We've been talking about it for what feels like forever. But it has finally happened. The Washington state legislature has passed the millionaire's tax.

We're talking about the sounds, smells and substance that got this bill to the governor's desk with Sarah Mizes-Tan, KUOW's Olympia reporter.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

We've been talking about it for what feels like forever. But it has finally happened. The Washington state legislature has passed <a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/income-tax-bill-heads-to-wa-governor-for-signature/">the millionaire's tax</a>. We're talking about the sounds, smells and substance that got this bill to the governor's desk with Sarah Mizes-Tan, KUOW's Olympia reporter. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/">https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/</a>. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go beyond the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference.  

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. There&rsquo;s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go beyond the ballot to guide you through what&rsquo;s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference. &nbsp;

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. Produced by KUOW in Seattle.

Sound Politics

We review what you need to know about the final version of the millionaire's tax and compare it to other states.  

How weird is Washington's millionaire's tax?

The legislative session in Olympia is over, and do you know where your legislator is now? Because it turns out they are probably herding bison (if you live in Moses Lake), or practicing forestry (If you're living in Centralia), or law or medicine.

Washington has a part-time legislature, and most lawmakers have day jobs. But some say that should change, and “state legislator" should be a full time job. This year's effort to change the law saw an unlikely duo, usually foes, wearing matching argyle sweaters on the House floor. We'll hear why, plus, we get an update on some of the loose ends left over from the session: lawsuits, referendum threats and that pesky budget deficit.

Listen to Sarah Mizes-Tan's story on part-time legislators here. 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Sarah Mizes-Tan and Scott Greenstone. 

The legislative session in Olympia is over, and do you know where your legislator is now? Because it turns out they are probably herding bison (if you live in Moses Lake), or practicing forestry (If you're living in Centralia), or law or medicine. Washington has a part-time legislature, and most lawmakers have day jobs. But some say that should change, and &ldquo;state legislator" should be a full time job.<a href="https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2026/01/npi-makes-the-case-for-hjr-4210-giving-the[&hellip;]ure-the-freedom-to-set-the-length-of-regular-sessions.html"> This year's effort to change the law saw an unlikely duo, usually foes, wearing matching argyle sweaters on the House floor.</a> We'll hear why, plus, we get an update on some of the loose ends left over from the session: lawsuits, referendum threats and that pesky budget deficit.
Listen to Sarah Mizes-Tan's story on part-time legislators <a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-s-legislature-is-part-time-but-after-brutal-sessions-some-want-change">here</a>.&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/">https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/</a>. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Sarah Mizes-Tan and Scott Greenstone.&nbsp;

Where are your lawmakers now? We go to the woods

The so-called millionaires tax has been signed into law, but the fight over it is barely beginning. Now, it moves to the courts -- and potentially onto your ballot.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

The so-called millionaires tax has been signed into law, but the fight over it is barely beginning. Now, it moves to the courts -- and potentially onto your ballot.
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/">https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/</a>. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

Brian Heywood on taking the millionaire's tax to court

The Seattle SuperSonics are closer than ever to coming home. And this comeback could have surprising benefits for elected officials. Plus, we recap the political machinations behind the loss of the Sonics 18 years ago.

Guest

Jordan Ritter Conn, senior staff writer for The Ringer, host of "Sonic Boom: How Seattle Lost Its Team"

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone

The Seattle SuperSonics <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48304338/sources-nba-votes-explore-vegas-seattle-expansion-bids">are closer than ever</a> to coming home. And this comeback could have surprising benefits for elected officials. Plus, we recap the political machinations behind the loss of the Sonics 18 years ago.
Guest
Jordan Ritter Conn, senior staff writer for The Ringer, host of "<a href="https://app.slack.com/client/T08UT12LU#:~:text=%22Sonic%20Boom%3A%20How%20Seattle%20Lost%20Its%20Team%22">Sonic Boom: How Seattle Lost Its Team</a>"
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics/.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone

Libby and Scott explore the rewards — and perils  — when pro sports and Seattle politics collide. 

How weird is Washington's millionaire's tax?

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