Washington state lawmakers are investigating potential manipulation of a public testimony system after more than 19,000 duplicate entries were discovered in sign-ups for a hearing on a proposed millionaires tax. Representative April Berg, chair of the Washington House Finance Committee, announced that staff uncovered the irregularities following reports from constituents who said their names were listed without their consent or under positions they did not support. The House Clerk and Attorney General have been asked to investigate any impropriety in the public participation process.
The hearing on the millionaires tax proposal, held in Olympia, drew what Berg described as expected strong support and sharp criticism. According to the Everett Democrat, initial records suggested over 100,000 people had signed up to participate, with entries heavily weighted against the tax measure. However, those numbers are now in question following the discovery of thousands of exact duplicate entries and other reported irregularities.
Growing Concerns About Public Testimony Process
Berg said concerns about the sign-in system began when a handful of people contacted her office ahead of the hearing. Those individuals reported that their names appeared on the participant list even though they had not registered, or that their stated positions on the millionaires tax were inaccurately recorded. By the weekend, these isolated reports had grown substantially, prompting committee staff to conduct a systematic search for duplicate and fraudulent entries.
The discovery of more than 19,000 exact duplicates raises serious questions about the integrity of the public testimony system. Berg stated that the issue “calls into question” part of the democratic process, though the hearing proceeded with testimony from both supporters and opponents of the income tax proposal.
Millionaires Tax Advances Despite Legal Concerns
The proposed income tax legislation, which targets high earners in Washington state, was approved by the State Senate last week. Berg indicated that her committee is expected to amend the bill, with a House floor vote potentially occurring next week. However, both she and Governor Bob Ferguson anticipate legal challenges and possible initiative efforts to overturn the tax.
The proposal represents a notable shift for some lawmakers, including Berg herself. According to reports, the Snohomish County representative and most of her colleagues approved an initiative just two years ago calling for an outright ban on future income taxes in the state. Additionally, Washington has long been among the minority of states without an income tax on residents.
Professional Sports Impact Disputed
Concerns have been raised about potential impacts on professional sports franchises and athletes under the millionaires tax plan. An NFL Players Association representative was scheduled to testify during the hearing but did not appear for unknown reasons. Meanwhile, some critics have suggested the tax could affect Washington’s ability to attract professional athletes and teams.
Berg dismissed those concerns, noting that 41 other states have similar income taxes on high earners. She cited California, New York, and Illinois as examples of states with more aggressive income tax structures that still successfully recruit talented athletes. In contrast to critics’ warnings, Berg argued that Washington would remain competitive in attracting professional sports talent despite the proposed tax.
Legal Defense of Tax Proposal
When questioned about including the income tax revenue in state budgets despite expected legal challenges, Berg defended the approach. She stated that opponents have a right to seek adjudication in the courts to argue their case. However, she emphasized her belief that the legislation is legal as currently written.
The committee is expected to finalize amendments to the millionaires tax bill in the coming days, with a House floor vote anticipated next week. The outcome of the investigation into the public testimony irregularities remains uncertain.
