The initiative would base all future property taxes at 1999 assessed property values. It can now go up by as much as 6 percent in any given year. Proponents say taxes are skyrocketing and need to be curbed. Opponents say it would shift the property tax burden from the rich to the poor, because capping increases at 2 percent would unfairly benefit people whose property is rising in value. It does not mean each person's taxes will go up by 6 percent.
Tax assessors spread the burden, based partly on rising property values.
Motor vehicles would be exempted from property taxes. Proponents fear they may one day be counted as taxable property. Opponents say the Legislature this year has already spelled out that motor vehicles cannot be counted in property taxes, so it is not necessary. The League of Women Voters of Washington, the Municipal League of King County, King County Assessor Scott Noble, the Children's Alliance, the Washington Association of Churches, the Washington State Labor Council.