Thanks to you, we got another mega-victory for taxpayers with Initiative 1185
ack, Mike, and I are so grateful for your help getting Initiative 1185 over the finish line. Last night was a clear and convincing victory for the taxpayers and it wouldn’t have happened without your support. Initiative victories are team efforts and the three of us want you to know that we know that.
Last night at the Bellevue Hyatt, flanked by a sea of supporters all sporting long sleeved red t-shirts emblazoned with “2/3 FOR TAXES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT”,
I read the following statement last night just as the polls closed in Washington:
After five public votes and five public approvals, the people have earned the right to vote on a 2/3 for taxes constitutional amendment. Over and over and over and over and over again the people have voted for this critical protection. They’ve approved it in good times and bad.
Over the past 20 years, the taxpayers have clearly proven they want this protection.
During this campaign and previous campaigns, our opponents have said the voters should have been spending their time lobbying the Legislature to let the people vote on a 2/3 for taxes constitutional amendment. But that’s exactly what the people have been doing when they passed I-601, R-49, I-960, I-1053, and I-1185. There is no greater lobbying tool available to the citizenry than the public votes in favor of these ballot measures.
In recent legislative sessions, some legislators have introduced bills allowing the people to vote on a 2/3 for taxes constitutional amendment. But leaders in the House and Senate blocked them from being voted on.
That cannot be allowed to happen in 2013. It is time for Olympia to stop the blockade against letting the people vote on a 2/3 for taxes constitutional amendment. The 2013 Legislature must let the House and Senate vote on a 2/3 for taxes constitutional amendment that mirrors I-1185. The people deserve a recorded vote in both chambers.
After five public votes and five public approvals, the people have earned the right to vote on a 2/3 for taxes constitutional amendment.
In this campaign for Initiative 1185, we have seen an overwhelming consensus come together in favor of this policy. The people’s 5 votes, overwhelming newspaper ed board support, and even the acceptance of our opponents who could have run a full-throated campaign against I-1185, but didn’t. It’s clear from their actions that even our opponents accept that the people want this policy.
1185’s opponents repeatedly reminded us that 17 states have these protections in their constitutions. We agree with our opponents that 2/3 for taxes should be in our constitution.
For 20 years, the citizens have lobbied Olympia the only way they could: with public votes. Opponents have had five opportunities in five campaigns to convince the people to side with them, and every time, the people have sided with us. Most amazingly, in the last three initiative campaigns, we spent nothing while opponents spent a lot more. Nonetheless, the people supported the 2/3 each and every time. It’s what the people want.
After five public votes and five public approvals, the people have earned the right to vote on a 2/3 for taxes constitutional amendment.
Jack, Mike, and I are very pleased with our progress over the years. We’ve tackled some of the toughest issues possible and challenged politicians to do better. We have a growing group of thousands of heroic supporters throughout the state who work super hard to make these efforts a success. By working together, we give voters more choices at the ballot box and give the average taxpayer an equal voice in the process.
Taxpayers all over Washington are counting on us to keep fighting for them – we won’t let them down.
As for what we’ve got planned next, stay tuned.
Jack, Mike, and I are very proud of Initiative 1185 and thrilled with the support it received. The campaign for 1185 has been a tremendous success that will provide huge benefits to the taxpayers for years to come. Thank you.
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I-1185’s victory was a ray of sunshine during an otherwise dark night. But we must focus on the positive. We must remember that the fight for liberty never stops. Jack, Mike, and I are committed to continuing to fight on behalf of taxpayers. But we will only succeed with your continued help and support. Our efforts are more important and needed than ever.
Jack, Mike, and I are extremely grateful for the folks who contribute to our compensation fund. We ask that you continue that support. If you like and appreciate our past, current, and future efforts on behalf of taxpayers, please send us a donation for $10, $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2500, $5000 or more (there are no limits on how much can be given). Please consider a monthly pledge from now through December for our fund. We ask you to please help us help taxpayers. You can go to our website — www.VotersWantMoreChoices.com and make a secure on-line contribution by PayPal or VISA or MasterCard. OR, you can print this form, fill it out, and return it with a check or credit card information. Your voluntary contribution to our compensation fund will be divided between the three of us and compensate us for our political work.
Congratulations again on I-1185. As for our compensation fund, we would be extremely grateful for any financial assistance you can offer. Thanks!