H.J.R 4223: FOR

"This resolution raises the personal property tax exemption from $3,000 to $15,000."

We support H.J.R. 4223 for the following reasons:
The proper role of government is to protect life, liberty, and property. Any taxation of property violates this principle, however, this resolution is a step towards eliminating legal plunder.

INITIATIVE 920: FOR

"This measure would repeal Washington's state laws imposing tax, currently dedicated for the education legacy trust fund, on transfers of estates of persons dying on or after the effective date of this measure. Should this measure be enacted into law?"

We support Initiative 920 for the following reason:
The proper role of government is to protect life, liberty, and property. This initiative restores this limitation on government in regard to the specified taxes.

It eliminates one form of legal plunder.

INITIATIVE 933: FOR

"This measure would require compensation when government regulation damages the use or value of private property, would forbid regulations that prohibit existing legal uses of private property, and would provide exceptions or payments. Should this measure be enacted into law?"

We support Initiative 933 for the following reasons:
The Constitution Party Platform Environment Plank states "The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution limits the federal power of eminent domain solely to the purchase of private property with just compensation for public use, such as military reservations and government office buildings - not for public ownership, such as urban renewal, environmental protection, or historic preservation. Under no circumstances may the federal government take private property, by means of rules and regulations which preclude or substantially reduce the productive use of the property, even with just compensation."

The proper role of government is to protect life, liberty, and property. Although this initiative does not eliminate government involvement in private property use issues, it is a step towards restoring a check on government in regard to eminent domain and property valuations. More can be done.

INITIATIVE 937: AGAINST

"This measure would require certain electric utilities with 25,000 or more customers to meet certain targets for energy conservation and use of renewable energy resources, as defined, including energy credits, or pay penalties. Should this measure be enacted into law?"

We oppose Initiative 937 for the following reasons:
The Constitution Party Platform Energy Plank states " We call attention to the continuing need of the United States for a sufficient supply of energy for national security. Private property rights should be respected, and the federal government should not interfere with the development of potential energy sources, including natural gas, hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind generators, and nuclear energy. We call for abolishing the Department of Energy."

Initiative 937 violates this plank by giving the government power to dictate power resource decisions for local public utility districts. Washington State is known for its use of alternative energy, Grand Coulee Dam, for example. Wind generators are now seen all over the Columbia Basin, proof that public utilities can and do utilize alternative energy sources when economically viable for them. Mandating the use of alternative energy resources would make a handful of people wealthy, utility companies unhappy, and would ultimately raise the kilowatt per hour rate for the average consumer. We do not believe that alternative energy mandates are economically feasible in macro applications. Areas of Washington State already enjoy the lowest rates in the nation for power generated from alternative resources. Why change it?