Unions Donate to Campaign Against Initiative 645 to Repeal State Income Tax
What happened
The Washington Education Association and Service Employees International Union are engaged in a campaign urging readers to reject Initiative 645, which aims to repeal the state's income tax. As of September 22, 2026, the total spending against the repeal initiative was nearing $10 million. The WEA donated $3 million to the effort, while the Service Employees International Union contributed close to $2 million. The Washington Federation for State Employees also donated over $1 million.
From chronline.com
Why it matters
The organized opposition to Initiative 645 is significant, as the push to repeal the state's income tax would fundamentally alter the state's revenue base. The WEA stated that the tax was necessary due to financial hardship facing many school districts. The opposing side, including those supporting the repeal, had raised just under $5 million.
The unions are spending large sums to defeat the I-645 tax initiative.
From chronline.com
Who's involved
- WEALeading donor in the campaign against Initiative 645
- Service Employees International UnionDonates to the 'No on I-645' campaign
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- WashingtonSpeculative
The town of Washington might be affected by the political campaign targeting the state's income tax structure and revenue base.
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The entities involved
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WEA
German multinational record label
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Service Employees International Union
North American trade union which represents 2 millions worker from USA, Canada, Puerto Rico & focused on healthcare, public services, property service
- Negotiations have stalled between the Service Employees International Union and Oregon State University regarding new contract terms for administrative and custodial staff.
- IFT president Stacy Davis Gates attended a faculty unionization rally, involving the Service Employees International Union and alongside Daniel Biss.