Washingtonians voted down three tax-related initiatives that would have repealed the state’s cap and trade program, made the state’s long term care program optional, and repealed the state’s new capital gains tax. 

Those lost by large margins. One initiative passed, it protects access to and use of natural gas. 

All four initiatives were backed by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood, who put $6 million into signature gathering. Heywood claimed that the policies he was trying to repeal amounted to taxes on Washingtonians.

And historically, Washington voters have been receptive to initiatives that cut their taxes.

$30 car tabs? Bring it on said voters in 1999, 2002, and again in 2019. 

Require a super majority to pass new taxes in the state legislature? We’ll have some of that, said voters in 2007 and 2012. 

Limit property tax increases? Why not? Said voters in 2000 and 2001. 

So what went wrong this time?

That’s what we’re asking my next guest, a longtime anti-tax activist who has used the initiative process many times to successfully limit local government’s ability to collect money.

Guest:

Tim Eyman, anti-tax activist

Relevant Links:

KUOW: Most of his initiatives failed, but Washington Republicans still call him a winner

KUOW: Washington’s natural gas initiative wins, but court challenges could be next

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