State set to verify I-1033 signatures

OLYMPIA – Washington state officials are ready to verify signatures for the only initiative that might appear on this fall’s ballot.

Secretary of State Sam Reed says Initiative 1033 has turned in 315,444 signatures, not counting petitions that weren’t properly formatted.

At least 241,153 valid voter signatures are needed to get on the ballot. Election workers will begin verifying signatures next week. They’re expected to finish by July 25.

Initiative 1033 would cap the amount of money flowing into state, county and city general funds. Yearly increases would be tied to inflation plus population growth.

Revenue over the cap would be used to lower property taxes. Voter-approved taxes would not be subject to the cap.