Indiana Gov. Braun Signs $1.3 Billion Property Tax Relief Bill Saving Up to $300 as Washington Proposes Tax Hikes Amid $16 Billion Deficit

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has signed Senate Bill 1 into law, providing approximately $1.3 billion in property tax relief for property owners in the state. The bill, approved by the Indiana Senate in a late-night vote, is expected to save two-thirds of taxpayers up to $300 on their 2026 property tax bills. However, the legislation will result in local governments and schools losing more than $1.4 billion in revenue through 2028, raising concerns about potential local income tax increases to offset the shortfall. The bill aims to remove policies that disincentivize marriage, as part of Governor Braun's executive order initiatives. Meanwhile, in Washington state, Democratic lawmakers have introduced multiple new tax bills on Tax Day intended to address a $16 billion budget deficit. These proposals include a shift from property taxes to a land value tax and other tax increases targeting the state's wealthiest individuals and largest industries. The tax proposals have sparked protests in Olympia, with Republican lawmakers and advocacy groups opposing the hikes and urging Governor Bob Ferguson to reconsider. Senate Republicans have also joined the protests, calling on Washington residents to hold Democratic lawmakers accountable for the proposed tax increases.