cut claim against the arguments regarding high-income resident migration.