Tonight on Legislative Review:
Data Center Tax Exemption (HB 2655) – The House Finance Committee reviewed a proposal to attract new data centers to eastern Washington. Sponsored by Ormsby, the bill would create a sales and use tax exemption for server equipment, power infrastructure, and related labor, tied to job creation and sustainability requirements. Supporters highlight potential high-paying jobs and rural investment, while critics question the scale of the incentives and impact on resources.
Millionaire’s Tax (SB 6346 / HB 2724) – The contentious “Millionaire’s Tax” had its first public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee. Proposed by Jamie Pedersen, the measure would impose a 9.9% tax on annual income above $1 million, aiming to fund education, health care, public defense, and tax credits for working families and small businesses. Supporters, including Jed Fowler, argue it fairly shifts the tax burden, while opponents like Bryan Heywood warn of negative effects on small business. Governor Bob Ferguson has called for modifications to expand benefits for working families.