Legislator: Rep. Gary Alexander
Date: May 30, 2012
Topic: House Republican budget leader says court ruling is wrong on tax initiative
Run Time: 75 seconds
SUGGESTED LEAD:
House Republican budget leader Gary Alexander says the battle to protect taxpayers from a flood of tax increases is just warming up following a King County Superior Court ruling Wednesday. Judge Bruce Heller ruled a requirement that a supermajority vote of the Legislature to approve tax increases is unconstitutional. However, state Attorney General Rob McKenna plans an appeal. John Sattgast reports from Olympia.
Sattgast: Representative Gary Alexander disagrees with the ruling that Initiative 1053 is unconstitutional. The two-thirds requirement has been approved four times by voters. Alexander says the Superior Court decision disregards the will of the people.
(Voice cut – attached: Alexander-I-1053Ruling-053012-Clip1.mp3 – Runs :21 – Outcue: …imposing new taxes.)
Alexander: “Well, I don’t think it was the right ruling at all. I believe that the people in our state have repeatedly indicated they expect to have a supermajority on new tax increases. So I’m very hopeful that the appeal process by the attorney general will overturn this decision and we again can rely on the people’s input to reflect our decisions when it comes to imposing new taxes.”
Sattgast: Alexander serves as ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee. He’s concerned that if the ruling is upheld and the initiative overturned, it could open the floodgates for Democrats to raise taxes if they remain in the majority.
(Voice cut – attached: Alexander-I-1053Ruling-053012-Clip2.mp3 – Runs :12 – Outcue: …we currently receive.)
Alexander: “We’ll see a proliferation of tax increases – proposals coming forward. It’s an easier solution than taking the right path, which is to find ways to prioritize and keep your expenses within the revenue we currently receive.”
Sattgast: In April, a supermajority of the Legislature approved narrowing a first mortgage deduction for large out-of-state banks. Alexander says that proves the initiative is working as intended. John Sattgast, Olympia.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John Sattgast, Broadcast Coordinator – (360) 786-7257; E-mail: john.sattgast@leg.wa.gov
