Via the Associated Press:
A divided high court ruled 6-3 Thursday that an initiative requiring a two-thirds vote was in conflict with the state Constitution. And that lawmakers and the people of Washington would need to pass a constitutional amendment to change from a simple majority to a supermajority.
AP News – WA Supreme Courtstrikes supermajority for taxes #waleg apne.ws/XFhBg2
— Donna Blankinship (@dgblankinship) February 28, 2013
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement reacting to the news:
The state Supreme Court did the right thing today in ruling that a supermajority requirement for ordinary legislation would alter our system of government. The supermajority requirement gave a legislative minority the power to squelch ideas even when those ideas had majority support. That is inconsistent with our fundamental form of representative democracy.
“I’m heartened that the state Supreme Court acted today to protect our constitution.”
— Governor Inslee (@GovInslee) February 28, 2013
More reactions from state legislators on both sides of the aisle:
Supreme Court rules the 2/3 majority requirement is unconstitutional.Our kids and our education system win today.#waleg
— Laurie Jinkins (@lauriejinkins2) February 28, 2013
House Maj Leader Pat Sullivan says “additional options” now on table as Supreme Court overturns supermajority for tax hikes #waleg
— Austin Jenkins N3 (@AustinJenkinsN3) February 28, 2013
House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan: “There’s not going to be a jump to raise taxes.” #WALeg will go through “thoughtful process,” he says
— Brian M. Rosenthal (@brianmrosenthal) February 28, 2013
Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom says his caucus may change Senate rules to require two-thirds vote.
— Andrew Garber (@awgarber) February 28, 2013
State Sen. David Frockt on whether ruling will make taxes more likely: “It gives us more flexibility to address the problems that we face”
— Brian M. Rosenthal (@brianmrosenthal) February 28, 2013
Sen. Ericksen on Supreme Court’s two-thirds ruling: let the voters decide #waleg dougericksen.src.wastateleg.org/supreme-courts…
— Senate Republicans (@WashingtonSRC) February 28, 2013
Sen. GOP Leader Schoesler:”only option” left is to amend state Constitution & settle 2/3s tax vote “once and for all.” #WALEG #SCOW
— Brad Shannon (@BradShannon2) February 28, 2013
Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, on 2/3rds ruling:“The court has opened the floodgates of taxation. This is a seminal point in our history.” #waleg
— Drew Mikkelsen (@drewmikk) February 28, 2013
GOP Sen. Don Benton: shocked, disappointed “to see one majority toss out what another majority has approved time after time.” #WALEG #SCOW
— Brad Shannon (@BradShannon2) February 28, 2013
Senate Majority Coalition leaders respond to two-thirds tax ruling rodneytom.majoritycoalitioncaucus.org/senate-majorit… #waleg
— Maj Coalition Caucus (@WashingtonMCC) February 28, 2013
