State Legislative Republicans Express Disappointment in Capital Gains Tax

The State Senate's approval of the capital gains tax was disappointing to Republicans, none of whom voted for it.

12th District Senator Brad Hawkins says language in the bill makes it unlikely voters will be able to weigh in.

"It did pass by one vote in the Senate on the final day of session. It's not a reform, it's definitely not an emergency. It was an obvious attempt to avoid a referendum and circumvent statewide voters."

The tax was included in the state's operating budget which will be signed by Governor Inslee this week.

Hawkins says the Republicans believe it's unconstitutional.

"Once the law is put in place, if the State Supreme Court upholds it, I predict it will be adjusted over time, the thresholds will be reduced and the exemptions will be eliminated to the point to where this becomes an income tax on all of us."

The State Supreme Court will probably have the final say on the legislation.