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Statement from Rep. Richard
DeBolt on state Supreme Court ruling pertaining to the question of a
two-thirds majority required to raise taxes
“We will continue to stand
up for taxpayers and respect the will of voters who demanded no tax
increases be enacted in Olympia without approval from a two-thirds
majority of the Legislature. The lawsuit brought by Democrat lawmakers
to overturn the voters’ wishes was disappointing, and we’re pleased the
court has left these tax protections intact for now.
“However,
we remain concerned that Democrat lawmakers will continue to look for
ways around Initiative 960 in order to raise taxes. That’s why House
Republicans asked for clarification from the Speaker of the House
earlier this week as to whether Democrats intend to abide by the
two-thirds requirement for tax increases. The fact they have not
provided an answer is, in its own way, revealing and of great concern to
us.
“With the challenges we’re facing on the state operating
budget, there seems to be more effort by the majority party to clear the
way for tax increases than to rein in state spending. Republicans will
continue to fight for Washington families who have enough challenges of
their own without government piling on an additional tax burden that
will cost money and jobs. We can balance the state budget without
raising taxes while still providing essential services and caring for
our most vulnerable.”
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Fenton, Communications
Director - (360) 786-7728
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