|
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Heather Donahoe
Public Relations Coordinator
800.225.7166, ext. 137
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2010
Washington Restaurant Association Backs Initiative Requiring Two-Thirds Vote on Taxes
OLYMPIA—The Washington Restaurant Association announced today its support for Initiative 1053, which would reinstate the requirement of two-thirds vote from the Legislature in order to raise taxes.
“For the state’s restaurants, I-1053 represents an opportunity to protect and create jobs,” said Bruce Beckett, WRA director of government affairs. “This ongoing recession has already cost restaurants more than 18,000 jobs. If enacted, I-1053 could buffer small businesses from potentially devastating new taxes in this already fragile economy.”
During the 2010 Legislative session, the Legislature temporarily repealed the two-thirds majority requirement, despite Washington voters having overwhelmingly favored this mandate, as recently as 2007 with the passage of I-960.
I-1053 reinstates the appropriate balance for raising new or existing taxes by imposing discipline in setting state government spending priorities; forcing bipartisan cooperation in budget and fiscal matters; and ensuring that the effects of raising new taxes are fully vetted.
“Burdening small businesses, such as restaurants, with new and increased taxes diverts money away from job creation in the private sector,” Beckett said. “Unless businesses are able to preserve existing jobs and offer new ones, the state’s economy will continue to struggle.”
The WRA is encouraging its members to show their support for I-1053 by signing petitions to ensure it is placed on the November ballot.
The Washington Restaurant Association, in its 81st year, is the leading business association for the restaurant industry—the largest private employer in the state with an average workforce of nearly 200,000. In Washington, the more than 12,500 restaurants annually generate $12.2 billion to the state economy and contribute $635 million in state taxes. Washington restaurants are vital to our economy, community and careers.
###
|
