Staff Reports
The big news this week in the I-645 fight is not a new poll or a courtroom twist. It’s cash. Recent campaign filings show a flood of public‑sector union money into the “No on I‑645” effort. The Washington Education Association, SEIU‑affiliated funds, and the Washington Federation of State Employees have wired millions to stop the repeal of the Washington income tax on millionaires — and that changes the contest fast.
Union donations reshape the I-645 battlefield
Campaign reports list the Washington Education Association as a top donor, with multi‑million dollar transfers. SEIU channels and WFSE have added large sums as well. The “No on I‑645” side now reports war‑chest figures in the multi‑millions while Let’s Go Washington and allied “Yes” groups have raised several million but trail the union bloc. Big checks mean more airtime, more mailers, more lawyers and more people knocking on doors. In plain terms: union donations flipped the fundraising ledger and made the repeal fight a heavy hitter match.
Promises of saving schools — and who really benefits
No on I‑645 messaging says the income tax pays for schools, health care and child care. That sounds noble until you remember who’s writing the checks: public‑sector unions that represent the very payrolls that depend on that budget. They have a clear self‑interest in defending revenue streams. On the flip side, repeal backers say the tax is unconstitutional and a first step toward permanent income taxes. Both sides wag fiscal scare lines, but voters should know these union donations buy power to shape the message more than they buy truth.
What conservatives and taxpayers should watch
If you care about limited government and taxpayers’ rights, this cash surge matters. Watch the Public Disclosure Commission filings that will show whether more late money is coming. Ask unions to explain how member dues are used to bankroll political fights. And don’t rely on editorial pages or union press releases — follow the fiscal notes and read the ballot language. If unions want to play tea party for Big Government spending, taxpayers should at least get a front‑row seat to the show.
Bottom line
The recent spike in union donations to the No on I‑645 campaign is the story, not the spin. Money can buy megaphones, but it can’t replace clear thinking. Washington voters deserve straightforward answers about what the income tax does, who it helps, and who benefits when unions turn their treasuries into political weapons. Read the ballot, check the filings, and don’t mistake loud spending for honest debate.
