HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2007-09-04 Item 6D - Resolution - Support Constitutional Amendment EHJR 4204 for Local School Levies Be Approved by Simple Majority of Voters COUNCIL AGENDA S
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1TEM_ INF_ORMATION
CAS NUMBER: 07-100 ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: AUGUST 27, 2007
AGENDA ITEM TITLE A resolution supporting proposed constitutional amendment EHJR 4204 allowing
school levies to be approved by a simple majority of voters
CATEGORY Discussion Motion Resolution Ordinance Bid Alward Public Hearing Other
itiitg Date 8/27/07 Mtg Date Mtg Date 9/4/07 Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date
SPONSOR Council Mayor Adm Svcs DCD Finance Fire Legal P &R Police PW
SPONSOR'S On April 12, 2007 the Washington State Legislature passed a joint resolution putting a
SUMMARY constitutional amendment regarding simple majority (for school levies) on the ballot. Now
a majority of voters must approve the measure at the ballot box. It will be on the general
election ballot on November 6, 2007.
REVIEWED BY COW Mtg. CA &P Cmte F &S Cmte Transportation Cmte
Utilities Cmte El Arts Comm. Parks Comm. Planning Comm.
DATE: 8/20/07
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONSOR /ADMIN. Adoption of resolution
COMMTEE Unanimous Approval; Forward to Committee of the Whole
COSTIMPACTITUND -SOURCE
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$NA
Fund Source:
Comments:
=MTG DATE 1 _=RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
08/27/07 1 Forward to Rea ular Meeting
MTG DATE ATTACHMENTS
8/27/07 Informational memo dated August 13, 2007
Resolution in draft form
Minutes from the Finance Safety Committee meeting of August 20, 2007
9/4/07 Resolution in final form
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City of Tukwila
Washington
Resolution No.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA,. WASHINGTON, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT EHJR 4204, WHICH
WOULD ALLOW LOCAL SCHOOL LEVIES TO BE APPROVED BY A
SIMPLE MAJORITY OF VOTERS.
WHEREAS, financial resources provided through voter- approved school levies are
essential to a local school district's ability to provide a well- rounded, quality education for
each student; and
WHEREAS, local levy dollars account for a significant portion of school district
operating budgets in Washington; and
WHEREAS, school districts in the State of Washington are subject to Iaws requiring a
higher "supermajority" threshold for voter approval of school levies; and
WHEREAS, although routinely supported by a majority of voters, school levies fail
because this higher threshold requirement allows a minority of voters to obstruct resources
for student learning; and
WHEREAS, EHJR 4204 would allow school levies to be approved by a majority of
those voting, which would place school levies on par with other ballot measures; and
WHEREAS, the State of Washington's constitution declares that there is no higher
priority than the education of all children; and
WHEREAS, the fundamental mission of Washington State's public schools is to ensure
that all students possess the knowledge and skills to be responsible citizens and enjoy
productive and satisfying lives; and
WHEREAS, adequate, stable funding is critical to the fulfillment of this mission; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes our community is best served by ensuring that
local school districts are able to provide a quality education to young Tukwila citizens;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
The City Council strongly supports EHJR 4204, to allow citizens throughout the state to
support student learning and success through simple majority approval of school levies,
and urges Tukwila citizens to vote "yes" on November 6, 2007.
PASSED BY THE C1TY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a
Regular Meeting thereof this day of 2007.
ATTEST /AUTHENTICATED:
Verna Griffin, Council President
Jane E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Office of the City Attorney Resolution Number:
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