OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Senate Democrats are following through on their promise to amend an initiative that hampers their ability to raise taxes.
A bill was introduced Wednesday to modify Initiative 960, which requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature in order to raise taxes or remove tax exemptions.
Under the bill, the two-thirds requirement would be lifted on any bills passed between now and July 1, 2011. It also removes the requirement for bills that look to raise taxes to pay for voter-approved initiatives that don’t have dedicated funding sources.
The measure also does away with the requirement of an advisory vote of the people on tax increases.
Lawmakers are looking to patch a $2.6 billion deficit during the 60-day legislative session.
