If Democrats pass their unconstitutional state income tax bill, Washingtonians will have no opportunity to reject it. That’s because the bill contains an emergency clause, which blocks citizens from repealing the bill through the referendum process.
This legislative maneuver follows a pattern of Democrats changing the rules to shut down the opposition. Last year, House Democrats eliminated a 132-year-old rule enacted in 1893 that guaranteed free and open debate on the House floor. They lowered the supermajority 2/3 threshold required to end debate and vote on bills down to a simple majority.
This week, after House Democrats rejected a motion to hold public hearings for the initiatives, Republicans held two listening sessions to hear directly from the people.
Article II, Section I of the Washington State Constitution states: “Initiative measures … shall take precedence over all other measures in the legislature except appropriation bills …” Despite this clear mandate, legislative Democrats refuse to prioritize the initiatives and hold public hearings.
Initiative IL26-638 would protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring female student athletes are not forced to compete with biological males.
Initiative IL26-001 would guarantee parents the right to review their children’s instructional materials, access school records, be notified when medical services are provided, and opt out of certain classes.
