A judge in Seattle has ruled the voter-approved requirement that two-thirds of the Washington Legislature approve tax increases is unconstitutional.
King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Heller’s order issued Wednesday held that the supermajority and voter approval provisions restrict the Legislature’s constitutional authority to raise taxes.
The lawsuit was filed last year by two statewide education groups and a dozen Democratic state lawmakers seeking to overturn the two-thirds requirement established by Initiative 1053, which was approved by 64 percent of voters in 2010. The lawsuit argued the supermajority requirement unconstitutionally prevents lawmakers from adequately funding schools and other essential public services.
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office, acting on behalf of the state, says the decision will be appealed to the Washington State Supreme Court. (Seattle Times)
