’Because of 40 years of one party rule, Democrats are literally drunk with power.’ – Leslie Lewallen, director Future 42 Clark County
Leslie Lewallen, director
Future 42 Clark County
I had someone in the past few days ask for “thoughtful debate” on this issue. My thoughts on this matter are based on our State Constitution, law and facts.
1. Democrats just rammed through an unconstitutional income tax that voters have rejected 10 times.
On March 10, 2026, Democrats passed the so-called “millionaires tax” 51-46 after rejecting every single Republican amendment. This bypasses our state constitution — the same one voters have defended for decades. One-party rule means no checks, no balances, and no respect for the people.
2. Republicans offered over 70 amendments to protect families and businesses — Democrats rejected them all.
Over 70 amendments in the House marathon alone, plus earlier Senate proposals. Republicans pushed for dedicated education funding, middle-class relief, and permanent $1M protections. Every one was voted down on party lines. This wasn’t debate — it was dismissal.
3. Within one hour of passage, Starbucks founder Howard Schultz announced he’s leaving for Florida — just like Fisher Investments fled to Texas after the 2021 capital gains tax.
The pattern is clear: 2021 capital gains tax (passed May 4, 2021) triggered business exodus. Now the new 9.9% income tax is accelerating it. Clark County and Southwest Washington families will pay the price with fewer jobs and higher costs.
4. Washington’s national rankings have collapsed under 40 years of one-party Democrat rule.
Business climate: #1 in 2017 → #14 in 2025. Tax competitiveness: top 10 → #47. Gas prices: #3 highest in America. Affordability and education: sliding toward the bottom. What used to be a top-tier state is now bleeding businesses, residents, and opportunity.
5. This tax won’t fund healthcare or education for our kids — it’s a shell game and slush fund for pet projects.
Nearly all $3.5–4 billion goes straight into the general fund for anything Democrats want. Only 5% for child care. Zero dedicated dollars for K-12 classrooms or kids’ health. Republicans’ amendments to lock in funding were rejected.
6. Democrats cut healthcare in 2025 and 2026 — even while promising this tax would ‘save’ it.
$24 million cut to public health services, Medicaid rate cuts, and child care subsidy caps — all approved under Democratic budgets before the new tax even starts in 2028. Their promises are worthless.
7. Washington already spends among the highest in the nation on education — yet ranks near the bottom in student outcomes.
$20,000 per pupil (top in the region), but Kids Count education ranking fell to #27. NAEP scores have dropped out of the top 10. More money, more bureaucracy, worse results for our kids — and now they want even more of your money.
8. Public schools have lost 41,000–50,000 students since COVID — while homeschooling jumped 11,000 and private schools gained 10,000.
Families are voting with their feet. Clark County parents see the decline and are choosing better options. This income tax will only accelerate the exodus from failing public schools.
9. Democrat leaders admit their promises are ‘pie crust promises’ — easily made, easily broken.
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen’s own words: “That was… a pie crust promise. Easily made, easily broken.” That’s how they treat their 2024 vote against an income tax — and how they treat voters.
10. Even the politicians campaigning against this tax are voting for it.
Sen. Manka Dhingra’s campaign website still says: “I do not support the implementation of a state income tax and… it has already been deemed unconstitutional.” Yet she voted yes. This is the hypocrisy of one-party rule in Washington — promises made to get elected, then broken once in power.
In short, because of 40 years of one party rule, Democrats are literally drunk with power. There is no accountability. ALL Washingtonians will continue to pay the price.
Project 42 is a Washington state 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization founded to change the course of the state by prioritizing free markets, personal liberty, and an individual’s right to prosper. Launched in 2021, it focuses on building durable conservative infrastructure through long-term capacity building, strategic investments in effective organizations, and measurable outcomes. Its county-level arm, Future 42, expands civic engagement via local projects that track government actions, issue policy alerts and scorecards, recruit and train candidates, and boost citizen participation.
Leslie Lewallen serves as director of Future 42 Clark County, the organization’s third county project, launched in July 2025. A former Camas City Council member, King County prosecutor, legal expert, and mother of four, she leads local outreach, advocacy, and engagement efforts in rapidly growing Clark County. Her role includes monitoring local ordinances, releasing county and city specific scorecards, supporting candidate recruitment and training, and advancing transparent, taxpayer-focused, and public-safety-oriented policies.
Also read:
- Opinion: Brandi Kruse and I are feeling discouraged but we’re planning to continue advocating for political change. Will you?
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a discouraging week in Washington state politics, echoing Brandi Kruse’s frustrations over Democrats’ state income tax victory and local decisions on transit and ICE while urging conservatives not to give up on advocating for political change. - Opinion: ‘My thoughts on yesterday’s tragic state income tax’
Leslie Lewallen argues Democrats passed an unconstitutional “millionaires tax” on March 10, 2026, rejected more than 70 Republican amendments, and set Washington on a path she says will harm jobs, schools, and families statewide. - Opinion: Starbucks founder flees the new NW tax hell
Lars Larson argues that Howard and Sheri Schultz are leaving the Pacific Northwest for Miami following Washington’s new millionaires tax and rapid state budget growth in Oregon and Washington. - After marathon debate, WA House advances income tax
The Washington House approved a proposed income tax on households earning more than $1 million a year after more than 24 hours of debate and dozens of amendments. - C-TRAN: Light rail funding addressed again; changes are coming to C-TRAN board composition
C-TRAN approved new language tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program that shields smaller cities from light rail operating costs while shifting potential financial responsibility toward Vancouver and the urban growth area.
