Overwhelming voter passage of I-601 in 1993 mandates the Legislature abides by a two-thirds majority to raise taxes. Simple enough on the surface, except now we find it common practice for the Legislature to ignore or circumvent this law by deceptive use of emergency clauses, shifting budgets in a shell game, tasking state agencies for fee increases thus avoiding a legislative vote. This is done to circumvent the intent of I-601 and mislead citizens.
If you’ve never experienced the elitist attitude of state government, it is well worth a day’s visit to the capital proceedings in Olympia. I’ve done so on several occasions and the defiant attitude for the electorate is palpable.
Citizens are perceived as better managed than represented. The capital is a complex and conflicted world with many events cross-scheduled and competing. Some are for show, some of substance, but the messages of concerned citizens are largely ignored.
But there is hope in I-601. Our legislators ignore the intent of overwhelming voter-approved I-601 with abusive misuse of emergency clauses, avoiding the two-thirds majority rule requirements by taxing “off budget” and claiming it is not a tax. There are many more games employed, such as shifting budgets. This predictable behavior has become so routine as to be considered standard operating procedure. The emergency clause is abused constantly and it is no accident.
Rep. Barbara Bailey has attempted to burden lawmakers with a reflective moment of explanation before including emergency clauses. It has become customary to simply add the emergency clause like a rubber-stamped afterthought when there is no urgency, much less an emergency.
Why should the Legislature not live within the intent of I-601, the law of the land?
Answer: It is to their financial advantage to circumvent the law, hence the need for I-690!
Our state Legislature is out of control, spending your tax dollars and with near impunity. Initiative 960 will hold their feet to the fire, require accountability plus close the loopholes routinely abused in I-601. I am totally supportive of I-960 and seeking support. When it comes to the constitution, we cannot allow state government and the Legislature to ignore the will of the people’s initiative process.
The power to govern is bested in the people and it is not for the Legislature to ignore. Let legislators honor the people’s initiative, not dilute the voter’s imperative with emergency clauses, use “off budget” unlawful taxations. They also must not task agencies to increase their budgets (auto-piloted increases) thus bypassing the legislative responsibilities and visibility for tax increases. Agencies of government have no such taxing authority!
Support I-960 and keep governmental bodies in their responsible, responsive and accountable place.
EDWARD DRUM
Coupeville
