WA Legislators Work To Return Two-Thirds Majority for Tax Increases

If a new joint resolution filed in the WA state legislature passes,  lawmakers will have to (again) get 66% yes votes to raise taxes.

Initially proposed by the Washington Policy Center, who recently held a large political issues forum in Kennewick,  SJR 8200 would restore what is called the "super majority" required to boost taxes. Since the 1990's voters have approved this procedure five times, only to see it challenged in court by special interest groups, and even former Governor Chris Gregoire.

It was overturned several times, then voters passed new initiatives putting it back in place.

Most recently, in 2011, 12 Democratic legislators and the Washington Education Association (WEA) successfully sued in  the State Supreme Court, and got the super majority requirement overturned again.

Unlike previous Initiatives,  SJR 8200 would actually amend the State Constitution, making it more difficult to overturn in court.

For example, if the Washington legislature had 100 members, at least 66 would have to vote to approve a tax hike, as opposed to a simple 51% majority.

The Resolution is expected to be supported by Republicans in both houses, and opposed by Democrats and Gov. Inslee.