2017 Legislative Survey Sen Phil Fortunato. R-Auburn Question Title * 1. The Court has ordered the state legislature to fully fund basic education by 2018. The governor has proposed funding education by implementing an income tax on capital gains. An income tax on capital gains is an inherently unstable source of revenue. When the economy inevitably takes a downturn, the revenue plummets, and politicians broaden the tax to make up for the loss. That’s how these taxes evolve into general income taxes. Do you support taking the risk of an income tax in order to fund education? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 2. Since 1978, there have been 1477 permanent rules added to the Common Schools RCW’s. That’s an average of 39 new rules a year. These rules force schools to spend money on administration instead of teaching our kids. Would you support reducing regulations on our schools so that more money makes it to the classroom? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 3. The governor’s tax plan calls for B&O taxes to kick in right when a small business is ready to start hiring employees. Should we give priority to reducing the burden on small business so people can create their own jobs? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 4. Do you support reducing government regulation to promote job creation in Washington state? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 5. The Senate adopted a rule requiring a two-thirds majority of its members to pass any legislation that raises taxes. Do you support a two-thirds majority to raise taxes? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 6. In 2015, the legislature passed the nation’s second largest gas tax. Now, some are suggesting a miles-traveled tax in order to raise even more money for transportation. Would you support a miles-traveled tax to fund transportation projects? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 7. The 2017-2019 budget will see historic revenue growth (12.2%) without raising new taxes. Do you support prioritizing government spending to make the most efficient use of our existing tax dollars over flushing money down the toilet? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 8. Our transportation infrastructure has failed to keep up with the demands of our growing population. As a result, our region experiences some of the country’s worst traffic congestion. Do you support adding lane capacity for commuter vehicles in order to ease traffic congestion? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 9. Attorney General Bob Ferguson recently introduced legislation to ban guns (rifles and pistols) based on their appearance and capacity. Would you support this type of ban on guns? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 10. For many families, hunting is a tradition that dates back generations. The Attorney General has proposed raising the age to own a gun. Do you support raising the age to own a gun to 21 years old? Strongly Support Support Neutral Oppose Strongly Oppose Question Title * 11. Homeless encampments are associated with property crimes, drug problems, and high environmental clean-up costs. What would be the most effective way to combat the problems associated with homelessness? Enforce trespassing laws Implement more effective homeless services Enforce drug laws All of the above None of the above Question Title * 12. I would like to know what other issues are important to you. Please provide additional comment on survey topics or other issues below. Question Title * 13. Please provide you contact information so that we can address any additional comments you may have. Name * Address Address 2 City/Town * State/Province * ZIP/Postal Code * Email Address Question Title * 14. Want to know more? Sign up for my E-Newsletter!Throughout session I will be sending legislative updates on issues important to Washington State and the 31st District. If you, or anyone in your household would like to receive the most up-to-date information from Olympia, please subscribe to my E-Newsletter and indicate what issue areas you would like to know more about. Name Email Address Done