In supporting this usurptation of the people's power as expressed in this state's constitution, both the Court and the Columbian have given the green light to the legislature to slap an emergency clause on anything THEY (The Columbian and the Legislature) do not believe the people should have a say over.
That flies in the face of the spirit, intent and letter of the law as expressed in the State Constitution. Of course, a little thing like that rarely deters the democrat-controlled Legislature... or the Columbian.
In Our View - Spending Restraints
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Columbian editorial writers
When this year's Washington state Legislature passed its budget, lawmakers overhauled spending restraints that were dictated by 12-year-old Initiative 601. This sent fiscal conservatives into fits of anger. They responded by trying to force a voter referendum on the overhaul. Last Thursday, the state Supreme Court, voting 6-3, struck down the "Saving I-601" referendum. So, the "R.I.P. 601" lapel stickers that mournful Republicans wore back in April can be worn again.
We understand the ire of those who oppose this year's state spending decisions and lament the demise of I-601. After all, what good is an initiative if it's not observed? But we agree with the court's decision for several reasons.
To begin with, the Legislature this year imposed an emergency clause to allow the overhauling of I-601 spending restraints. Whether that action was wise is for voters, not courts, to decide. Likely affecting that voter decision will be whether the additional revenue was necessary, and whether it will be spent wisely. That's called holding legislators accountable for their actions. We like that system.
But there are many other aspects about I-601 that must be considered. The initiative seems to have outlived its usefulness, having been amended through the years to a current state of toothless irrelevance.
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