Washington House Republicans try to bring constitutional amendment for 2/3rds vote of the Legislature to raise taxes to House floor
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing declared I-1366 unconstitutional on Jan. 21. The ruling will likely be considered by the state Supreme Court in the weeks ahead.
On Jan. 22, Washington House Republicans introduced House Joint Resolution 4215. Sponsored by Rep. Ed Orcutt, the measure would send to voters an amendment to the state constitution that would require a two-thirds majority vote of the Legislature to raise taxes.
This morning, through a procedural motion on the House floor, Washington House Republicans tried to place HJR 4215 on the Second Reading Floor Calendar in an attempt to force a full House vote on the legislation. The procedural move failed on a party-line vote of 48-49. The failed vote meant the measure itself is unlikely to be voted on by the full body.
House Republican Leader Dan Kristiansen released this statement on today's House floor action:
“Today's move was for the majority of voters who have told us six times that they want it to be more difficult for the Legislature to raise taxes. It was for the people who feel their clear intent is being ignored by our state court system. Regardless of how the state Supreme Court rules on I-1366, House Republicans believe the Legislature should move forward with legislation that would send a constitutional amendment to voters that would require a supermajority vote for tax increases. We have introduced the measure and will continue to advocate for it.”
