Tuesday, November 29, 2016

2016 Election Results for Measures as of Nov 29, 2016

The final ballot count for Benton County as of Nov 29, 2016, was 84,663, a turnout of almost 79%.

 In Benton County, measures 1491, 1501, and 735 passed. Measures 1433, 1464, and 732 failed to pass.

About 60% of Benton County voters voted "No" on raising the minimum wage to $11.00 in 2017, $11.50 in 2018, $12.00 in 2019, and $13.50 in 2020. Statewide, the measure passed 57% to 43%.

There were two "advisory vote" measures on the ballot. Voters could vote to "maintain" the legislation, or "repeal" it. Both bills brought up for vote were sensible "maintain" votes, and voters voted to repeal both. Mostly, in my opinion, voters have little or no idea what they're voting about. Here's what the Washington Budget Policy Center says about the measures.

Advisory Vote #14: Clarifying taxation of stand-alone family dental plans 
In the 2016 legislative session, the legislature overwhelmingly approved House Bill 2768, which clarified that some stand-alone family dental plans can be charged an insurance premium tax. This legislation is largely a technical change that allows the Washington Health Plan Finder to offer stand-alone adult dental insurance coverage through the state exchange.

Advisory Vote #15: Modifying tax exemption criteria for clean energy cars
Also in 2016, a broad majority of legislators voted to extend and narrow an existing tax break for customers who buy clean energy cars (House Bill 2778). This tax break is intended to encourage the use of clean alternative fuel vehicles in Washington. The public policy objective of this tax exemption is clearly stated, and a tax preference performance statement is included. While the exemption previously applied to all plug-in and alternative fuel cars, even niche, luxury cars like Teslas selling for $100,000 or more, the 2016 legislation limited the exemption to cars selling for $35,000 per year or less. This change will save the state money by more efficiently targeting the benefit toward consumers for whom a sales tax exemption would make a difference in their purchasing decisions.

No comments: