Of approximately 60 initiatives circulated for signatures in Washington this year, six were filed for signature verification on the July 2 deadline. The secretary of state typically takes about a month to verify signatures. The six that were submitted and are hoping for a spot on the November 2010 ballot are:
1053: restates existing statutory requirements for a two-thirds legislative vote for a tax increase; prominent anti-tax activist Tim Eyman is the primary sponsor.
1082: would allow private worker's comp insurance; the Building Industry Association of Washington is a leading advocate of the change
1098: would tax income of above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for joint filers; supporters of the measure include Bill Gates Sr., the Washington State Democratic Party, the Service Employees International Union, the Washington Education Association and the Washington State Labor Council
1100: would close state liquor stores and allow private businesses to sell liquor; retailer Costco has provided significant financial support
1105: like Initiative 1100, 1105 would close state liquor states and allow private businesses to sell liquor; the key difference lies in the fact that 1105 would require retailers to buy through wholesalers, while 1100 does not. Given that fact, it's no surprise that liquor wholesalers are the primary financial supporters of 1105.
1107: would end taxes on candy, soft drinks, bottled water, and certain processed foods; the American Beverage Association has been a significant financial supporter
Read more about the initiatives in signature verification in Washington and their backers in The Olympian.
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