Voter Fall 2001.doc

Washington State VOTER

Fall 2001

I-747 Is Not The Solution for Homeowners.
Homeowners who have trouble paying their property taxes can get help from existing state programs. This
initiative does not address the problem of people who cannot afford their taxes. That problem is not so much
caused by increasing tax rates but by increasing property values. The amount saved by the owner of a $150,000
home would be about $25 per year if I-747 passes.

I-747 will cause Huge Losses for Government.
The savings in property taxes for each homeowner is small but the loss of money to pay for government
services is large. Special districts such as fire, hospital, parks or library districts get 90% of their money from
this tax. The state's share is used to support public schools while cities and counties rely on property taxes for
up to one third of their revenue.

I-747 does cut taxes
Despite the claims by proponents that the initiative does not cut taxes, any limitation that is lower than inflation
results in a cut. Cities, towns, counties and special districts would lose $1.4 billion over six years and
would have to cut services such as police, fire, parks, libraries, and road maintenance. The state would lose
$400 million to pay for local schools.

I-747 is Risky
No one tax is perfect. Washington State relies on a combination of the property tax, the sales tax and the
business and occupation tax to raise the revenue needed to fund services and capital improvements. These taxes
spread the tax burden and provide relatively stable tax revenue under a variety of economic conditions. I-747
severely limits future property tax revenue. This is risky, particularly during an economic downturn when other
tax revenues could be expected to fall. Under such conditions, I-747 could cause cuts in government services or
necessitate increases the other taxes, such as the sales tax.

I-747 Will Cause More Expenditures For Government.
Special elections cost money. Special elections will have to be held on a regular basis asking voters for approval
of rate increases greater than those allowed by the initiative.

VOTE NO On I-747!

For more details on these initiatives, please call the LWVWA at 1-800-419-2596 (outside toll area) or 206-622-
8961, or email the office at lwvwa@lwvwa.org

Washington State VOTER

Fall 2001

The League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund
Invites you to our Annual Fall Luncheon

Government by Initiative

Featured Speaker
Retired Washington State Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge

Followed by the presentation of
League's Good In Government Award to
Retired Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Durham

Thursday, November 8, 2001
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (registration begins at 11:30 a.m.)
WestCoast Grand Hotel (formerly Cavanaugh's)
1415 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, Washington

“

Registration

rYes, I/we will attend the League of Women Voters of
Washington Education Fund Fall Luncheon Government by Initiative Thursday, November 8, 2001.
r$40 LWV membersr$55 Non-membersr$100 Capital Clubr$250 Friend of the Leaguer$500 President's Club
Name_____________________________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip______________________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________

rPlease reserve ______ seats.
rPlease reserve a table for 8 at $320. (Please supply the names.)
rI would like to be seated at the ____________________ table.
rI am requesting a vegetarian entrée
rI have enclosed a check in the amount of $_________
Please charge myrMastercardrVisa
Card #_____________________________________Exp._______

_____________________________________________________
(Cardholders Signature required for authorization)

_____________________________________________________
(Printed name as it appears on credit card)

rI am unable to attend but I am pleased to contribute $_______to LWVWAEF.

Make checks payable to LWVWA Education Fund and return with this card. Purchases or donations above $100
per person will be recognized on the program. Reservations must be pre-paid and will be held at the door. No
refunds will be given after November 1. The LWVWAEF is a tax-exempt entity under Section 501(c) 3 of the IRS
code. Fair value of $19.00 is not deductible.
For registration information email Event Registrar Rashida Harris lwvwa@lwvwa.org or call LWVWA at:
206-622-8961.