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Mount Vernon Today
By the People, for the People
Washington Millionaire Supports Proposed Millionaire Tax
Victoria Hattersley, a 70-year-old millionaire, says she's happy to pay more in taxes to help her community.
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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Victoria Hattersley, a 70-year-old millionaire living in Mount Vernon, Washington, says she supports the state's proposed millionaire tax. The bill would create a 9.9% tax on income earned over $1 million, affecting less than 1% of the state's residents. Hattersley, who grew up without much money, believes the wealthy should pay their fair share to help address inequality and provide more resources for the community.
Why it matters
Washington has one of the most regressive tax codes in the country, with lower-income residents paying a higher share of their income in taxes. The proposed millionaire tax aims to address this inequality by having the state's wealthiest residents contribute more, which could provide funding for programs and services that benefit the broader community.
The details
The new legislation in Washington would impose a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million per year, starting in 2028. Hattersley, who worked in the pharmaceutical industry and became a millionaire through stock options and investments, believes the tax is reasonable and will help create a healthier society. She argues that excessive wealth inequality can lead to cultural and economic instability, and that the wealthy should be willing to pay their fair share in taxes.
- The proposed millionaire tax would take effect in 2028, with the first payments due in 2029.
The players
Victoria Hattersley
A 70-year-old millionaire living in Mount Vernon, Washington, who supports the state's proposed millionaire tax.
What they’re saying
“I've been at both ends of the spectrum, financially. Becoming a millionaire is definitely not as simple as pulling yourself up and just doing the hard work. There's so much else that factors in — including a lot of luck. I got lucky.”
— Victoria Hattersley (Business Insider)
“I just believe that there is excessive wealth, and it's getting worse — it's only going to get worse in very quick fashion. Our inequality is so drastic. We look back at history, and we see that this is where cultural instability, social instability, and economic instability happen — and it's not healthy, and there are no barriers.”
— Victoria Hattersley (Business Insider)
What’s next
The proposed millionaire tax bill in Washington state will continue to be debated and considered by lawmakers, with a potential vote in the coming months.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing debate around wealth inequality and the role that the wealthy can play in addressing it through higher taxes. Hattersley's support for the millionaire tax shows that some of the state's wealthiest residents recognize the need to contribute more to support their communities.
