Eyman makes changes to latest proposal

Tue., Jan. 8, 2008

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

OLYMPIA – Initiative promoter Tim Eyman made revisions to his traffic jam measure Monday, pushing for a bigger slice of sales taxes and highway tolls along with oversight by the state auditor.

The “Reduce Traffic Congestion” measure also has a number: Initiative 984.

Eyman said the initiative, originally filed with the state last week, was amended after response from supporters and some elected officials. He pledged no more changes, and plans to start collecting voter signatures next month.

The biggest change announced Monday is an increased share of vehicle sales taxes – 15 percent instead of 10 percent – diverted from the general fund into a new “Reduce Traffic Congestion Account.” That’s about $130 million annually if the measure becomes law, Eyman said.

Also destined for the traffic congestion account would be:

•Money the state collects from any new traffic-management tolls, like charging single drivers to use car pool lanes.

•Construction tolls that don’t disappear after the project’s bills are paid.

•The percentage of public works project spending currently earmarked for art purchases.

•Fees that local governments collect from red-light violation cameras.

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