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In Our View: Homework Ahead

Nov. 2 will bring nine ballot measures; it's not too soon to start your research

The Columbian
Published: August 25, 2010, 12:00am

any voters might consider Nov. 2 to be in the distant future. Indeed, it’s about 10 weeks away, and many voters made up their minds about most of the candidates during last week’s primary.

But to be a truly informed voter requires homework, and plenty of research awaits voters on nine ballot measures that they will see for the first time this fall. Six are initiatives brought by the people; three are measures brought by the Legislature.

Complicating the research is the fact that two initiatives each call for privatizing liquor sales, one submitted by retailers and one by wholesalers. According to the secretary of state’s office, if both of these semi-related initiatives pass, differences will be resolved in the courts or by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature.

Obviously, it’s not too soon for voters to begin their homework, and one excellent online resource already is available. Visit http://www.vote.wa.gov and click on “2010 General Election Ballot Measures,” and you’ll find abundant details about each ballot measure, including ballot title, fiscal impact statement, explanatory statement and statements for and against the measure.

More details will be forthcoming in Columbian stories as Nov. 2 nears, and we’ll be publishing endorsements on each of the measures. For now, though, feel free to venture forth on your own research. The secretary of state’s website is a great place to start.

Here, as explained by the secretary of state’s office, are brief descriptions of the six initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot:

I-1053 would restate existing statutory requirements that legislative actions raising taxes must be approved by two-thirds legislative majorities or receive voter approval, and that new or increased fees require majority legislative approval.

I-1082 would authorize employers to purchase private industrial insurance beginning July 1, 2012; direct the Legislature to enact conforming legislation by March 1, 2012; and eliminate the worker-paid share of medical benefit premiums.

I-1098 would tax “adjusted gross income” above $200,000 (individuals) and $400,000 (joint filers), reduce state property tax levies, reduce certain business and occupation taxes, and direct any increased revenues to education and health.

I-1100 would close state liquor stores; authorize sale, distribution, and importation of spirits by private parties; and repeal certain requirements that govern the business operations of beer and wine distributors and producers.

I-1105, the second liquor privatization proposal, would close all state liquor stores and license private parties to sell or distribute spirits. It would revise laws concerning regulation, taxation and government revenues from distribution and sale of spirits.

I-1107 would end sales tax on candy; end temporary sales tax on some bottled water; end temporary excise taxes on carbonated beverages; and reduce tax rates for certain food processors.

Additionally, the ballot will include a referendum and two state constitutional amendments:

Referendum 52 would authorize bonds to finance construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings, and continue the sales tax on bottled water, which would otherwise expire in 2013.

House Joint Resolution 4220 would authorize courts to deny bail for offenses punishable by the possibility of life in prison, on clear and convincing evidence of a propensity for violence that would likely endanger persons.

Senate Joint Resolution 8225 would require the state to reduce the interest accounted for in calculating the constitutional debt limit, by the amount of federal payments scheduled to be received to offset that interest.

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