Eide’s persistence pays off with simple majority

OLYMPIA – After 14 years, the Legislature passed a companion to the resolution by Sen. Tracey J. Eide, D-Federal Way, to place a measure on the ballot to amend the state constitution allowing school levies to be approved by a simple majority, or 50 percent plus one vote, instead of the current 60 percent supermajority.

Eide’s measure, SJR 8207, needed a two-thirds vote in the Senate and House to pass. The simple majority requirement will become law if voters approve it as part of this November’s ballot.

“I’ve been sponsoring this bill since 1993,” said Eide. “I was serving in the House, and my son and daughter were still in elementary school. Now it’s 14 years later, I’m in the Senate, and we’re finally going to give schools the chance to compete on equal footing with hundred-million dollar sports arenas.”

Eide said the issue of simple majority compelled her to run for public office, and she’s never given up her goal. “The people of Washington have waited a long time and deserve the opportunity to vote on this issue.”

“This is one way that we can help schools and children in Washington state,” Eide said. “By leveling the playing field, we can give our children the best chance for succeeding in life.”

Return to Sen. Eide's home page