Rep. Farrell says ruling against two-thirds requirement is a victory for children and families

By Evan Smith

Democratic State Rep. Jessyn Farrell calls a Thursday ruling by the State Supreme Court a victory for children and families.

The Court invalidated the voter-approved requirement that a tax increase needed a two-thirds vote in both houses of the legislature or voter approval in a statewide vote.

The ruling said that the initiative violated the State constitution’s provision that legislative bills require a majority vote of both houses of the legislature.

The ruling came in a suit brought by the League of Education Voters, the Washington Education Association and several legislators whose attempts to close tax loopholes had failed by not getting the 60 percent supermajority.

Farrell said this Thursday: “Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is a victory for children and families all across Washington State, whose voices and votes have been marginalized by an undemocratic – and now unconstitutional – supermajority requirement to close tax loopholes or explore new revenue. 

“The legality of the two-thirds rule has long been in question. Now that the Court has made its ruling, we can finally move forward with real solutions to fully fund our education system, protect working families, modernize our transportation system, and begin fixing our state’s unacceptable, regressive tax structure.”

Farrell represents the 46th Legislative District, including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.