OLYMPIA — A proposed state constitutional amendment to make passing school levies easier was trailing Tuesday in statewide election returns.
Meanwhile, a constitutional amendment to create a nest egg for lawmakers to tap in case of emergency or a downturn in the economy was passing solidly.
The school levy amendment was aimed at eliminating the 60-percent supermajority requirement for approving special levies for local school districts. The rule is a decades-old limitation on voters’ power to tax property owners.
Supporters said the measure was needed to remove unfair hurdles to districts that face losing programs, but opponents said it would only raise property taxes without helping education.
During the past eight years, more than 100 school districts received majority approval of their levies, but not the required supermajority.
The measure also was written to eliminate the constitution’s requirement that school levy elections draw 40 percent voter turnout.
The “rainy day” fund was solidly ahead. It would build up to $1 billion or more during good times. During a recession or in the case of an earthquake, terrorist attack or other disaster, the money could be tapped by simple-majority vote in Olympia. Lawmakers also could spend it with 60 percent super majorities.
The measure would automatically set aside 1 percent of state government revenue each year, roughly $150 million.
Once it topped 10 percent of revenue, the excess would be available by simple majority vote for school and college construction projects.
The fund would start with about $430 million.
Voters also approved an amendment to remove a barrier to private companies setting up businesses behind bars and using inmate labor. The state Supreme Court ruled in 2004 that the constitution does not permit use of inmate labor.
That amendment was passing handily.
Voters were also deciding whether to allow the state Investment Board to invest four college permanent funds in the stock market, rather than just government securities and other low-yield investments. The board already aggressively manages pension funds and a 1966 constitutional amendment allowed stock portfolios for K-12 school funds and other large state funds.
That amendment was just barely passing.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
