History of Washington State Tax Ballot Measures Since 1932
Jason Mercier, Director, Center for Government Reform
, January, 2012Introduction
Governor Gregoire and some Democratic legislators say they do not believe the state’s 2011–13 budget can be balanced without imposing tax increases. Realizing the required two-thirds vote does not exist in the Legislature to raise taxes, some lawmakers say they will withhold their vote for a budget unless a tax increase ballot measure is sent to voters for consideration. Complicating this strategy are two factors — the 2012 election calendar and the likelihood Washington voters would once again reject a tax increase.
More Money Isn't the Answer for Schools
Liv Finne, Director, Center for Education
, October, 2011Key reforms, including giving principals more control, will improve education
The Daily Herald in Everett posted this column October 22, 2011
Citizens' Guide to Senate Joint Resolution 8206: To Enhance the State's Constitutional Savings Account
Jason Mercier, Director, Center for Government Reform
, September, 2011Key Findings
Citizens' Guide to Spokane Proposition 1: The Community Bill of Rights Proposal
Chris Cargill, Eastern Washington Office Director
, September, 2011
Citizens' Guide to Initiative 1183: To End Washington's Liquor Store Monopoly
Jason Mercier, Director, WPC's Center for Government Reform
, September, 2011Key Findings
Citizens' Guide to Initiative 1125
Michael Ennis, Director, Center for Transportation
, September, 2011I-1125 asks voters to decide on eight questions:
Citizens' Guide to Initiative 1125
Michael Ennis, Director, Center for Transportation
, September, 2011I-1125 asks voters to decide on eight questions:
Supermajority Vote Requirements Are a Basic Part of Washington's Democracy
Jason Mercier, Director, Center for Government Reform
, April, 2011Is Washington’s state constitution undemocratic? Some opponents of supermajority vote requirements seem to think so. The 2011 budget debate has been framed by voters’ approval of the two-thirds vote requirement for the legislature to raise taxes. The voters approved that taxpayer safeguard in November when they passed Initiative 1053 by a 64 percent margin.
More Money Won't Help Seattle Public Schools
Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research
, March, 2011The Seattle Times published this op-ed on March 16.
As a parent with children in Seattle Public Schools, I've seen firsthand how deeply teachers care about their students. And as foster parents, my wife and I have spent countless hours working with concerned teachers to get troubled kids the services they need. Yet, like most public school parents, what we experience is a plodding, top-heavy district system that doesn't give teachers the support they need.
Bills Seek to Reform State Liquor Monopoly
Kendra Clark, Research Assistant
, February, 2011Introduction
Washington Policy Center has long recommended ending the state’s 77-year-old monopoly on the sale of hard liquor. Although Washingtonians recently rejected two liquor privatization initiatives (I-1100 and I-1105), reforming the state’s liquor monopoly remains an important issue in the legislature and among the general public. Two bills have been introduced which would change the way liquor is sold in Washington.
Background