Here’s your quick guide to WA ballot measures

Here’s your quick guide to WA ballot measures

Here’s a quick once-over from our state Elections Division (recap only, not the fancy wording from the Attorney General wordsmiths):

Office of the Secretary of State 2010 Ballot Measures Overview

Initiatives on the Ballot

Initiative Measure 1098 – State Income Tax on High Income Earners

This measure would tax “adjusted gross income” above $200,000 (individuals) and $400,000 (joint-filers), reduce state property tax levies, reduce certain business and occupation taxes, and direct any increased revenues to education and health.

Initiative Measure 1100Regulating Liquor—Retailers Proposal

This measure would close state liquor stores; authorize sale, distribution, and importation of spirits by private parties; and repeal certain requirements that govern the business operations of beer and wine distributors and producers.

Initiative Measure 1105Regulating Liquor—Wholesalers Proposal

This measure would close all state liquor stores and license private parties to sell or distribute spirits. It would revise laws concerning regulation, taxation and government revenues from distribution and sale of spirits.

Initiative Measure 1053Requiring a Two-Thirds Vote for Legislature to Raise Taxes

This measure would restate existing statutory requirements that legislative actions raising taxes must be approved by two-thirds legislative majorities or receive voter approval, and that new or increased fees require majority legislative approval.

Initiative Measure 1107Repealing Tax on Candy, Bottled Water and Soda Pop

This measure would end sales tax on candy; end temporary sales tax on some bottled water; end temporary excise taxes on carbonated beverages; and reduce tax rates for certain food processors.

Initiative Measure 1082Creating Three Way Industrial Insurance System

This measure would authorize employers to purchase private industrial insurance beginning July 1, 2012; direct the Legislature to enact conforming legislation by March 1, 2012; and eliminate the worker-paid share of medical-benefit premiums.

Ballot Measures referred by the Legislature

Engrossed Substitute House Joint Resolution 4220Denying Bail in Serious Crimes

This amendment would authorize courts to deny bail for offenses punishable by the possibility of life in prison, on clear and convincing evidence of a propensity for violence that would likely endanger persons.

Referendum Bill 52 Green Energy Bond Program for Schools

This bill would authorize bonds to finance construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings, and continue the sales tax on bottled water otherwise expiring in 2013.

Senate Joint Resolution 8225Constitutional Amendment Regarding State Debt Limits

This amendment would redefine “interest” in the state Constitution in order to make State General Obligation Bonds eligible for a new federal subsidy, called “Build America Bonds,” and alter the way in which the state’s constitutional debt limit is calculated.

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