For years, despite massive tax hikes aimed at 'regular' business and industry, the massive WA tech industry was largely left alone. Proposed Democrat bill would expand capital gains tax on startupsIt's a fair statement to say the Democrat-controlled legislature over the last decade has had an insatiable appetite for money. The tax, according to Geekwire, is eyebrow-raising:"... the proposed bills would apply the capital gains tax to profits from the sale of qualified small business stock, or QSBS, even when gains are fully exempt under federal law." READ MORE: "whammy" taxes to hit WA businesses, including techSeveral tech leaders who testified in legislative hearings this week, called the proposal an "extinction-level event" for businesses and startups. WA state's business climate ranking has fallen from 6th nationally to 45th the last few years.