Statement from Rep. Liz Pike on state Supreme Court overturning taxpayer protections
Rep. Liz Pike – (360) 786-7812
Statement from Rep. Liz Pike on state Supreme Court overturning taxpayer protections
The state Supreme Court today struck down I-1053, a previous voter-approved requirement of a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to increase taxes. Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, was disappointed with the ruling, noting that voters passed the most recent ballot measure, Initiative 1185 on Nov. 6, 2013, with 64 percent statewide approval. This was the fifth time such an initiative was passed by voters in Washington. In response to the Supreme Court ruling, Pike issued the following statement:
“Today's ruling is a direct affront to a majority of Washington residents who voted overwhelmingly to require a two-thirds majority of the Legislature in order to raise taxes. Voters spoke loud and clear and said with their vote they want government to live within its means without raising taxes.
Voters are smart; they realize a two thirds majority requirement will make it very difficult for us to raise taxes. Elections have consequences and it's our job in the Legislature to keep faith with the voters who put us here.
This is why, at the beginning of the session, I co-sponsored House Joint Resolution 4206 which would amend our state constitution and add the two-thirds requirement for tax increases into our state's founding document. Taxpayers have asked us to protect their hard-earned dollars, and I will continue to fight for struggling families in Clark County by listening to voters at the ballot box.”
