Democrats in the Washington state House released a revised income tax proposal Friday that drives more money into early learning programs, increases assistance for lower-income families, and eliminates sales tax on a greater number of consumer products.

Democratic members are withholding support for the proposed income tax on millionaires, saying they want to see if a new version of the controversial legislation, expected on March 5, will satisfy their concerns.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson warned March 3 that the income tax Democratic state lawmakers are pressing to approve in the next nine days might have to wait until next year. 

Washington Democrats’ controversial income tax bill emerged from a state House panel on Feb. 27 looking much different than when it arrived.

Washington state moved one step closer Feb. 16 to creating a personal income tax two years after the Legislature said it wouldn’t.

Democrats advanced controversial income tax legislation out of a key Washington state Senate committee on Feb. 9 after pledging more proceeds to local public defender costs and increasing a tax break for small businesses.

When the federal government stopped making pennies, it left it up to states to decide how retailers deal with the change.

In Washington, lawmakers are trying to come up with a uniform approach for merchants that is easy to understand for consumers.

Washington faces a budget challenge with a slowing economy and expected increased demand for services due to changes in federal law. Payroll tax proponents argue that the tax can raise money quickly to solve these pressures, whereas the income tax will take years to implement.

If it makes it through the House and into law, Washington would join Utah with the toughest standard in the nation on July 1. Foes of the bill cite concerns with enforcing it and worries it will drive away customers from bars, wineries and other hospitality businesses. 

Republican state Sen. Matt Boehnke announced Jan. 22 he is forgoing reelection and entering this year’s race to succeed retiring Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse in central Washington.