Washington residents will soon decide on three statewide ballot initiatives covering significant areas of public policy: a tax on high incomes, parental involvement in public schools, and participation rules for female sports. These measures, identified as Initiative 645, Initiative 001, and Initiative 638, are currently before voters and will have implications for communities across the state, including Federal Way.
Initiative 645 addresses the repeal of the "Millionaires Tax," a 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1,000,000, which was previously passed into law and slated to begin in 2027, with collections starting in 2028. Arguments in favor of repealing this tax contend it represents a state income tax. According to Chris Cargill of thecentersquare.com, some suggest the tax will not reduce educational spending, as no revenue from it has yet been collected. Concerns have also been raised that wealthy conservatives, such as Howard Shulz and Jeff Bezos, have already relocated, potentially to avoid such taxation. Further, observations from the 2025 state legislature indicated an increase in spending, which Governor Bob Ferguson eventually signed into law despite his initial wishes. There is also apprehension that, despite a gubernatorial promise not to lower the income tax level, legislatures could reduce exemption rates over time to increase tax income. Conversely, arguments against repealing the tax highlight Washington’s historical pattern of regressive taxation, where lower and working-class incomes contribute a greater proportion to taxes than higher incomes. Retaining the Millionaires’ Tax, proponents argue, could help reverse this long-standing trend. A September DHM poll of 800 Washington state residents, reported by thestartuplawblog.com, found that 57% would vote against repealing the tax (meaning they favor keeping it), while 35% would vote to repeal it.
Initiative 001 focuses on parental rights concerning their children in public schools. The King County Voter’s Guide explanatory statement clarifies that the initiative questions whether voters wish to change laws passed in 2025 that modified parents’ rights to observe classrooms and school-sponsored activities, as well as to examine textbooks, curriculum, and supplemental materials. Proponents, often identified as conservatives, seek greater transparency regarding changes in children’s sexual orientation and accusations of sexual abuse at home. In contrast, progressives express concerns about protecting students from sexual abuse and supporting their gender orientation while at school. Thehighlinejournal.com notes that the vote on I-001 is not about whether parents possess rights in Washington public schools, as they already do, but rather whether to largely restore the parental-rights framework adopted in 2024 or to retain the version amended by lawmakers in 2025. Concerns have been raised, for instance, about state laws that may prevent parents from accessing information about a child's counseling once the child reaches 13 years of age, even though parents remain responsible for the minor's overall welfare.
Initiative 638, if approved by voters, would prohibit students defined as “biologically male” from competing in certain athletic activities intended solely for female students. This measure would also require students’ healthcare providers to verify biological sex. Supporters of I-638 advocate for voting “yes” to safeguard fairness in girls’ sports and to protect the rights established through Title IX. They argue that approving this initiative would align Washington with international sports policies and ensure all students have the opportunity to participate in interscholastic sports, where medical examinations are often a routine and required part of participation. Furthermore, proponents suggest that Washington can respect every student while acknowledging the necessity of sex-based athletic categories. On the other hand, arguments against I-638, presented in the Voters Pamphlet, claim it is “the Most Extreme Proposal of Its Kind in the U.S.” Opponents also warn that doctors and nurses are concerned it would necessitate invasive genital exams on girls and could discourage girls from participating in sports.
Federal Way residents are encouraged to review the information provided in the King County Voter’s Guide and other resources to make informed decisions on these important statewide measures.
