My recommendations for the 2010 Washington State Initiatives

Here is how I intend to vote on the slate of initiatives that will appear on the Washington State 2010 general election ballot and a brief explanation why.

Initiative 1053: Yes
In 2007, the voters of Washington passed I-960 which made it more difficult for the legislature to raise taxes. To do so required either a two-thirds majority in the State House and Senate, or a simple majority in both houses followed by a simple majority of the people. In Washington, an Initiative can be overridden after two years by a simple majority of both houses. This happened earlier this year which came as no surprise given Democrats hold majorities in both houses.

I-1053 will undo that override and restore those requirements. In today's economy, everyone has to tighten their belts, I know I sure have. The state government is no exception.

Initiative 1082: Leaning Yes
Supporters note that what 1082 allows is already in place in 46 other states. Also, I believe that increasing the role of the market in just about anything is a good idea. I'm going to research this one some more just to make sure but at this time I'm probably going to vote yes on 1082.

Initiative 1098: No, Hell No
Washington already has a high state sales tax. This would be an additional tax on top of it. I understand that income taxes have advantages and disadvantages when compared to a sales tax. If an income tax were to be implemented, it should be accompanied by an elimination of the state sales tax. But that's a discussion for another day.

Some of you may respond, "Yeah, but this income tax only affects rich individuals making over $200,000 per year and couples making over $400,000 per year." At first, yes, this will be the case. However, once the income tax is on the books, eventually the legislature (assuming continued Democrat control, and perhaps even if not) will decide that revenue isn't sufficient and will lower that minimum. Eventually, it will be extended to everyone (though I expect there will still be a minimum based on the poverty level). If you don't think this will happen, you are, quite frankly, a fool.

Initiative 1100: Yes
Initiative 1105: Probably No
Quite simply, the state should not be in the retail business. Period. Both of these initiatives get the state out of the liquor selling business. Based on my understanding, how 1100 does it is a bit simpler. It also appears to favor the retailers whereas 1105 favors liquor distributors. Either of them is preferable to the current system but at this time I'm going with 1100.

Initiative 1107: Yes
It will repeal sales tax changes that the legislature made earlier this year. Even though the items the new taxes applied to, namely candy, soda, and bottled water, are items that are not necessary it's still a new tax and it will have a deleterious effect on the economy. The taxes on soda and bottled water are supposedly temporary but you know they probably won't be. Again, the state must learn to live within its means just like the rest of us.