Reykdal Outlines Plan to Use 'Millionaire's Tax' for Education, Housing Relief

State Superintendent proposes free tuition, universal school meals, and property tax relief if new tax is approved

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has presented a plan to utilize revenue from a proposed 'millionaire's tax' to address affordability concerns related to education and home ownership. Reykdal's spending proposal includes two years of free tuition at public universities, universal school meals, expanded K-12 funding, and the elimination of state property taxes on the first $300,000 of home value.

Why it matters

The plan aims to ease financial burdens on middle-class families in Washington, who have faced rising costs of living, especially for housing and education. Reykdal believes the 'millionaire's tax' revenue could help make the state more affordable and accessible, particularly for students and homeowners.

The details

Reykdal's proposal would direct revenue from a new 9.9% tax on residents earning over $1 million annually toward free public university tuition, universal school meals, increased K-12 funding, and the elimination of state property taxes on the first $300,000 of home value. He believes these measures would significantly improve affordability and access to education in the state.

  • Reykdal presented his plan last Thursday (February 6, 2026).
  • The proposed 'millionaire's tax' legislation is currently being considered by the state Legislature and governor.

The players

Chris Reykdal

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington, who has outlined a plan to use revenue from a proposed 'millionaire's tax' to fund education and housing affordability initiatives.

Washington State Legislature

The state legislative body that is currently considering the proposed 'millionaire's tax' legislation that would enable Reykdal's spending plan.

Washington Governor

The state's governor, who would need to sign the 'millionaire's tax' legislation for Reykdal's plan to be implemented.

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What they’re saying

“I will say unequivocally that if nothing else happened with existing revenue growth in this state budget over the next decade, we should prioritize universal access to higher learning at a minimum for four-year-olds.”

— Chris Reykdal, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (The Seattle Medium)

“The middle class in this state is under duress, particularly from housing costs and the incredible growth of inflation. One of the reasons families can't go to college or don't believe they can is because it is very costly. They are borrowing from their home equity to do that. They are borrowing from their retirement funds because our aid programs don't really address that.”

— Chris Reykdal, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (The Seattle Medium)

“We have got to think about children first.”

— Chris Reykdal, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (The Seattle Medium)

What’s next

The proposed 'millionaire's tax' legislation must still be approved by the Washington State Legislature and signed into law by the governor before Reykdal's spending plan can be implemented.

The takeaway

Reykdal's ambitious proposal aims to use new tax revenue to significantly improve education affordability and access, as well as provide property tax relief for middle-class homeowners, in an effort to make Washington more affordable for families across the state.