Our unprecedented effort to defeat Tim Eyman’s latest tax tantrum is heating up and your help is needed. A special "No on I-747" meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 5th in Tacoma prior to the annual regional conference. Attendees will receive walking lists for their area and doorbelling materials. Please call your staff representative for activities in your area. We need help for:

• Doorbelling
• Literature drops
• Yard signs
• Last, but far from least “Talking to your neighbors and coworkers about I-747”.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Initiative 747 (I-747) do?

Tim Eyman’s Initiative 747 would cut the property taxes that fund local services by lowering the property tax cap to 1%. Currently, property tax increases are limited to the rate of inflation with a 6% cap. According to the state Department of Revenue, over the next six years I-747 would cut more than $500 million from local services such as fire districts, hospitals, local libraries and schools. The average homeowner would only save $23.00 a year under I-747.

What if our basic services can’t function without these property tax revenues?

I-747 would also require that a separate election be held each time these basic services need funds. These elections are costly for local governments, ranging from $15,000 for the Woodinville Fire District up to $2 million for King County. Community members would be forced to vote for a property tax increase to cover the cost of an election to cover the services that are currently funded.

Who will be affected most by I-747?

People who use such basic services as public hospitals, emergency medical services, libraries and fire departments. I-747 cuts revenue to local governments that have no other source of revenue.

• I-747 would cut $163 million from county road repair projects over the next six years.
• Emergency services would lose $50 million over the next six years.
• Fire district budgets would be cut by $169 million over the next six years.
• Public hospital budgets would be cut by $30 million over the next six years.

What our members are saying:

"Loss of revenues from I-747 would cut hours of operation and children’s reading programs. Vote no on I-747."
- Patti Cox, Pierce County Library Supervisor
and Council 2 Executive Board Member

"Tim Eyman wants to cut $149 million from county road budgets. That means potholes won’t get filled, dangerous intersection improvements won’t get made. I-747 doesn’t make any sense."
- Roger Moller, Snohomish County Road Crew
and Council 2 Executive Board Member

For more information on I-747 go to: http://www.VoteNo747.org

Primary election results

The September 18th Primary brought a big victory to our Union and all of organized labor. The 21st Legislative District is currently held by Republican appointee Joe Marine. This seat is recognized as the reason we have suffered through a 49-49 tie in the House of Representatives.

Two democratic candidates battled to receive their party’s nomination. Brian Sullivan received our Union’s early support and was eventually supported by all the other unions. His opponent (D.J. Wilson) was supported by several party activists. The election proved to be a high spirited, hard fought battle with Sullivan eventually winning after all the absentees were tallied. We have a real chance of taking this seat back but a lot of money will be spent because of the significance of the tiebreaker.

The 21st District isn’t the only special election in the legislature. Jean Berkey (D-Everett) was appointed after the death of 38th District Representative Pat Scott. Although the 38th is seen as a democratic strong hold, it can’t be ignored. Money changes everything! If the republicans put their resources here, Berkey is vulnerable.

Seattle Mayor Paul Schell was eliminated from his first reelection bid. Schell received our Union’s endorsement because of his unwavering support of public employees. He also was supported by the entire coalition of unions representing Seattle City employees. The World Trade Organization (W.T.O.) and Mardi Gras riots simply proved to be too much bad press to overcome.

King County Councilman Greg Nickels and former City Attorney Mark Sidran have emerged as the candidates competing in the November 6th election.

Pension governance inches forward

The possibility of public employees having "a voice and a vote" on their pension system is gaining momentum, but at a glacial pace. At our urging, the Joint Committee on Pension Policy (JCPP) has put the issue on its agenda.

Plan III education program under way

The option of joining Plan III will be given to all local government employees beginning September 1, 2002 through May 31 2003. We’ve worked with the Department of Retirement Systems to provide a more balanced education program than they have in the past. This is your decision so beware of anyone “selling” Plan III as a better retirement plan. There are a lot of risks associated with Plan III that need to be considered.