As the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session opens, discussions are heating up around several proposed tax measures aimed at addressing budget constraints and federal cuts. Lawmakers are considering a payroll tax on large companies, alongside new levies targeting the wealthy, raising concerns about potential negative impacts on the state economy. Business leaders have voiced strong opposition to these tax proposals, while some lawmakers express hope for cooperation in the tight budget environment. As debates unfold, questions arise about the state’s affordability crisis and whether Olympia is repeating previous patterns in its approach to taxation.