A constant theme of the HOTLINE so far this year is the blizzard of tax-increase proposals from blue states and cities.

This one caught our eye on the eve of Seattle’s fourth Super Bowl appearance.

Washington’s Democrat governor Bob Ferguson has just proposed a “jock tax.”

Ferguson wants to impose a 9.9% income tax on Seahawks players with more than $1 million in income (that’s most of them). This would also apply to players on visiting teams who would pay a “duty tax” for days spent in Washington.

It’s a back-door income tax in a state where income taxes are constitutionally prohibited. Since 1932, voters have rejected an income tax 11 straight times.

This tax on earnings will hamper Seattle’s sports competitiveness. At a 9.9% rate, Washington would move from one of the nine states with no income tax to the 8th highest rate (on pro athletes) in the nation.

Good luck signing top QBs and other free agents to come play for the Seahawks or top baseball players to wear the Mariners uniform.

Taxes have consequences.