Washington voters will get the final say this November on a state constitutional amendment to allow simple majority approval of local property tax levies for public schools – and local officials applaud the move.
The state Senate passed the measure on a 33-16 vote Thursday, just squeaking past the two-thirds vote needed.
The House already passed the measure, so it now heads to voters who must approve it by a simple majority.
It currently takes a 60 percent supermajority to pass a school levy.
To lower that to 50 percent requires a constitutional amendment.
“My initial reaction is shock,” said Charlie McClain, Port Angeles School Board president.
“I had finally come to conclusion that I never thought I would see the day that the state houses would get together on this and actually allow the people to vote on what I consider a proposal that is way past due,” he said.
“I’m a lot less cynical now than I was this morning.”
Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, was one of the two Democrats who voted against the measure, House Joint Resolution 4204.
Hargrove represents the 24th District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties as well as a portion of Grays Harbor County.
