Shift has reported extensively on the intra-mural battle that is Initiative 732. On the Left is a self-proclaimed “stand-up economist” pushing a carbon tax, to increase the cost of energy for everyone in Washington State to achieve…very little.
And even further to the Left are the usual allies of those pushing self-serving and symbolic initiatives – Jay Inslee, extreme green groups like the Sierra Club, etc. – saying that I-732 doesn’t raise taxes high enough. Often leading the way in the vitriol aimed at the pro-side is the State Labor Council, as was the case with this editorial in labor’s daily newsletter, The Stand.
Just consider some of the attacks from chief labor boss Jeff Johnson, in language usually reserved for Republicans, or businesses creating jobs in the state:
“I-732 is a ‘pass-it-now, fix-it-later’ experiment that we cannot afford.”
“I-732, conceived to be revenue-neutral, fails at revenue neutrality — it cuts state funding for schools and service by nearly $800 million over its first six years.”
“We have to get climate policy right the first time. I-732 gets it wrong. Please vote NO on I-732.”
And, in a rare display of candor, Johnson admits the real reason that labor leaders hate I-732 so much – it makes it harder for Democrats to raise taxes, like a state income tax, next year. From his editorial: “If I-732 passes, the adjusted sales and B&O taxes will be off the table for years and the incentive for Republicans to negotiate increased revenue is removed.”
And labor can’t abide taking “increased revenue” off the negotiating table, unless of course, it’s when they are “negotiating” with Jay Inslee.
Leave a Reply