There is no question that our tax burden in Washington State is just that – a burden.
So it's understandable that in these trying economic times, many businesses and individuals are begging for some relief.
With intent to alleviate this burden, Tim Eyman proposed Initiative 1033, which will appear on ballots mailed to voters later this month. The measure looks to cap the overall tax burden and slow the growth of government so taxpayers can keep more of their income to take care of their families.
Seems like a simple answer.
Unfortunately, the measure is all too simple, with flaws that beg us all to vote "No" on I-1033 and seek an alternative.
The initiative's backers claim the measure will not cut essential services. However, according to the nonpartisan state Office of Financial Management, general funds are projected to be reduced approximately $5.9 billion by 2015 if I-1033 is approved by the voters.
Meanwhile, families would continue to lose their jobs and some, in turn, will lose their homes. Apply similar scenarios to healthcare services across the state with the loss of EMTs, or in the realm of public safety with cash-strapped local governments having to layoff police officers.
Billions in state budget cuts this fiscal year have left public agencies and local governments with limited resources just as the demand for public services reaches new heights due to the struggling economy.
I-1033 threatens to bury us in a Washington state of limited resources. And because of the intricacies built into the measure, if implemented, it will further reduce our capacity to provide core public services in the years ahead.
The concept of curbing government spending makes sense, as does alleviating undue tax burden. We all want an efficient government that shapes our communities in a healthy and productive manner. However, I-1033 does not create efficiency. Instead it merely cuts available revenue from the public and nonprofit agencies that desperately need it.
The repercussions of watching our classrooms fill up beyond capacity, or watching our social safety nets and public security crumble, weigh too heavily to risk a "yes" vote on I-1033.
I would like to thank Rep. Eyman for inspiring this conversation and leading the charge to ensure our taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. When I-1033 goes down to defeat at the polls because it is not the right answer to fix our fiscal problems, we expect you to be on board with a real solution that supports our children and our most vulnerable citizens, while still curbing government growth and alleviating an undue tax burden.
Craig Lyons is the executive director of the Council for the Homeless.
Send comments and letters to the editor
to editorial@vbjusa.com
