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Bailey seeks special session to reinstate I-747
provisions
Oak Harbor lawmaker signs petition to call
Legislature into special session
Rep.
Barbara Bailey has joined
with House and Senate Republicans to sign a petition that would call the
Legislature into a special session to restore provisions of Initiative
747.
The initiative, approved
by voters in November 2001, prohibited taxing districts such as the
state, cities, counties, fire districts and library districts from
increasing their tax levies by more than 1 percent a year without voter
approval. On Nov.8. the Washington State Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional,
saying voters didn't understand what they were
voting for.
Bailey says voters are
much smarter than what the Supreme Court thinks, and their wishes should
be respected.
"It was quite clear that
the voters knew what they were doing. People are at their limit with
rising property taxes. Voters were seeking property tax relief and they
knew that's what I-747 would do," said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor.
"I believe we need to
uphold the will of the people by restoring provisions of Initiative 747.
We need to do it soon because local governments are beginning to prepare
their budgets for next year," added Bailey. "If we wait until the
regular session in January, it will be too late, because the extra
revenue collections will be written into the budgets of taxing
districts."
Lawmakers are scheduled to
be in Olympia Nov. 28, 29 and 30 for "Interim Committee Assembly," a
time when the legislative committees meet. Bailey said that would be the
ideal time for a special session.
"We're already going to be
gathered at the state Capitol for our committees. It won't cost
taxpayers any additional money if we hold a special session at that
time. And it would happen before our local governments begin to write
their budgets, so that we can ensure the 1 percent limit continues,"
said Bailey. "However, if we wait, it will be far more costly to the
taxpayers of Washington."
The 10th District lawmaker
said if the ruling is allowed to stand, it could have widespread
implications on the housing market and for current homeowners.
"I'm very concerned about
homeowners who can barely afford their taxes right now. If taxing
districts are allowed to collect the full amount retroactively to 2001
when voters approved I-747, it could be the tipping point for many of
those homeowners who are now on the edge," noted Bailey. "This could
also make it tougher for first-time homebuyers to get into a home,
resulting in an even greater decline of the housing economy."
Bailey added that under
the I-747 provisions, if taxing districts need more money for local
services, they can make their case with voters who can choose whether or
not to increase the 1 percent limit.
"If local jurisdictions
are in need beyond the 1 percent limit, with an approved vote of the
people, more dollars can be brought to those communities. It is
important to understand that options are available for our communities.
The provisions of I-747 establish a base limit and voters can decide
whether to lift the local levy lid," said Bailey.
"Voters were very clear
when they approved I-747. We need to respect their wishes. That's why
I've signed onto this petition for a
special session later this month to restore the 1 percent
limit," concluded Bailey.
PETITION CALLING FOR A SPECIAL SESSION TO
RESTORE THE PROTECTIONS OF I-747
WHEREAS, The people of the State of Washington passed
Initiative No. 747 in 2001 as a means of limiting property tax growth
and providing a reasonable and predictable tax burden; and
WHEREAS, The Supreme Court invalidated Initiative No. 747 on November 8,
2007, throwing out these property tax protections; and
WHEREAS, It is of paramount importance that these property tax
protections be restored as soon as possible;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE UNDERSIGNED LEGISLATORS RESOLVE, To work to
reauthorize the rights and protections afforded taxpayers under
Initiative No. 747, call for a Special Session of the Legislature to
enact such protections, and support a Concurrent Resolution drafted to
call a Special Session for this purpose in accordance with Article II,
Section 12 of the Constitution and Joint Rule 29.
SO RESOLVED:
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For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257 |