Washington state plans to levy a millionaire tax, marking the possible end of the 93-year tradition of no income tax.

After nearly a century of repeated attempts, Democrats in Washington state finally have a chance to pass an income tax bill - although the tax will only apply to about 30,000 high-income earners. The proposal, which would levy a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million annually, has a good chance of approval within the remaining 28 days of the legislative session. This move would fundamentally change the state's revenue structure. Washington state is both a shining hub of tech wealth and a rare low-tax liberal stronghold. Supporters argue that this is a belated correction to over-reliance on sales tax - which disproportionately burdens low-income groups who spend a higher proportion of their income on necessities. Opponents, on the other hand, believe that this would undermine Washington state's core values: it is the low-tax environment that has made it an ideal breeding ground for globally renowned companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, and Amazon. If the proposal passes, it would put an end to Washington state's nearly century-long deadlock on income tax legislation. Currently, only 9 states in the US do not have a personal income tax. In 1933, the state Supreme Court had rejected an income tax law approved by voters, and since then, the court, legislators, and voters have repeatedly rejected ten related attempts.