In six separate votes since 1993, Washington voters have approved some kind of 2/3 rule for legislators to raise taxes. Every time, Democrats in the Legislature and their allies, including state employee unions, have found one way or another to kill off the 2/3 rules. Their latest is a lawsuit against I-1366, which voters passed overwhelmingly in November.
Rather than institute a 2/3 rule directly, as past initiatives have done, I-1366 said legislators should give voters a chance to enact a 2/3 rule through a constitutional amendment (changes to Washington’s constitution must originate with the Legislature). If they don’t give voters that opportunity, the state sales tax will be cut by a penny.
That fight is being played out at the state Supreme Court for now, but it got the folks over at the Washington Policy Center thinking: what do voters want to see happen if the court strikes down I-1366? So they commissioned a poll from respected Washington polling firm Elway Research. The answers Elway received probably won’t surprise you, but they will give some legislative Democrats heartburn.
When asked if there should be requirement for a supermajority vote in the legislature to raise taxes, 60% of the survey respondents said yes, there should be.
But even worse news for Democrats was the response to this question: “If the state supreme court rules that the voter-approved initiative is unconstitutional, what should the legislature do?” An overwhelming 65% said legislators should give voters a chance to weigh in and vote on a constitutional amendment.
That’s not good news for Democrats who hope they issue will just quietly fade away. Why do the state’s Democrats have such a hard time respecting the voters’ will, which they’ve clearly expressed six separate times? Probably because the Democrats hold tax increases in higher regard than they do the voters.
tensor says
… found one way or another to kill off the 2/3 rules.
Actually, it’s the same way every time: Washington state’s constitution cannot be amended via Initiative.
Their latest is a lawsuit against I-1366 …
Which is actually the same way as the previous times, because Washington state’s constitution cannot be amended via Initiative.
Rather than institute a 2/3 rule directly, as past initiatives have done …
Have tried to do, but have all failed, because Washington state’s constitution cannot be amended via Initiative.
An overwhelming 65% said legislators should give voters a chance to weigh in and vote on a constitutional amendment.
65% is less than the 2/3 required to amend our constitution, which makes it kind of underwhelming, really.
Donald Walker says
Here here…. The voter should ALWAYS have the final say when it comes to tax increases. This is one reason income taxes never have or will become law in this state. Olympia has absolutely no control when it comes to balancing a budget.
AbleAmerican1 says
Until the Voters VOTE to DRAIN & FUMIGATE the “CESS POOL” occupants , BEGINNING IN OLYMPIA… & those progressive socialistic career politicos ALLOWED to remain in their senate seats.. in WDC…Ain’t a damn thing gonna change.!!!!!!!
S/Sgt. John Sharp, USAF SIS, Disabled Korean War Veteran, 1950-1954..
Stephen Serafin says
Unfortunately, the cesspool will not change since voters keep sending their Rep back. When the term limit discussion happens, everybody is thinking of some other guy or gal not from their district. Change only happens if the politicians decide not to run again. Cynical? Yes, very.