Lawmaker says ‘The people continually tell the Legislature ‘no’ and the Legislature has continually increased taxes. It’s time for that to stop’
Rep. Greg Cheney, R-Battle Ground, wants voters to have more of a voice when it comes to tax increases.
The 18th District lawmaker is cosponsoring a constitutional amendment that would require a vote of the people to approve any tax increases passed by the Legislature.
“Some of the issues that came up as I traveled around my district this past year were the issues of affordability and cost of living,” said Cheney. “It’s not just inflation, but the price of fuel, housing, higher education, health care, and child care. Every aspect of life can be financially draining. I think in response to what my constituents are saying, further parameters and protections against unwanted and unnecessary tax increases is justified.”
The proposal Cheney is cosponsoring, House Joint Resolution 4202, would require a referendum – a vote of the people – at the next general election after a tax increase is passed by the Legislature. If voters reject the tax increase, the original legislation would go back to the legislative chamber of origin. No amendments to the original bill would be allowed, but if both the House and Senate passed the measure again, it would become law without triggering another mandatory referendum.
“Voters have continually rejected tax increases, and we know this because we see the results of the tax advisory votes,” said Cheney, who is a practicing attorney. “The people continually tell the Legislature ‘no’ and the Legislature continually increases taxes. It’s time for that to stop. It’s time to add some weight to the voice of the people and let them have the final say.”
In Washington state, a constitutional amendment like HJR 4202 must have the support of two-thirds of the legislators in both the House and Senate to pass the Legislature. If that happens, it would then go to a vote of the people, where a simple majority vote would establish it into law.
The 105-day 2023 legislative session began Jan. 9.
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- Suspicious devices found outside vacant home
Suspicious devices were found outside a vacant home in Vancouver, prompting the involvement of the regional explosive detonation unit. - Vancouver Police investigate online threat, arrest two armed individualsVancouver Police arrested two armed suspects outside Mountain View High School after investigating an online threat to confront a student.
- Patriot Day Salute set for Wednesday, Sept. 11, at City HallVancouver to host a Patriot Day Salute on Sept. 11 at City Hall to honor the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks.
- Resource fair for senior citizens to be held in Washougal on Sept. 14A Senior Education Resource Fair will be held on Sept. 14 in Washougal, hosted by Columbia River Realty, offering valuable resources for senior citizens.
- Expect nighttime delays for paving work on SR 503 in Battle Ground, Sept. 9-10Expect nighttime delays for paving work on SR 503 in Battle Ground, with single-lane closures and flaggers guiding traffic.
- CCSO investigating possible kidnapping attempt of 14-year-old femaleCCSO investigating a possible kidnapping attempt of a 14-year-old female near NE 76th Street and NE 122nd Avenue in Vancouver.
- Off-duty Camas Police officer involved in collision
Off-duty Camas Police Officer Casey Handley involved in a two-vehicle collision, sustaining minor injuries along with the other vehicle’s occupants.
wpDiscuz
