Seven Dems explore revision to state’s anti-tax initiative

OLYMPIA — Senate Democrats are considering a proposal that would make it easier for Washington state lawmakers to repeal tax exemptions.

A key committee is scheduled to explore a bill Wednesday that would ask voters to give the Legislature the option of modifying tax breaks with a simple majority. A voter-approved initiative last year requires a two-thirds majority to increase taxes.

Democrats believe that Initiative 1053 was not understood to apply to repealing tax exemptions. Initiative promoter Tim Eyman says Democrats are trying to skew what voters want. The Ways and Means Committee is also scheduled to consider bills that would eliminate some tax breaks.

I-1053 essentially blocked all tax increases while lawmakers try to close a projected deficit of more than $5 billion in the next operating budget.