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:
- High school football: Defense sets the stage for Mountain View victory
Sure, there were nine touchdowns scored in Mountain View’s win over Evergreen, but defensive gems, especially early in the game, led the Thunder to a victory in the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League. - Camas Lake Water Management Plan to clean lakes revealedCamas City Unveils $4.1 Million 10-Year Water Management Plan for Lacamas Lake, Targeting Phosphorus Pollution.
- Washington panel considers outlawing community notification of sex offendersThe State Sex Offender Policy Board is considering recommendations to the Legislature that could include making it illegal to notify communities when a sex offender moves into the area on the grounds that such policies undermine public safety.
- Opinion: Free-market health care innovations should be used to make lives better, not expand government power
Elizabeth Hovde of the Washington Policy Center believes congressional and state policymakers need to find constructive solutions to concerns over new technologies in health care. - Playground at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park to close Monday for surfacing upgradeThe playground at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park will temporarily close Monday (Oct. 2) and could remain closed through Fri., Oct. 20, to accommodate the installation of new poured-in-place rubber surfacing.
- Clark County Today Sports Podcast, Episode 15: A discussion on sideline behavior in regard to Seton Catholic-Stevenson issue; plus a look at rivalry gamesSeton Catholic and Stevenson officials have worked out a “positive resolution” to an issue the schools dealt with last week, plus the Mountain View-Evergreen rivalry is about to play its 50th football game.
- High school football: Milestone meeting between rivals Evergreen and Mountain ViewEvergreen and Mountain View renew their long football rivalry as the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League season begins in Week 5 of the the season.
I like it but does it have a chance of even getting to Inslee? Is this a serious attempt or political theater?
Why would the legislature, which passed it the first time, be allowed to vote on it again? If the voters say no, then its no!!
Good effort by Cheney. But with the tax loving D’s in charge, it is likely dead-on-arrival.