Amber Waldref, City Council Member (District 1), (509) 625-6275
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
The Spokane City Council voted Monday to oppose Washington State Initiative 1366, which would decrease sales tax from 6.5% to 5.5% in April 2016 if State lawmakers do not submit an amendment to the people that requires two-thirds legislative approval or voter approval to raise taxes.
The resolution, sponsored by Councilmember Amber Waldref, highlights the impact of a decrease of 8 billion dollars in the State budget over the next 6 years with the sales tax reduction.
“If this initiative passes, Spokane could face huge cuts to many programs including funding our medical school,” Waldref explained.
In addition to cuts to the medical school and biomedical research, passing the initiative could impact other higher education funding for institutions such as Eastern Washington University and the Community Colleges of Spokane, which could mean higher tuition or fewer class offerings. It could also impact state appropriations to the Spokane Regional Health District to support public health services, including public health nursing.
“Spokane could lose many critical programs and education investments if I-1366 passes,“ said Waldref. “Voters need to know how this could impact our community.”
