Tim Eyman says he loaned $250K of his money for car tab repeal

Anti-tax activist Tim Eyman says has loaned $250,000 of his own money to his signature-gathering campaign to repeal Sound Transit-related car-tab fees and replace them with a $30 flat fee.

RELATED: Sound Transit tells Bellevue residents $300 is ‘just compensation’

He has also pledged an additional $250,000 loan to the campaign but has not yet handed over the money.

“I’ve committed to putting half a million dollars into the signature drive during the month of April. I put in $100,000 two days ago. I’ve put in $150,000 … so I’ve got $250,000 to go,” he told KIRO Radio.

A similar $30 car-tabs initiative that Eyman led last year failed to collect enough signatures, a result that he attributed to lackluster fundraising.

But will car tabs really be $30 if Eyman and his supporters have their way?

“Everyone, regardless of the kind of vehicle you drive or the value of the vehicle, everyone would pay a flat $30 to register their vehicle.”

Efforts to reduce car-tab fees failed this year in the state Legislature. Democrats said they had legislation prepared, but never sent anything to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk. They blamed Republicans — who disagreed with their narrative.

Voters approved higher car tab fees in 2016 when they voted for Sound Transit 3. Because the agency uses an outdated valuation method, it has resulted in increased yearly car tab fees for some.

Eyman, who is often thrust into the public spotlight due to his anti-tax efforts, was recently sued by the state over an alleged “scheme.” Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson alleges Eyman duped campaign contributors into financially supporting him personally, as well as supporting unrelated efforts. Ferguson is seeking $2.1 million in the lawsuit.

A Thurston County Superior Court judge found Eyman in contempt for failing to produce financial records. He imposed a fine of $250 a day until documents sought by Ferguson were turned over.

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