State lawmakers in Washington have introduced legislation aimed at imposing an excise tax on hospital employees making "excess compensation," according to an April 4 report in The Center Square.
Two Democratic lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 5767, which defines excess compensation as "the annual total compensation of a covered employee … that exceeds 10 times the average annual wage."
"I think it's always interesting when bills drop later on in the session, and I know I was surprised to see that one,” Senate Deputy Majority Leader Manka Dhingra said. "But, you know, you keep hearing a lot about wealth inequities in our state and, I think everyone widely recognizes that we have an upside down tax structure."
Republicans were less welcoming.
"You know, this is such a worrisome phenomenon now," said Rep. J.T. Wilcox. "It's not just about taxes; it's about the idea that you demonize a group and you use the legislature to go after them."