Olympia on a Diet

          Because they don’t like what voters have decided, Democrats and the League of Education Voters have gone to court.   Initiative 1053 requires a two-thirds legislative majority to raise taxes.  This initiative, together with the Washington State constitutional requirement for a balance budget has forced some hard choices.  Liberal spending increases can no longer be balanced with massive tax increases.  Cutting spending would be a logical solution to this dilemma, but Democrats chose instead to sue you, the taxpayer.Richard Debolt

          Initiative 1053 was sponsored by Tim Eyman and passed last year with 64% voter approval.  Even the liberal Seattle Times supported the measure.  In an editorial, the Times stated, “A two-thirds requirement was in effect in 2009, and the Legislature did not raise taxes. But under the state constitution, the Legislature may suspend any initiative after two years by majority vote. In January they did, and raised taxes by more than $800 million. I-1053 would force the Legislature to find ways other than simply raising taxes to adjust to the state's economic realities.”

          In response to the Democratic Party lawsuit, House Republican leader Richard Debolt recently said, “Initiative 1053 put Olympia on a diet” and “At a time when so many families and small businesses are adjusting to economic realities and living within their means, House Democrats feel that state government shouldn’t have to. Time and time again, voters of all political persuasions have made it clear they want safeguards against government’s appetite for tax increases.” 

          Win or lose, Republicans should use this foolish lawsuit against Democrats in the next election.  Olympia needs to remain on the voter-imposed diet.