Would you rather live in Washington or New Jersey?

Have you ever heard someone in this state say, “I wish Washington were more like New Jersey?” You’re more likely to see Bigfoot. But the Washington State Supreme Court has left state government at a crossroads. Unless caution is observed, Washington will become more like New Jersey — when it comes to taxes.

At issue is basic education, the paramount duty of our state government. Public support for education is strong. Our aerospace and high-tech jobs depend on an educated workforce. Yet for decades, elected officials allowed an increasing share of what should have been the state’s financial bu...