OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Legislature's Democratic majority is clearing the way for tax increases with its first major vote to brush aside Initiative 960.

In a 26-23 vote, the Senate moved to suspend until July 2011 the requirement that any tax increases get approval from two-thirds of the Legislature.

That's a difficult hurdle for lawmakers to clear. But the Legislature can amend initiatives two years after they go into effect, and majority Democrats say they need to raise taxes to help balance the state budget.

Republicans resisted the change, saying the majority was thwarting the will of voters. But Democrats said a tax raise may a bitter pill to swallow, but a necessary one to in order to balance the state budget.

"This is not a vote I would like to take," said Sen. Rosa Franklin, D-Tacoma.

But lawmakers face a $2.4 billion budget shortfall, and Democrats say raising taxes is the only way out.

"We are in a crisis," said Sen. Tracy Eide, D-Federal Way.

Democrats added they need to protect the most vulnerable citizens from huge budget cuts.

"I've been here all these years and I've never voted for a general tax increase, but I will this year, because I care about those people who can't take care of themselves," Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island. "This is really difficult, and I've been here for 28 years."

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign it into law, which must happen before Democrats can start passing tax increases.

"We're in an economic crisis," said Gregoire. "I need the Legislature to make tough decisions and take action now, so some sort of suspension of 960 is in order."

Republicans knew this maneuver was coming, but they're still outraged.

"We are about to tell the citizens of the state of Washington, 'You don't know what you were doing. You don't understand. We know better than you. We are far superior. We are a monarchy.' Mr. President, that is wrong," said Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington.

I-960 sponsor Tim Eyman was ready for change. He already has a new initiative to re-instate the two-thirds vote mandate.

"We kind of saw this coming, but it's still galling to actually watch them do it," he said.