It is sad to witness the defeat of Initiative 1033 when the Legislature continues to refuse considering meaningful tax reform. Unfortunately, the public bought a bill of goods sold by those who defend the status quo largely because they are among the most to benefit.
In the halls of Olympia, the mere mention of tax reform is perceived as verbal leprosy. The defeat of this measure solidifies the inertia among the movers and shakers in the state to maintain the status quo and continue to appose revamping our present archaic system of taxation.
Opponents of I-1033, including all big guns of the establishment, reportedly spent more than $3 million to oppose the measure. This should have told us something. Many argued that this was not the time for saddling local governments with restrictions because of the current economic downturn. When do these pillars of community virtue think the time is right? I don’t expect during the next economic upturn, these folks will be saying, “Well, now is the time to consider tax reform because the financial situation is booming and our coffers are full.”
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