Gregoire seeks ruling on two-thirds tax rule

OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire is asking a judge to make a ruling on the constitutionality of a law that limits the Legislature’s ability to increase taxes.

Gregoire said in a court brief Friday that the court’s opinion will be beneficial to the public, saying there is lingering uncertainty without a ruling. She is not advocating for or against the law, which voters approved in 2010.

The law requires lawmakers to have a two-thirds majority to raise taxes, essentially removing that option from the table because Republicans have vowed to oppose tax increases.

Gregoire is petitioning the court without the attorney general. Her office expects the attorney general to defend state law by arguing that the court should not decide the matter.