The Bishop Writes

(The Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) represents the Catholic bishops of Washington State: Archbishop Alex J. Brunett of the Archdiocese of Seattle, Bishop George L. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle, Bishop William S. Skylstad of the Diocese of Spokane and Bishop Carlos A. Sevilla SJ of the Diocese of Yakima. This WSCC statement addresses processes involved in conscience formation in light of the Scriptures and Catholic social teaching in preparation for voting in November.)

Catholic Social Teaching:

“Government may levy the taxes necessary to meet (its) responsibilities, and citizens have a moral obligation to pay those taxes. The way a society responds to the needs of the poor through its public policies is the litmus test of its justice or injustice.”>/I> [Economic Justice for All, 1986, No. 123.]

We are called to critically review our tax systems to ensure that they are just and fair. Catholics are challenged to study their tax systems in light of Catholic social teaching…” [Economic Justice for All, 1986.]

“…it is the role of the state to defend and promote the common good of civil society…” [Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Edition.]

Ballot Title: Initiative 747 concerns limiting property tax increases. This measure would require state and local governments to limit property tax levy increases to 1 percent per year unless an increase greater than this limit is approved by the voters at an election.
Background: Local property tax revenues on average represent 48 percent of tax revenues for local governments including 381 fire districts and 139 emergency medical service districts. On average, property taxes provide cities with 25 percent and counties with 39 percent of their operating revenues. State property tax revenues make up 13 percent of all tax revenues for the state budget. Along with state revenues from sales tax and Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, the state property tax revenues fund such programs as public K-12 education, human services, corrections, health services, and higher education. Washington State’s property tax ranks 24th out of 50 states for property taxes paid per $1,000 of personal income. I-747 does not address property valuations.
Supporters of I-747 Say: Washington State is one of the highest taxed states in the nation and has a budget surplus. Proponents see I-747 as a “moderate” proposal. It does not call for a lowering of property taxes, but limits increases to 1 percent per year. I-747 will help low and moderate-income homeowners stay in their homes. I-747 gives citizens the ability to raise property taxes above the 1 percent limit per year, while encouraging the state and other taxing districts to become more efficient.
Opponents of I-747 Say: I-747 would limit the capacity of state and especially local governments to provide vital services. In this time of economic downturn, the surplus is gone and cuts in services are already proposed, limiting property tax increases could result in cuts to essential fire and safety services and services for those who are poor. Hardest hit would be rural taxing districts, which have limited sales tax and B&O tax revenues.
Reflections: Each initiative is a value statement that says something about the character of Washington State. The Washington State Catholic Conference has not taken a position on I-747, but we, the Catholic Bishops of Washington State, ask you to read and study this initiative and discuss it with others in light of Catholic Social Teaching. To assist you in this process, we pose some questions:

• Is I-747 good public policy?
• Is anyone harmed?
• Who benefits from it?
• How are those who are poor and vulnerable affected by it?
• What impact will there be on state and local governments to provide essential services and protections, especially to the poor?
• Am I personally affected?
• Is my support based on personal gain?
• Will the passage of I-747 result in a fairer state and local tax system in Washington State?
• Does it foster the common good?

We are blessed as Catholics to come from a faith tradition that supports us in professing our values as voters. We have a stake in what happens in the state. As Catholics, we have the responsibility to view the future through the lens of Jesus Christ and the gospels. Please, inform your conscience, reflect, pray and vote.

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