Former Washington Governor Criticizes Democrats Over Millionaires' Tax Impact
Former Washington Governor Christine Gregoire has publicly criticized her fellow Democrats in the state legislature for implementing a new millionaires' tax. Speaking at the Association of Washington Business 2026 Spring Summit, Gregoire expressed concerns that the legislature does not fully understand the economic consequences of their policies. The millionaires' tax, which imposes a 9.9% tax on annual income exceeding $1 million, was passed by the Democratic majority and is set to take effect in 2028. Gregoire argued that such policies could drive wealthy individuals out of the state, reducing capital gains and philanthropic contributions. She also highlighted the lack of business experience among Democratic lawmakers, suggesting that the state has a spending problem rather than an income problem. The tax has already prompted Starbucks to announce the relocation of 2,000 corporate jobs from Seattle to Nashville, Tennessee. 
