I-1125
For: Washington Retail Association, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
Against: Identity Clark County, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
I-1125 would require tolls to be set by the Legislature, not the Washington State Transportation Commission. In addition, the measure addresses acceptable uses for revenues that are raised through the state’s gas tax and tolls. I-1125 would also require that tolls on future projects, such as the Columbia River Crossing, expire after the cost of the project is paid.
Backers of 1125 support the fact that this measure would prohibit the state or a state agency from using “gas-tax-funded or toll-funded lanes on state highways” for “non-highway purposes.”
“Small-business owners support transportation projects that increase capacity and expedite the shipment of goods to market,” said NFIB Washington State Director Patrick Connor. “However, small-business owners also expect that their gas tax dollars will be spent wisely and that tolls will be limited only to the specific project for which they were approved – not diverted to other projects or purposes.”
Those opposed to 1125 worry about the sale of toll revenue bonds – an important financing tool for transportation projects – because investors typically see the independence of toll-setting bodies as a vital credit characteristic.
“Requiring tolls to be set and adjusted by the Legislature rather than by an independent toll-setting body makes the cost of bonds secured solely by toll revenue prohibitively expensive and would be unprecedented nationally,” said state Treasurer James McIntire. “We simply cannot sell toll-backed bonds if the Legislature is the toll-setting authority.”
I-1183
For: Association of Washington Business, Washington Restaurant Association
Against: Washington Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA)
If passed, I-1183 would end the state’s control over the sale of liquor in Washington. And unlike last year’s failed Initiative 1100, which also looked to privatize the sale of liquor in Washington, I-1183 aims to bar the sale of booze at most mini-marts and convenience stores; prevent cities, counties and the state from losing revenue in the deal; and impose stiffer penalties on retailers who sell to minors.
According to the state’s Office of Financial Management, I-1183 would increase state revenues by more than $200 million, and add approximately an additional $200 million in local government revenues over the next six years.
Supporters of 1183 said they want the state out of the liquor business.
“It makes no sense for the state to promote and sell liquor on the one hand while trying to police its use on the other,” said National Federation of Independent Business Washington State Director Patrick Connor. “Initiative 1183 allows state government to focus on enforcement, while permitting grocery and specialty stores to responsibly sell liquor the same way they have done with beer and wine for generations.”
Those opposed to the measure believe communities could be at risk if hard liquor becomes more readily available. Additionally, some are concerned that the measure serves the interests of large retailers and big box stores at the expense of the independent grocers.
“Although WFIA supports the systemic and regulated privatization of the state's liquor system, we want a law that allows all grocers and retailers to serve their customers with the same access and value, unlike I-1183,” said Jan Gee, president of the organization. “The big box stores' special interest provisions written into I-1183 are bad for our local grocers and our communities, and the voters should reject it.”
Proposition 1
For: Vancouver Freight Alliance
Against: Notolls.com
Proposition 1 would increase the local sales tax two/tenths of one percent to protect existing C-TRAN bus service. Without the proposition, C-TRAN has stated it would have to cut service by 35 percent, leading to the elimination of Sunday and holiday service.
Supporters of Proposition 1 said the initiative will ensure access to transportation for employees, students, seniors and the disabled.
Opponents of Proposition 1 take issue with the tax increase during tough economic times.
