Just when big government boosters in the Evergreen State thought it was safe to raise taxes, Tim Eyman and the group Voters Want More Choices have returned to the streets with Initiative 1366.
When his previous and similar effort, I‑1325, fizzled last year, opponents were ecstatic, celebrating Eyman’s perceived obsolescence. Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist Joel Connolly wrote a year ago that, “the promoter may finally have exhausted his 15 years of fame.”
Eyman appeared down and out. Enemies rejoiced. And yet, a year later — just weeks before the deadline to turn in petition signatures to put issues on this November’s ballot — it appears Eyman’s latest initiative will easily qualify.
So now opponents squawk about all the money he has raised, and are back to hilarious and hyperbolic hyperventilating:
- Tim Eyman “belongs in a trash bin”;
- “I want Tim Eyman to die in a f — ing fire”;
- I‑1366 is a “destructive, hostage-taking initiative” and “”
If this be blackmail, make the most of it: “This measure would decrease the sales tax rate unless the legislature refers to voters a constitutional amendment requiring two-thirds legislative approval or voter approval to raise taxes, and legislative approval for fee increases.”
You see, the court will not allow the people to set a two-thirds vote mandate on the legislature. But the people can cut the sales tax. So I‑1366 would cut the sales tax by a penny … unless legislators do the right thing and give the people a vote on a constitutional amendment to establish the two-thirds legislative vote or a vote of the people to raise taxes.
Clever. That is how you deal with rogue insiders.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
1 reply on “Bribing a Legislature”
Well done Tom! Well written Paul!