OLYMPIA — A Tim Eyman initiative that would disrupt Washington's use of tolling and prohibit light rail from crossing the Interstate 90 bridge across Lake Washington was narrowly trailing in election returns Tuesday night.
Less than 51 percent of voters were opposing Initiative 1125 in early results tallied from 1.1 million votes. It was the only statewide ballot measure that was at risk of losing, sullied by broad opposition to the measure — from Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire to Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna.
Eyman said that no matter the final tally, the campaign had made tolls a radioactive issue for lawmakers.
“I think they’re walking on the thinnest of thin ice,” he said. “It’s hard to view this thing as anything else but a very successful effort.”
Eyman’s plan would force the Legislature to approve tolls, instead of allowing a commission to decide. State officials fear that the rules would scare away investors who won’t want to purchase bonds backed by tolls that could be mired in a political process.
That could take away a key funding source for projects such as the Highway 520 bridge replacement across Lake Washington and a new Columbia River bridge connecting Vancouver, Wash., and Portland, Ore. The state has been looking toward that revenue source because gas tax revenue is plateauing, and much of it is already dedicated to specific projects.
The measure also includes a major provision that would halt light rail from running across the Interstate 90 bridge — something that voters in the Seattle area previously approved. Eyman’s initiative campaign was largely funded by Bellevue developer Kemper Freeman, who has battled against light rail proposals for years. Gregoire said passage of the initiative would greatly inhibit the state’s ability to fund major transportation improvements.
“I am pleased tonight that I-1125 is failing — and that voters recognized the short-sightedness of this initiative,” the governor said in a statement. Eyman’s initiative isn’t the only one that could complicate the finances in Olympia. Initiative 1163, dealing with long-term care workers, passed with broad support. It will cost the state $18 million over the next two years and doesn’t have a source of revenue.
The initiative includes 75 hours of paid training for long-term care workers, instead of the currently required 35 hours. All new workers would undergo federal background checks. Currently, new workers who have lived in Washington for three years undergo state background checks while people new to Washington go through an FBI check.
Lawmakers are currently in a struggle to find as much as $2 billion in budget cuts that will likely include further reductions in education funding at all levels. Voters previously approved a measure similar to I-1163 three years ago. The Legislature has delayed implementation because of the budget constraints. Advocates are concerned that people who need care may be vulnerable.
“Today, the voters have spoken again, making a strong statement that they expect quality care for our vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities to be a high priority,” said pro-1163 spokesman Sandeep Kaushik.
Gregoire left open the possibility of further action on the measure, saying she wants to “find a solution that meets the intent of voters” while protecting both the vulnerable and the state budget.
Voters also approved two constitutional amendments Tuesday, one to make a technical correction about voter residency rules and another that requires the Legislature to set aside extra cash during times of economic boom.
