Washington measures some of 2010's most hotly-debated

November 1, 2010

By Bailey Ludlam

2010 Washington Voters' Pamphlets. Photo credit: Washington Secretary of State

OLYMPIA, Washington: Although Washington is featuring fewer measures than its neighboring state, Oregon, the ballot is heavy with hot topics. A total of nine questions are certified for the November 2 general election ballot. Three are legislatively-referred while six are Initiatives to the People.

In particular, two tax initiatives take different approaches to the state’s spending woes. Initiative 1098 calls for implementing a state income tax on incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for couples. The initiative is largely backed by Seattle lawyer William Gates Sr. and has raised more than $3.3 million. Current Gov. Chris Gregoire has also voiced her support for the proposed income tax. Opponents have raised more than $505,000. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos have both contributed to the campaign in opposition to I-1098.

Initiative 1053, another tax-related measure, proposes requiring a two-thirds majority vote of the Washington State Legislature or a vote of the people for any tax increases. The initiative was proposed by political activist Tim Eyman. A similar measure was approved in 2007 but was repealed earlier this year after the two-year threshold lapsed.

In contrast to the spending issues on the ballot, Washington voters will also face two alcohol-related questions. Initiative 1100 and 1105 propose the privatization of alcohol sales in the state. However, aside from their common goal, both measures differ in how they would privatize alcohol sales. For example, I-1105 would require a licensed distributor to sell to retail outlets and would eliminate the state liquor tax. I-1100 does not include price controls however, I-1105 prices liquor licenses based on the volume of liquor sold.

According to state documents, $38.6 million has been raised thus far in either support or opposition for all citizen initiatives scheduled to appear on the ballot.

ON THE BALLOT: November 2:

Type	Title	Subject	Description	Result
ITP	Initiative 1053	Taxes	Will require 2/3 supermajority vote of the Washington State Legislature, or a statewide vote, for tax increases	a
ITP	Initiative 1082	Labor	Would amend workers' compensation insurance in the state	d
ITP	Initiative 1098	Taxes	Taxes gross income above $200,000 for individuals, $400,000 for couples. Reduces state property tax by 20% and reduces certain business and occupation taxes	d
ITP	Initiative 1100	Alcohol	Closes state liquor stores and authorizes sale, distribution, & importation by private parties	d
ITP	Initiative 1105	Alcohol	Close all state liquor stores and license private parties to sell or distribute spirits. Revises certain laws concerning regulation, taxation and state revenues	d
ITP	Initiative 1107	Taxes	Would repeal certain 2010 amendments to state tax laws including a sales tax on candy and bottled water and a temporary excise tax on soda pop	a
LRSS	Referred Bill 52	Bond issues	Authorizes bonds for construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher ed. buildings	d
LRCA	SJR 8225	State budget	Adjusts the state debt limits	a
LRCA	HJR 4220	Law enforcement	Gives judges authority to deny bail whenever they deem the public at risk	a

See also

Propositions •	Recall	• Law

• Washington 2010 ballot measures