Myers: Legislature Should Reinstate Voter-Approved Tax Laws

, Redmond City Council member and 48th District legislative candidate, issued a news release Wednesday calling on state legislators to reinstate a voter-approved tax initiative that was struck down by a King County Superior Court judge earlier in the day.

Initiative 1053, passed by voters in November 2010, calls for legislators to obtain a two-thirds majority vote before raising taxes. King County Superior Court Judge Bruce E. Heller ruled Wednesday that the state's constitution restricts voters from enacting a super majority through initiative.

In a prepared statement, Myers said legislators ought to honor voters' decision by giving them "the option of putting those popular tax limits in the state constitution."

“Party-line thinking and voting put Washington in a serious budget hole,” Myers said. “Requiring a two-thirds vote for tax increases encourages the parties to work together for better solutions. The bipartisan budget this year, supported by Representative Eddy and Senator Tom, is an excellent example of what can happen when the parties work together.”

Myers also argued that keeping taxes low will help stimulate the local economy.

“As a Redmond City Councilman, I have consistently advocated keeping taxes low, especially at a time when our businesses are struggling with the recession,” he said in the statement. “At such an important economic time, voters deserve a say in our critical tax and budget decisions.”

The matter is expected to move on to the Washington Supreme Court this fall.