Public hearing scheduled for I-960 postponement bill
The Democrats in Olympia have been grinding their teeth to stumps since voters across the state passed Initiative 960 in 2007 with strong voter support. The measures imposition of a rule that any tax increases at the state level would require a two-thirds vote from the Legislature was tantamount to societal Armageddon in the opinion of the majority party. Bridges would crumble to dust and children would be forced to wander the streets when their schools were closed for lack of funding.
Claims of fiscal chaos were not reserved for after the election, however. The public debate during the Initiative 960 campaign was vigorous. Opponents of the measure threatened that if it were made into law the state would be handcuffed to react to a crisis. Knowing that was a possibility, a majority of voters weighed that possibility against the reality that runaway government spending at the state level was, in itself, a crisis in the making.
Now, the Democrat majority have moved a bill through the Senate – SB 6130 – that would “shelve” I-960 until July 2011, just enough time to get some really gluttonous spending accomplished before November elections could rearrange their partisan dominance. The bill must first get past the House before its certain signing by Gov. Gregoire.
The Republicans in Olympia are summoning the voters to attend the public hearing for SB 6130 before the House Finance Committee so that Democrat legislators can again hear the message loud and clear that was already sent in 2007. The hearing is currently scheduled for 9:00 a.m., Saturday February 13, in the John L. O’Brien Building, Hearing Room A. As luck would have it, concerned taxpayers will get the benefit of a double feature of tax horror legislation because another tax increase bill – HB 3176 – is on the agenda.
Here is the communication we received from House Republican leader Rep. Richard DeBolt (R-20):
Dear Friends,
While you are hard at work trying to make ends meet, the Democratic majority is working hard to increase your taxes. This weekend you have the opportunity to tell them exactly what you think about their plans to take more of your hard-earned money.
Saturday, Feb. 13 at 9:00 am, in the John L. O’Brien Building, Hearing Room A, the House Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 6130, which repeals the taxpayer protection law (Initiative 960). Also on the agenda is House Bill 3176, which is one of the many tax increase bills introduced by the Democrats as a way to dig out of the mess they created by years of reckless overspending.
We want you to have your say! Here’s how:
Come to Olympia, attend the public hearing at 9:00 am and voice your opinion.
After the hearing is over, come to the Capitol building and watch from the galleries as the House of Representative debates SB 6130. Although we don’t know exactly what time the bill will be brought to the House floor for action, we believe it will be sometime after 1:00 pm on Saturday. Your presence will send a strong signal to the Democratic majority that overturning the will of the people will not go unnoticed!
My colleagues and I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
Sincerely,
Rep. Richard DeBolt
20th Legislative District
Consider your day in Olympia an early Valentine’s Day gift to your neighbors.
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The hearing in Olympia on I-960 killer SB 6130 is sched’d 9:00 a.m. Saturday. Show up and defend your wallet. http://bit.ly/djZLr1 #wagop
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