Initiative 1366 is the latest attempt by Tim Eyman and his corporate backers to force state lawmakers into passing a constitutional amendment that would permanently require a two-thirds vote to raise or recover revenue for the state treasury.

The initiative stipulates that if two-thirds of both our House and Senate don’t agree by April 15, 2016, to pass the demanded constitutional amendment, then the revenue from sales tax would be immediately cut by 13 percent. That would mean an estimated $8 billion in cuts over the next six years to our state’s budget and one of the primary revenue sources for Washington’s public schools and institutions of higher learning.

I-1366 a bad deal for Washington voters because it would be a roadblock to making government fairer for local families and businesses.

Contrary to how our Founding Fathers intended our government to work, I-1366 would transfer the decision-making power in our government from the many to the few. It would allow a small number of partisan legislators from either party — as few as 17 out of 147 — to dictate the agenda for all of our state.

That means we would be transferring the power over key budgeting decisions to a handful of legislators who could block attempts to fix our broken tax code — a tax code that has been deemed one of the most upside down in the nation. Low- and middle-income Washington households pay a higher share of their income in state taxes compared to the richest households — often up to seven times more.

If this initiative passes, it will be nearly impossible to create a more equal tax system where everyone — including the rich — plays by the same rules

And by holding lawmakers — and taxpayers — hostage to a constitutional change, I-1366 would force deep, unnecessary cuts to important programs such as our K-12 schools, higher education, and many other public safety and social programs.

Recently, the Washington Supreme Court held the Legislature in contempt for underfunding our public schools. If this initiative passes, it will be extremely difficult to find the money to comply with the court’s orders.

That means our children will continue to pay the price with increased class sizes, out-of-date textbooks and technology, and fewer good teachers willing to stay in Washington.

Other services put at risk by I-1366 include student financial aid, public safety assistance for local police and fire, as well housing and other essentials.

Also, I-1366 is so flawed it will likely be found unconstitutional. As was recently pointed out by the King County Superior Court, I-1366 is likely outside the scope of the initiative process, and will be found unconstitutional.

But before that happens, taxpayers will end up spending millions of dollars in court and lawyer’s fees that would otherwise be spent on law enforcement, healthcare, and other basics.

Finally, I-1366 would be bad for Spokane. Higher education has become one of the cornerstones of Spokane’s economic growth. Washington State University, Eastern Washington University and the Community Colleges of Spokane could face the largest cuts. Other cuts would be needed in human services, law enforcement, and other essential services that so many in our community desperately need.

Scandal-plagued initiative promoter Tim Eyman is hoping voters will look past recent headlines alleging financial misdeeds and support his latest ill-conceived idea.

That’s why a broad bipartisan coalition of leaders and organizations has come together to oppose I-1366. You can learn more at www.No1366.org. Please join me in voting No on I-1366.

Ann Murphy is president of the League of Women Voters of Washington and a 50-year resident of Spokane.