We’ve got your ballot measure info online

We’ve got your ballot measure info online

If you’re looking for a one-stop place to read up on the six statewide initiatives and the three other ballot measures that will be on this November’s ballot, you’re in luck.

Our State Elections Division has posted a State Measures link on its website. When you click on it and go to one of the ballot measures, you’ll find such features as its ballot title, fiscal impact statement, explanatory statement, and statements for and against it.

The six initiatives that Washington voters will decide this fall are:
• I-1053 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.
• I-1082 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.
• I-1098 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.
• I-1100 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 distributers and producers.
• I-1105, the second liquor privatization proposal, 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.
• I-1107 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.

The Legislature has sent a referendum bill and two state constitutional amendments to the statewide ballot this fall:
• Referendum 52 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.
• House Joint Resolution 4220 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.
• Senate Joint Resolution 8225 would require the state to reduce the interest accounted for in calculating the constitutional debt limit, by the amount of federal payments scheduled to be received to offset that interest.

You can learn more about what’s happening with the November election by going to www.vote.wa.gov .

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