Post by Logan on Jan 22, 2016 2:42:47 GMT -6
Tim Eyman’s anti-tax measure unconstitutional, judge rules
A judge struck down Tim Eyman’s latest tax-limiting measure Thursday, finding among other problems that it was a thinly disguised effort to propose a constitutional amendment — which can’t be done by initiative in Washington.
The decision from King County Superior Court Judge William Downing was an overwhelming win for Eyman’s opponents, who prevailed on their major arguments, but it’s certain to prompt an appeal.
Voters in November approved Initiative 1366, which would cut the sales tax by 1 percentage point beginning in April, unless state lawmakers allow a public vote on an amendment that would require a two-thirds supermajority in the Legislature for future tax increases.
The sales-tax cut would be a drastic hit to state revenue, costing an estimated $8 billion through the middle of 2021 at a time when lawmakers are struggling to boost spending on education and mental health.
Continued at www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/judge-rules-eymans-anti-tax-measure-unconstitutional/ .
A judge struck down Tim Eyman’s latest tax-limiting measure Thursday, finding among other problems that it was a thinly disguised effort to propose a constitutional amendment — which can’t be done by initiative in Washington.
The decision from King County Superior Court Judge William Downing was an overwhelming win for Eyman’s opponents, who prevailed on their major arguments, but it’s certain to prompt an appeal.
Voters in November approved Initiative 1366, which would cut the sales tax by 1 percentage point beginning in April, unless state lawmakers allow a public vote on an amendment that would require a two-thirds supermajority in the Legislature for future tax increases.
The sales-tax cut would be a drastic hit to state revenue, costing an estimated $8 billion through the middle of 2021 at a time when lawmakers are struggling to boost spending on education and mental health.
Continued at www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/judge-rules-eymans-anti-tax-measure-unconstitutional/ .