Yesterday, the Legislature finally weighed in on the future of three out of six initiatives submitted to it earlier this year. The Legislature passed I-2113 (Restore Police Pursuits), I-2111 (Banning Income Tax), and I-2081 (Establishing a Parental Bill of Rights in education system). They did not consider I-2117 (Repealing Cap and Trade), I-2124 (Making Longterm Care Optional) and I-2104 (Repealing Capital Gains Tax). The three that legislators did not consider will head to the ballot in November.
"Voters took time to sign these initiatives and make their voices heard. While I would have liked to see the Legislature take up all six, it was great to see how grassroots support pushed the Legislature into acting on three of them," said Matthew Roberson, candidate for state representative in the 24th District. "In ninety days, police can get back to pursuing criminals and Washingtonians can be rest a little easier knowing their paychecks are more secure and involvement in their children's education is protected."
Roberson attributed the success of the initiative push to volunteers, petition organizers, and Republican legislators. "The fact of the matter is that this proposal took a lot of moving parts. From Let's Go Washington, to signature gatherers and promoters, and to the GOP members in the Senate and House, it took a team effort to get the three enacted initiatives to where they are now. As someone who signed all six initiatives, I'm thankful for those who went to bat for Washingtonian families. I also appreciate those Democratic legislators who joined with Republicans to bring some commonsense back to Olympia yesterday."
Roberson reaffirmed his support of the three remaining initiatives, "Peninsula families are seeing more of their hard-earned money evaporating as grocery and fuel costs rise due to the cap and trade law and the state nickels and dimes paychecks with the long-term care tax. Innovators and job creators are having to consider the capital gains tax. Passing the three remaining initiatives will save families money and protect innovation in business."
The three passed initiatives will take effect after ninety days. The other three will be on the general election ballot in November. Voters can learn more about the initiatives at https://letsgowashington.com/.