Washington state referendum would make it easier to raise school taxes
April 13, 2007
November vote would lower threshold for approving levy increases to a simple majority.
Voters in Washington state will decide in November whether it should be easier to raise taxes for local schools. The proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot would lower the threshold for approving school levies to a simple majority, instead of the 60 percent supermajority now required. If voters approve, then school operating, transportation and excess capital levies could be passed with a 50 percent, plus one, “yes” vote. Approval to borrow money for school construction projects still would require 60 percent approval.