If the law is overturned, half a billion dollars would be kept in taxpayer pockets.
Olympia, Washington — July 12, 2023 — Today, the Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) announced that it filed a motion for summary judgment in its lawsuit on behalf of taxpayers against the state of Washington to challenge key legislation in the 2022 Transportation Package. If successful, the lawsuit would have the effect of lowering the cost of gas and driver’s license fees.
CADF retained outside counsel to sue in Thurston County Superior Court on behalf of a contractor and a trucking company, arguing that the court should strike down ESSB 5974 because it violates the single subject requirement of the state constitution. If the plaintiffs win the motion scheduled for 9 am on September 22, 2023 and the law is overturned, half a billion dollars would be kept in taxpayer pockets during a period of record inflation and uncertain economic times. According to recent media reports, the 2022 Transportation Package has already caused the cost of gas to go up at least 52 cents a gallon since January 1, 2023, when some parts of the legislation went into effect that impact when you pay at the pump.
“Because of the unconstitutional word games played by the legislature in the transportation package, Washington state drivers are paying the highest gas prices in the nation,” said Jackson Maynard, Executive Director of CADF. “This is outrageous and is hurting people as they struggle with soaring inflation and a deteriorating economy. Hopefully the court will strike down this law and provide much needed relief for our citizens.”