|
“Spirit of
695” becomes I-747 Mukilteo, WA Like a Boeing jet, “Spirit of 695” flew out of the Secretary of State’s office this morning with the coveted Initiative number 747. Tim Eyman, head of Permanent Offense, released the following statement: “We’re extremely pleased to be the first initiative out of the starting blocks. It’s also kinda fun to tweek Boeing, a long-time initiative opponent by being assigned Initiative #747. ‘Spirit of 695’ I-747 promises to fly high in 2001.” “On a more substantive note, based on substantial feedback from our supporters from Monday’s filing, we’ve simplified our initiative and refocused it exclusively on property taxes. ‘Spirit of 695’ I-747 limits property tax increases to 1% per year unless approved by the voters. With their taxpayer-funded lawsuits, politicians are robbing taxpayers of property tax relief by blocking Initiative 722. Fine. ‘Spirit of 695’ I-747 just tightens the belt even further. Politicians must learn that sticking their finger in the eye of taxpayers has consequences.”“With car tabs being reduced to $30 thanks to our Initiative 695, property taxes are the new 800 pound gorilla when it comes to excessive taxation in our state. Property taxes are increasing so rapidly in Washington that working class families and senior citizens are being taxed out of their homes and making it nearly impossible for first-time home buyers to afford a home. Gary Locke and the Legislature have sent clear signals that property tax relief will be ignored again this year. ‘Spirit of 695’ I-747 is the taxpayers only hope.” The proposed ballot title for “Spirit of 695” The Right to Vote on Property Taxes Initiative I-747 reads, “This measure would limit property tax increases to 1% per year unless approved by the voters.” “Spirit of 695” I-747 is an Initiative to the People and must submit 197,734 valid signatures by July 6th. I n 1999, we managed to get 514,000 signatures for I-695 (2nd highest number in state history) and gathered over 270,000 signatures for I-722 last year. I-695 received 992,715 votes and I-722 received 1,295,391 votes (both passed 56-44%). Permanent Offense is a grassroots taxpayer organization with over 25,000 people on our mailing list (people who have either donated money or gathered signatures for our previous initiatives). Paid for by Permanent Offense · PO Box 1641 · Mukilteo · WA · 98275 Ph: 425-493-8707 · FAX: 425-493-1027 www.permanent-offense.org · email: info@permanent-offense.org “Spirit of 695” The Right to Vote on Property Taxes Initiative Politicians still don’t get it! P roposed Ballot Title: This measure would limit property tax increases to 1% per year unless approved by the voters. Complete Text of "Spirit of 695" The Right to Vote on Property Taxes Initiative I-747 AN ACT Relating to limiting property tax increases by amending RCW 84.55.005 and 84.55.0101; and adding new sections. BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON: POLICIES AND PURPOSES NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. This measure would limit property tax increases to 1% per year unless approved by the voters. Politicians have repeatedly failed to limit skyrocketing property taxes either by reducing property taxes or by limiting property tax increases in any meaningful way. Throughout Washington every year, taxing authorities regularly increase property taxes to the maximum limit factor of 106% while also receiving additional property tax revenue from new construction, improvements, increases in the value of state-assessed property, excess levies approved by the voters, and tax revenues generated from real estate excise taxes when property is sold. Property taxes are increasing so rapidly that working class families and senior citizens are being taxed out of their homes and making it nearly impossible for first-time home buyers to afford a home. The Washington state Constitution limits property taxes to 1% per year; this measure matches this principle by limiting property tax increases to 1% per year. LIMITING PROPERTY TAX INCREASES TO 1% PER YEAR UNLESS APPROVED BY THE VOTERS Sec 2. RCW 84.55.005 and 2001 c 2 s 5 (Initiative Measure No. 722) are each amended to read as follows: As used in this chapter: (1) "Inflation" means the percentage change in the implicit price deflator for personal consumption expenditures for the United States as published for the most recent twelve-month period by the bureau of economic analysis of the federal department of commerce in September of the year before the taxes are payable: (2) "Limit factor" means: (a) For taxing districts with a population of less than ten thousand in the calendar year prior to the assessment year, one hundred ((two)) one percent: (b) For taxing districts for which a limit factor is authorized under RCW 84.55.0101, the lessor of the limit factor under that section or one hundred ((two)) one percent; (c) For all other districts, the lesser of one hundred ((two)) one percent or one hundred percent plus inflation; and (3) "Regular property taxes" has the meaning given in RCW 84.04.140. Sec 3. RCW 84.55.0101 and 1997 c 3 s 204 are each amended to read as follows: Upon a finding of substantial need, the legislative authority of a taxing district other than the state may provide for the use of a limit factor under this chapter of one hundred two one percent or less unless an increase greater than this limit is approved by the voters at an election as provided in RCW 84.55.050. In districts with legislative authorities of four members or less, two-thirds of the members must approve an ordinance or resolution under this section. In districts with more than four members, a majority plus one vote must approve an ordinance or resolution under this section. The new limit factor shall be effective for taxes collected in the following year only. CONSTRUCTION CLAUSE NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The provisions of this act are to be liberally construed to effectuate the policies and purposes of this act. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. If any provision of this act of its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected. LEGISLATIVE INTENT NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. The people have clearly expressed their desire to limit taxes through the overwhelming passage of numerous initiatives and referendums. However, politicians throughout the state of Washington continue to ignore the mandate of these measures. Politicians are reminded: (1) All political power is vested in the people, as stated in Article I, section 1 of the Washington state Constitution. (2) The first power reserved by the people is the initiative, as stated in Article II, section 1 of the Washington state Constitution. (3) Politicians are an employee of the people, not their boss. (4) Any property tax increase which violates the clear intent of this measure undermines the trust of the people in their government and will likely to increase the likelihood of future tax limitation measures. END Paid for by Permanent Offense · PO Box 1641 · Mukilteo · WA · 98275 Ph: 425-493-8707 · FAX: 425-493-1027 www.permanent-offense.org · email: info@permanent-offense.org |