Other LanguagesOLYMPIA – The Washington State Supreme Court ruled today in favor of the state of Washington in Futurewise and SEIU 775 v. Sam Reed.
Initiative 960 concerns tax and fee increases imposed by state government. In July, the King County Superior Court ruled on summary judgment in favor of the state of Washington. The court ruled that I-960 may proceed to the ballot should the petitions contain sufficient signatures to be certified. The initiative did contain sufficient signatures and plaintiffs in the case appealed to the Washington State Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of I-960. They claimed that I-960 should be excluded from the 2007 ballot.
The Washington State Supreme Court ruled today that the challenge is not subject to pre-election review. The Court further noted that the initiative does not exceed the scope of the legislative power and should be placed on the ballot.
“Today’s decision is a win for the people of Washington state,” Attorney General McKenna and Secretary Reed said. “The initiative and referendum process is an important right. The Supreme Court has upheld our contention that the voters should have their say before it is time to challenge the constitutionality of the measure.”
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Media Contact: J. Ryan Shannon, Media Relations Manager, Attorney General’s Office, (360) 753-2727
Trova Heffernan, Communications Director, Office of the Secretary of State, (360) 902-4140