Schram: No flipping off the public majority
I did not support Initiative 960 back in 2007.
My feelings then and now are that by requiring a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate to raise taxes, 960 hobbles lawmakers from doing the job required of them.
Be that as it may, citizens weary of waves of new taxes and tax increases said enough is enough and passed the measure as a way to bring state spending under control.
I have great respect for how our system works.
As long as the majority vote isn't doing something like taking away minority rights, I figure the voice of the people should give politicians they're marching orders.
Too bad the state Legislature doesn't agree.
Senate Democrats are gutting Initiative 960 so taxes can increased with a simple majority vote.
Yeah, I know we're in tough economic times.
Yes, I know that 960 makes it tougher to make legislative decisions.
But that doesn't mean Olympia gets to politically flip off the majority that said either get approval from voters to raise taxes or you need a two-thirds legislative vote.
Democrats in the House and Senate have the legal authority to scrub 960 but I maintain they have the moral obligation not to.
It doesn't mean a tinkers dam whether I didn't vote for 960 or if it makes their jobs harder.
It's what the people of this state voted for.
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Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.
My feelings then and now are that by requiring a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate to raise taxes, 960 hobbles lawmakers from doing the job required of them.
Be that as it may, citizens weary of waves of new taxes and tax increases said enough is enough and passed the measure as a way to bring state spending under control.
I have great respect for how our system works.
As long as the majority vote isn't doing something like taking away minority rights, I figure the voice of the people should give politicians they're marching orders.
Too bad the state Legislature doesn't agree.
Senate Democrats are gutting Initiative 960 so taxes can increased with a simple majority vote.
Yeah, I know we're in tough economic times.
Yes, I know that 960 makes it tougher to make legislative decisions.
But that doesn't mean Olympia gets to politically flip off the majority that said either get approval from voters to raise taxes or you need a two-thirds legislative vote.
Democrats in the House and Senate have the legal authority to scrub 960 but I maintain they have the moral obligation not to.
It doesn't mean a tinkers dam whether I didn't vote for 960 or if it makes their jobs harder.
It's what the people of this state voted for.
---
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.