SEATTLE (AP) - A group representing every city and town in Washington has filed a legal brief supporting the city of Seattle in its legal battle over its income tax.
The Seattle Times reports that the Association of Washington Cities filed a brief with the state Supreme Court arguing Seattle didn’t need specific authority from the Legislature to enact a tax on the wealthy in 2017.
King County Superior Court Judge John Ruhl struck down Seattle’s income tax on wealthy residents last year, saying the city lacked specific permission from the Legislature to impose the tax.
In its brief, the AWC argues that a state law gives cities broad “home rule” power to manage its own affairs.
Peter King, the group’s executive officer, says the group left alone other questions, including whether taxing high earners is a good idea.
Seattle has asked the state Supreme Court to review the case. A decision is likely this year.
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com
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