Ballot Measures:
Initiative 1098 would introduce a personal income tax, reduce the state property tax and eliminate the Business and Occupation tax for small businesses. If passed, this legislation would improve tax fairness in the state with the most regressive tax structure in the country. For more read CTJ's Digest articles about this initiative.
Initiative 1053 would, if approved, ensure that no tax increases (no matter their size) become law without either approval by a two-thirds majority in the legislature or a public vote of the people. The Washington Budget and Policy Center gives a helpful summary of the initiative and its potential impact.
Initiative 1107 would repeal the new sales taxes on a variety of goods including soda, bottled water, and candy. For more information, read CTJ's Digest article on the issue and the Washington Budget and Policy Center’s summary.
Despite the regressive nature of the sales tax, it's an important revenue source. Slashing it in Washington without replacing the lost revenue with another source would cripple the ability of those states to provide core services such as education and public safety to their residents.