The Washington State Supreme Court does not have the constitutional authority to direct the appropriation of funds in the state budget. Period. The court does not have the constitutional authority to fine the state (i.e., the taxpayers) $100,000 a day because the Legislature has not allocated funding to education at levels dictated by the court. The Legislature should ignore the ruling and, instead, perhaps send a copy of the state Constitution to the members of the Washington State Supreme Court for their review. Also, if the state chooses to accept the daily contempt of court fine, the money should be taken from the operating funds of the court. After all, it’s the court that is showing contempt of the state Constitution, not the Legislature.
The current governor is not likely to resist the court ruling, as the diversion of additional tax dollars to education will likely result in increased union campaign donations to help elect people from his party.
The separation of powers at all levels of government is important. Without it, tyranny is the result. The Legislature should not allow the court to co-opt its legitimate and constitutional role in appropriating funds. Period.
Mike Byers
Vancouver
