Benton pushes hard for special session, Republican legislators on board

November 15, 2007

OLYMPIA…Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, has made his official request to the legislative rules committees for a special session at noon on Nov. 29. 

Under Rule 29 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, it is the respective rules committees that have the authority to place a resolution convening a special session. 

In his letter, Benton said that it is of paramount importance that the protections under I-747 be restored as soon as possible. 

“If there ever was an emerging issue that truly called for a special session, this is it,” Benton wrote. “Not only will local taxing authorities be able to increase property taxes by 6 percent, they will also receive their ‘banked capacity,’ which gives them the authority to raise taxes beyond the 6 percent limit.” 

Benton urged the rules committee members to act quickly because some taxing districts are ignoring the governor’s request not to jump the gun.  

King County and the Port of Seattle recently approved tax increases and the City of Olympia is considering taxing up to the 6 percent limit. 

Benton has heard back from most Republican legislators about signing onto his petition. Some have been out of town and so far have not been able to respond. 

The petition is posted on Benton’s Web site. It is updated regularly as legislators call in to have their names added. 

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 Additional contact Penny Drost at (360)