Eyman, Kline trade barbs over budget blubber

Three state troopers camped outside the doorway of the secretary of state’s office? What can it be?

Yup, a Tim Eyman-versus-critics press conference. Eyman on Monday filed his as-yet-unnumbered initiative to cap vehicle registration fees at $30 a year, repeal anything above that and to base vehicle fees on purchase price, not manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

Eyman’s speech was, well, classic Eyman.

“During these times when family budgets are stretched to the limit, Olympia is gorging itself on tax money … Last year’s session involved a spending orgy unprecedented in state government,” he told reporters. Government was “spitting in the eye” of taxpayers, and “at the trough squealing” about his measure. “We’re already hearing the usual threats, lies and scare tactics,” he said.

At Eyman’s side: critic state Sen. Adam Kline, who promptly butted in.

“Tim, where’s the fat in the budget?” Kline repeatedly asked.

Eyman largely ignored him, except to say that politicians get to talk 365 days a year, whereas activists only get their time in the news lights on the day they file their initiatives. He compared Kline’s question to “a 1,000-pound flabby sweaty guy looking at me saying ‘Where’s the fat?’ “

Kline persisted. “Point your finger to any part of this budget,” he said, holding one up. “Show me where the fat is.”

Eyman finally retreated across the room to file his paperwork. He and supporters watched as Kline stood in front of the cameras.

“He’s afraid,” Kline said, maintaining that Eyman didn’t want to specify where he’d cut the budget for fear of alienating supporters who depend on, say, the nursing homes or colleges or other things taxes pay for. “He’s afraid that people might make the connection between tax money coming in and services going out.”

Stay tuned. Assuming that Eyman gets his measure on the November ballot, we’ll have another 10 months of similar debates.

Gingrich redux

House and Senate Republicans on Thursday rolled out their 2006 “pledge to the people of Washington,” as Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt called it.

Printed on computer-generated parchment, the 11-point Republican Commitment to Washington calls for:

“ A tougher spending cap.

“ Reducing the number of procedures (like acupuncture and massage therapy) that health insurers must now cover.

“ Reducing regulations on small business and repealing Washington’s estate tax.

“ Tougher penalties for auto and identity theft, as well as for making methamphetamine.

“ Eliminating the unpopular day-Use fees at state parks.

“ Helping students pass the WASL test, soon to be a requirement for graduation.

“ Reducing energy costs.

“ Trying to reinstate a ban on same-sex marriage if the Supreme Court overturns it. (Ruling expected soon.)

“ Protecting property rights.

“ Helping family farmers with tax relief, less regulation and ensured access to water.

The reality, of course, is that Democrats dominate the Senate (26 votes to Republicans’ 23), the House (55 votes to 43) and the governor’s office (Just 1 vote, but it counts for a lot).

No matter, Republicans say. Hewitt said he’s counting on building a “philosophical majority” with like-minded Democrats. House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt noted that some of the proposals – like zapping the state parks fee – are already being proposed by Democrats.

And when Democrats and Republicans aren’t singing in chorus? DeBolt said he’s counting on public input to help the GOP change some minds.

Introductions

“ Senate Bill 6213, by Sen. Debbie Regala: Exempts from the state smoking ban any smoking that’s part of a religious ceremony.

“ House Bill 2425, by Rep. Steve Kirby: Requires that sex offenders who’ve served their prison sentence be released in the same county where they committed their crime.

“ SB 6142, by Sen. Jim Honeyford: Bans the use on streets of bicycle baby carriers, unless the town bans riding on sidewalks.

“ HB 2470, by Rep. Jim McCune: Declares that any evergreen tree, “including any fir, pine, spruce, cedar, or other coniferous species,” erected in the capitol rotunda in December is officially a Christmas tree.