State issues on ballot

Posted

Rick Sorrels

There are two initiatives and four advisory issues on the Nov. 3 general election ballot for Washington state, but no elective offices.

Initiatives are brought by citizens who obtain a large number of signatures of registered voters in support. Initiatives become law. An earlier initiative requires the Legislature to obtain an advisory vote from the public whenever the Legislature raises taxes. Advisory votes are not binding.

I-1366: Initiative to force a Constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds vote by Legislature to raise taxes. Initiative would decrease the state retail sale tax rate if the Legislature fails to place Constitutional amendment on the ballot by April 15, 2016.

Pro: Voters have five times passed initiatives to raise vote requirement for new taxes, only to be ignored or, more recently, have the Supreme Court rule that a Constitutional amendment would be required.

Con: Drastic effect on the state budget and expenditures.

I-1401: Create state criminal statute for selling, buying, trading or distributing parts of certain endangered animal species and products made therefrom (elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks and rays).

Pro: Removes a market for pieces of endangered animals killed elsewhere.

Con: Redundant. Federal law already exists. Would create problems when gifting or selling a legally owned or an inherited item like a necklace or piano.

Advisory vote No. 10 (Engrosed Substitute House Bill 1449): Tax on crude oil and petroleum products transported by rail to be spent on oil spill response.

Repeal: Advises Legislature that public does not support.

Maintain: Advises Legislature that public agrees with the legislation.

Advisory vote No. 11 (Second Substitute Senate Bill 5052): Excise tax on medical marijuana sales.

Repeal: Advises Legislature that public does not support.

Maintain: Advises Legislature that public agrees with the legislation.

Advisory vote No. 12 (Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5987): Gas taxfor motor vehicle fuels that will raise $2.7 billion over the next 10 years.

Repeal: Advises Legislature that public does not support.

Maintain: Advises legislature that public agrees with the legislation.

Advisory vote No. 13 (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6138): Increases business and occupation (B&O) taxes ands removes exemption for software manufacturers. B&O taxes have long been argued to be unfair because they tax gross sales, not just profits.

Repeal: Advises Legislature that public does not support.

Maintain: Advises Legislature that public agrees with the legislation.


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