By: Edward

Edward — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:15:34 +0000

We are doomed.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 01:56:39 +0000

In WA, taxing entities like school districts, fire districts, library districts and local governments schedule votes for tax increases for a tax levy lid lift or tax hikes for a bond to borrow money etc during “special ” elections. Instead of putting all tax district tax hike propositions info existing primary or general elections, which would save money in election costs, each district may choose their own special elections, which have lower voter turn out.
Voters aren’t faced with all the tax hikes for the year at once, but little by little are asked for tax levy lid lifts, and approval of borrowing money via bonds for the wish lists of taxing districts, one bite at a time.
Furthermore, taxing districts and local government hire PR firms and consultants to sell their propositions to the public, at taxpayer expense. Slick websites, and multiple color mailers are sent to convince voters to vote YES, to higher taxes. A recent Camas School levy “renewal” was really a tax rate increase, not a renewal at the existing rate. Meanwhile, citizens who want to expose elaborate spending plans are left to fund , and pay for a website or mailers to share a more complete picture of the tax increase proposal. The supermajority requirement of 60% to raise taxes is needed to overcome the tremendous advantages government has to grow their districts, salaries, and benefits for their employees at the expense of local residents and businesses..

Comments on: Opinion: Protect taxpayers by putting supermajority for tax increase requirements in state constitution

By: Edward

By: Margaret