Massive tax increases out of Olympia illustrate why Initiative 1366 is absolutely essential

by | Mar 4, 2015

Since 2007, we’ve had legislative sessions with the 2/3 protection and sessions without it.  In 2008 and 2009, for example, the 2/3 protected us perfectly and not a single tax hike was imposed.  In 2010, the 2/3 was suspended and Olympia imposed $6.7 billion in higher taxes.  Without the 2/3, it’s not whether they’re gonna raise taxes, it’s only a question of how much.

There is no 2/3 protection in effect during this year’s legislative session.  As a direct result of that, it’s shaping up to be a monumentally expensive session.  Earlier this week, the Legislature voted to take over $15 billion from statewide taxpayers and voted to authorize Sound Transit to take over $11 billion more from Puget Sound taxpayers.

But that’s just the beginning.  We’ve got Governor Inslee pushing for a new state income tax (he calls it a capital gains tax), new carbon taxes (cap and tax) and many other taxes and fees.

Without the 2/3 protection, the Legislature is unhinged and unrestrained.  They’re going absolutely bonkers.

What they’re doing in Olympia right now vividly and dramatically illustrates how essential it is for us to succeed this year with our 2/3-For-Taxes Constitutional Amendment Initiative.  Initiative 1366 provides permanent protection from higher taxes.  Pass it one time and it is for all time.  Once we get the 2/3 Constitutional Amendment passed, politicians can never be take it way.

As we announced on Monday, your donations to Initiative 1366 are being matched dollar-for-dollar this month.  A successful businessman has agreed to give as much as each of you gives during the month of March.  So your donations are worth DOUBLE this month.

Please maximize your support for I-1366 by contributing RIGHT NOW.

The 2/3-For-Taxes Constitutional Amendment Initiative is the most exciting, impactful, needed initiative we’ve ever done.  Voters have 5 times supported initiatives requiring a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for any tax increase.  We want that policy to be permanent.  We want that policy enshrined in our state Constitution.

But we need your help to make Initiative 1366 a reality.

We have from now until July 2nd to get over 320,000 voter signatures to qualify our critically important initiative for the ballot.  That’s over 2000 signatures PER DAY!  That’s a huge mountain to climb.  That’s why we’ve already hired professional signature collectors to help.  That’s why we need you to donate.  

        Let me be absolutely clear:  success is the only option with the signature drive for I-1366.  Please help us make it happen.