Some in the legislature want to eliminate the supermajority requirement so they can raise taxes on everything from soda to cigarettes (Bellevue Reporter editorial, Feb. 9: Listen to voters on tax increases). The proposal makes it clear that these legislators have no intention of committing to making the real reforms necessary to put Washington in a better long-term fiscal position.

Time and again these requirements have proven to be an important safeguard for taxpayers because they effectively force legislators to exhaust other, less-harmful options instead of just raising taxes on a whim.

Eliminating the supermajority requirement would effectively open the flood gates for higher taxes in Washington. It would further prolong the state’s serious financial problems by hurting the state’s economy and allowing spending to continue to grow out of control.

Supermajority requirements are one of the most effective tools voters have to compel government to evaluate and decide the most efficient and effective uses of taxpayer money.

John Nothdurft, budget and tax legislative specialist for The Heartland Institute.