The Washington Legislature’s Democratic majority started clearing the way for tax increases on Tuesday with its first major vote to brush aside tax-limiting Initiative 960.
But in an unusual statement issued Tuesday night, Democratic senators said they had accidentally voted on the wrong version of their own bill, and must redo the vote on the correct bill as soon as possible.
Approved by voters in 2007, I-960 required that any tax increases win approval from two-thirds of the Legislature – a very difficult hurdle to clear. Tuesday’s 26-23 vote endorsed suspension of that rule until July 2011, when the next two-year budget cycle begins.
However, Democrats said they actually meant to suspend the entirety of I-960, including the requirement for public advisory votes on tax increases that are deemed an emergency by lawmakers. It was unclear how quickly the majority would be able to get a replacement bill to the floor.
Democratic lawmakers plan to increase taxes and cut spending to balance the state’s $2.6 billion budget deficit, but they don’t have enough members to get a two-thirds vote in either the Senate or House. Lawmakers can amend initiatives with a simple majority vote after they’ve been on the books for two years, making this the first legislative session that I-960 can be suspended.
The changes to I-960 must clear both chambers and be signed into law by Governor Christine Gregoire before lawmakers can move ahead with tax-raising votes. Gregoire is expected to approve the Legislature’s plan. (AP)
