Sarah Mises-Tann

Well, it certainly wasn't a problem in the 19th century.

The new law levies a 9.9% tax on all incomes over a million dollars and is expected to generate about $3 billion annually.

But before the ink was even dry, opponents have promised lawsuits.

Governor Ferguson says he's expecting challenges but believes the tax will prevail.

Opponents say any income tax, even if it's just on the wealthy, is against the state's constitution.

Washington is one of just nine states in the country without one.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Mises-Tann in Olympia.

The new law levies a 9.9% tax on all incomes over a million dollars and is expected to generate about $3 billion annually.

But before the ink was even dry, opponents have promised lawsuits.

Governor Ferguson says he's expecting challenges but believes the tax will prevail.

Opponents say any income tax, even if it's just on the wealthy, is against the state's constitution.

Washington is one of just nine states in the country without one.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Mises-Tann in Olympia.