Rep. Mary Dye defends earned income, opposes state income tax

During amendment debate on Senate Bill 6347, Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, delivered a constitutional and philosophical argument against a proposed state income tax.

Dye framed the issue around personal liberty and the value of an individual’s labor, arguing that what people earn through their work represents a lifetime of effort that should not be taken without constitutional authority. She emphasized that Washington was founded on principles of freedom and limited government, with laws designed to protect individuals from overreach.

She warned that creating an income tax without amending the state constitution undermines those foundational principles and shifts power away from the rule of law.

The bill passed the House on March 10 following a 24.5-hour floor debate, with Republicans offering dozens of amendments—most of which were rejected by majority Democrats. All Republicans voted no.

Learn more from my website: https://marydye.houserepublicans.wa.gov