
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:
- C-TRAN seeks public’s input on September 2025 Service Change ConceptsC-TRAN is gathering public input on 2025 service changes, including new routes and expanding its on-demand ride-share, The Current.
- Bill amending parents’ rights initiative passes another hurdle in the WA HouseESSB 5181, a bill modifying Washington’s parents’ rights initiative, advances amid sharp debate over student autonomy and parental access to information.
- Opinion: Bill limiting notifications for parents passes committeeA Washington Policy Center column critiques SB 5181, which would reduce parental notification rights in Washington public schools.
- Seattle City Council approves resolution recognizing failure of ‘defund the police’Seattle City Council passes resolution reversing defund-the-police stance and recommits to supporting public safety and law enforcement reforms.
- Sidewalk and ramp construction work in unincorporated Clark County begins in early AprilClark County Public Works to begin sidewalk and ramp upgrades in Vancouver to meet ADA standards, enhancing pedestrian safety.
- Letter: ‘Public safety is the backbone of a thriving community’Zach Goodman urges Camas and Washougal voters to support the RFA.
- Letter: Blood on their hands — A call for real leadership in VancouverVancouver resident Justin Forsman calls for bold new leadership in a public letter.