Below are a few of the ballot measures decided yesterday:
Washington State
Voters approved a measure to reinstate the previously suspended requirement that tax increases must be approved by a two-thirds majority in the Legislature or receive voter approval. Initiative 1053 (TAXDAY, 2010/07/21, S.30)
Voters rejected a measure to enact the state's first personal income tax (to have been imposed on "adjusted gross income" above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for joint filers), reduce the limit on statewide property taxes by 20%, and increase the business and occupation tax credit to $4,800. Initiative 1098 (TAXDAY, 2010/07/21, S.29)
Voters approved a measure to eliminate the sales tax on candy and bottled water and the excise tax on sales of carbonated beverages and reinstate a reduced business and occupation tax rate for processors of certain foods. Initiative 1107 (TAXDAY, 2010/07/30, S.20)
Voters rejected a measure to extend the sales tax on bottled water beyond its scheduled expiration date, in order to fund energy-saving improvements in schools and public buildings. Referendum Bill 52 (TAXDAY, 2010/05/06, S.32)
Florida
Voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to provide an additional homestead property tax exemption for deployed members of the military. Amendment 2
Virginia
Voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to authorize legislation letting localities set their own income or financial worth limitations for property tax exemptions for persons 65 years of age or older or for people permanently and totally disabled. Question 1
Voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to provide a property tax exemption for the principal residence of a disabled veteran or surviving spouse. Question 2
California
Voters approved a measure to change the legislative vote necessary to pass the state budget from two-thirds to a simple majority. It does not affect the existing requirement for a two-thirds vote to raise taxes. Proposition 25
Voters approved a measure to expand the definition of a "tax" that must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature, or a vote of the electorate in the case of local taxes. It also provides that any state tax adopted since January 1, 2010, that was not adopted in compliance with this requirement is void within twelve months, unless it is reenacted in such compliance. Proposition 26
Voters rejected a measure to impose an $18 annual vehicle license fee to maintain state parks. Proposition 21
Missouri
Voters approved a measure to repeal local authority to enact future earnings taxes and require Kansas City and St. Louis voters to reauthorize continuation of the existing earnings taxes in those cities. Proposition A
Voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to prohibit any new tax on the sale or transfer of real estate. Amendment 3
Voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to exempt from property tax the homestead of a disabled former prisoner of war. Amendment 2
Massachusetts
Voters approved a measure to eliminate the sales tax on sales of alcoholic beverages and alcohol that are already subject to a separate state excise tax. Question 1
Voters rejected a measure to reduce the state sales and use tax rate to 3% from the current 6.25%. Question 3
