Washington State High Court rules 20 year tax 'hostage' law unconstitutional

[evanrick]

The past two decades, Washington State has slipped into last place as far as a fair tax structure goes, ranking #50 - being the most regressive in the USA, meaning the poor pay a lot more than the rich compared to their income. Why? Since the 90s voters have continually required 2/3rds of both houses to approve tax increases, forcing lawmakers to afflict the most vulnerable in order to pass tax and fee increases.

That precedent may have ended when the Supreme Court ruled yesterday 6-3 that voter approved initiatives cannot circumvent the state constitution, saying that a simple majority vote cannot replace an amendment process.

http://seattletimes.com/html/localne...thirdsxml.html

Ironically, two state senators switched parties at the beginning of the session, giving republicans a one vote majority in the state senate, meaning democrats may not be able to capitalize on their plans to repeal tax loopholes on banks - like they tried to in 2011 and failed because of the 2/3rds requirement.

The legislature should now propose closing those loopholes by popular vote.

[evanrick]

just an update: 3 State GOP senators now want to fire 4 of the justices by placing all justices up to draw straws to keep their jobs.

How incredibly embarrassing for the GOP?

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/B...195778841.html