FAIR SHARE: Seattle Approves Rich-Only Income Tax.

By a vote of 9-0, the council approved an income tax that only applies to wealthy residents, with the 2.25% tax starting at income above $250,000 for individuals and above $500,000 for married couples filing joint returns, the Seattle Times reports. The city estimates that the tax will raise around $140 million a year from Seattle’s 20,000 or so wealthiest residents. Washington state doesn’t have a personal income tax and a 1984 law bans cities and counties in the state from taxing net income, meaning Seattle’s move is certain to face legal challenges, the AP reports.

Opponents vowed to fight the measure, with Washington State Republican Party Chair Susan Hutchison urging citizens to “forcefully resist” the tax and not pay a penny.

Why are Republicans bothering to defend wealthy urban progressives from progressive policies?