Voters Want Lawmakers To Talk Education This Session

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A new poll shows that voters rank education as the top issue for lawmakers this year.

Independent pollster Stuart Elway said Tuesday that it was the first time in seven years that economy was not named the most important issue. It came in second.

The 105-legislative session begins Monday, with lawmakers facing a projected shortfall of more than $2 billion while dealing with a state Supreme Court order to put more money into state education.

The poll found that voters are equally divided on the general idea of raising taxes, however, specific taxes in Gov. Jay Inslee's budget proposal had support from majorities who found some taxes favorable or acceptable: 77 percent to increase the cigarette tax; 71 percent for a new carbon tax; 57 percent for a capital gains tax and 56 percent for a sales tax on bottled water.