Monday, January 25, 2010

To: Our thousands of supporters throughout the state (cc'd to the media, house & senate members, and Governor)

From: Our Expanded Team of co-sponsors for I-1053, the "Save The 2/3's Vote For Tax Increases Initiative": Tim Eyman, Jack Fagan, Mike Fagan, Mike Dunmire, Senator Don Benton, Senator Janea Holmquist, Erma Turner, Nancy Nelson, Dagny Lord, Keli Carender, Senator Pam Roach, Rep. Matt Shea, John Ahern & Ken Morse, ph: 425-493-9127, email: tim_eyman@comcast.net, http://www.VotersWantMoreChoices.com (go to our website to do a secure donation by VISA/Mastercard/PayPal or fill out the form provided at the website and return it with a check or money order or credit card information)

RE: State GOP provides unprecedented early endorsement for initiative campaign - it's never happened before

At its quarterly state committee meeting on Saturday (all 39 counties were represented), the State GOP provided an unprecedented early endorsement for an initiative campaign -- they endorsed our initiative I-1053, the "Save The 2/3's Vote For Tax Increases Initiative" before the signature drive has even begun - it's never happened before.

Statement by WSRP Chair Luke Esser: "The State GOP strongly opposes the legislative effort by Governor Gregoire and the Democrats in Olympia to overturn voter approved I-960 requiring two-thirds legislative approval for tax increases. Republicans oppose higher taxes, especially during the middle of a recession when the legislature should be focused on creating -- not destroying -- jobs.

"The two safeguards against higher taxes this November are electing more Republicans and passing this initiative."

The GOP has always followed the practice to not take a position on initiatives until after they've turned in enough signatures to qualify. But on Saturday, they voted to suspend the rules and overturn longstanding precedent to endorse the initiative (ironically, it took a 2/3's vote to suspend the rules).

Skagit County Chairman Bob Eberle made the motion to suspend the rules, explaining: "Especially because the legislature is in session, it is critical that we as a Party endorse this initiative now to send a clear message to Olympia's Democrats to not take away I-960."

Attending the event at Tukwila's Embassy Suites was initiative co-sponsor Tim Eyman who remarked: "For years, we've asked for early endorsements but this is the first time they've ever done it. It just shows how much enthusiasm there is to maintaining the 2/3's requirement, making it tougher to raise taxes. All 14 co-sponsors of our initiative sincerely appreciate this vote of confidence from the State GOP. Their early support is a big, big deal and we look forward to working with them on getting enough signatures to qualify our initiative for the ballot."

The Democrats' battle cry in Olympia is "We need to overturn 960 as quickly as possible."

I-1053 reinstates I-960's common sense policy (which has been approved by the voters 3 times and has survived 2 court challenges):

* For state government to raise taxes, the Legislature must receive 2/3's legislative approval or voter approval (either 2/3's of the politicians or simple majority of the voters); and

* For state government to increase fees, the Legislature must receive majority legislative approval.

http://www.VotersWantMoreChoices.com