Eyman issues tax warning

March 19, 2003

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The Olympian Online

OLYMPIA, WA-- Tim Eyman on Tuesday warned the Legislature and Gov. Gary Locke that he'll pursue a "voter veto" of any tax or fee increases approved in Olympia

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Eyman, best known for his $30 car-tab initiative and limits on property taxes, said lawmakers are toying with a variety of tax hikes to help balance the state budget and fix roads. If that happens, he'll lead the charge to put the taxes on this fall's statewide ballot, he said.

"We will make sure any of these tax increases will be put before the voters this November," Eyman said in an e-mail.

Key legislators were irritated by the prospect of Eyman watching over their shoulders, ready to run to the ballot box.

"Who made him God?" said House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam.

"Washington state already imposes a crushing tax burden on its citizens," Eyman wrote to lawmakers. "So higher taxes and fees would be just plain dumb if we faced good economic times. But raising taxes and fees during a recession would simply be immoral."