Washington has long been a high-cost state for employers, but new data show the state is increasingly losing its competitive edge in key areas.

Homeowners may grumble about their property tax bills, but the biggest share of the burden falls on large agricultural and industrial companies across Benton and Franklin counties. 

Do Washington state taxes get you thinking of moving away?

Even before state lawmakers passed a large package of new taxes last year, the state already had a reputation for putting a significant tax burden on businesses, according to a recent report. 

All levy renewals proposed by Tri-City school districts except for one were passing Tuesday night in the February special election. Pasco residents were also passing a measure to have the city formally join Mid-Columbia Libraries’ taxing district, which will levy a new property tax. 

About 19,000 fewer Washingtonians enrolled in health insurance through the state’s online marketplace amid the loss of federal subsidies. 

A recent survey of business owners living in Washington state indicates many are looking to move their personal residence out of the state, though many of them would continue to operate their business in the state. 

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Democrats in the state Legislature are divided over how to use the expected revenue from a newly proposed income tax on higher earners. Lead lawmakers in the House and Senate unveiled the legislation Feb. 3. 

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.

An economics think tank warns Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed budget would eventually lead to a nearly $2 billion shortfall partly due to $289 million in increased appropriations in the 2027-29 biennium.