Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, voiced his frustration with yesterday’s King County Superior Court judge’s ruling on the voter-approved Initiative 1053, which requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to raise taxes.

Harris issued the following statement:

“I am disappointed by the decision but I cannot say I am surprised. We have seen this before. The court system, along with those who have filed the lawsuit and who are also part of the majority in Olympia, want to make it easier to raise taxes. They think they know what is best for our citizens despite the overwhelming passage of the initiative. Initiative 1053 passed with nearly 64 percent statewide and an incredible 72 percent in the 17th Legislative District. Voters should be upset. They have sent a crystal, clear message about where they stand on this issue and the court seems to be undermining their right to legislate through initiative.

“I am excited Attorney General Rob McKenna is appealing the decision to the Washington State Supreme Court and will continue to defend the choice our voters made at the ballot box. I truly believe this initiative is constitutional and the voice of our citizens will prevail.”

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