That's AWB's message to lawmakers.
Yesterday, AWB president Don Brunell sent a letter to the governor and legislative leaders urging a tightly focused session. This press release reinforces the message.
The Association of Washington Business supports the special session to reinstate the 1-percent property tax limit established by the voters through Initiative 747. After the state Supreme Court invalidated I-747, swift action by the Legislature to reinstate the protections provided by the initiative is appropriate and necessary.
In a letter to Gov. Chris Gregoire and legislative leaders delivered November 27, AWB president Don Brunell said, "AWB supports reinstating the Initiative 747 one percent cap and eliminating excess banked capacity created by the Court's decision. The limit has been in place for some time, has worked reasonably well, and has the support of the general public. It also meets the constitutional requirement for uniformity."
The one-day special session, however, should focus solely on restoring I-747. Any property tax proposals unrelated to the Court’s action should be introduced and considered during the regular legislation session, when there is time to evaluate them thoughtfully.
There's widespread agreement that the Court erred in overturning I-747 on the flimsiest of technical grounds. Returning to the way things were makes sense. Going beyond that simple act of restoration, however, goes beyond what's appropriate for a special session.
