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Union Legislative Council v State :: 145 Wn2d 544

Category: Initiative and Elections

Submitted by: R Chase

The Supreme Court struck down Initiative 695 because they had interpreted it as addressing more than one issue. The initiative sought to repeal the annual 2.2% Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) which on a $10,000 car was $220 a year - sort of like a 13th car payment every year - by limiting it to $30. The $30 tab fee was considered to be the more important portion of I-695, which had also sought to require voter approval for future tax increases. The legislature responded to the overturning of I-695 by passing its own bill, SB6865, with the single purpose of limiting the MVET to a flat $30 fee.

In this case local taxing authorities sued the State because they believed the State still had the duty to collect the local portion of the old MVET tax which far exceeded the new $30 tab fee.

By finding for the local taxing authorities the Court demonstrated that special interests can prevail over the will of the people who are using the initiative process. It was clear that the people by initiative, and the legislature by passing SB 6865, intended a $30 flat fee for car tabs.

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See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance [the Scriptures], and for victory many advisers [the teaching of God-fearing men]. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it [not feel-good, easy-believism]. Anyone who lives on milk, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use [of the Scriptures] have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. [Col 2:8; Pro 24:5-6; Mat 11:12; Heb 5:13-14 NIV] The summary of this is Php 2:12: "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" [and the context is --] through your obedience to Christ, holding firmly to the Scriptures.