Part 8/10:
According to surveys, about 12% of Washington businesses are considering relocation, with roughly 61% citing taxes as the primary motivator. The real danger, as Smith pointed out, is that “there’s no cavalry coming”—meaning the state’s business community cannot rely on government intervention or support to offset these adverse trends.
High taxes, expensive housing, restrictive regulations, and rising costs of utilities create an environment increasingly unsustainable for high-income earners and business operations. Companies are weighing options, often favoring states with a pro-business climate, cheaper overhead, and less regulatory interference.