Tim Eyman | |
|---|---|
 Eyman in 2020 | |
| Born | Timothy Donald Eyman December 22, 1965 Yakima, Washington, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Washington State University (BA, cum laude; minor: Economics) |
| Years active | 22 |
| Known for | Anti-tax activism, crimes |
| Political party | Republican / Independent Republican |
| Website | permanentoffense |
Timothy Donald Eyman (born December 22, 1965)[1] is an American anti-tax activist and businessman.
Since 1997, Eyman has become the most prolific sponsor of Washington ballot measures in its history, having qualified seventeen statewide initiatives. Eleven initiatives were passed by voters, though most of these in turn were later partially or wholly overturned by courts as unconstitutional.[2] His first and most notable success was an initiative preventing affirmative action in Washington State.
Eyman's most prominent ballot measures are part of an unsuccessful "20 year tug-of-war" with the state over lowering motor vehicle excise taxes, or "car tabs" to defund Sound Transit, under the slogan "$30 Tabs", of which 2019's Initiative 976 is the most recent.[3][4] It was ruled unconstitutional in 2020.
In February 2021, Eyman was convicted of violations of campaign finance law and fined $2.6 million, and barred from "managing, controlling, negotiating, or directing financial transactions" for any kind of political committee.[5][6] In April 2021, he was ordered to pay an additional $2.9 million to reimburse the Washington State Attorney General's legal costs[7] in pursuing civil penalties against him. He is currently bankrupt, and in December 2021 a court ordered sale of assets to meet $5.4m in legal liabilities to the State of Washington.[8]
- ^ Joseph Turner (February 10, 2002). "Oversize ego that made Eyman a star also set up his fall". The News Tribune.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Elections & Voting - WA Secretary of State". www.sos.wa.gov. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
- ^ Jenkins, Austin (November 15, 2018). "Is the seventh time the charm? Tim Eyman's back with another proposed $30 car tabs initiative". www.nwnewsnetwork.org. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
- ^ "Tim Eyman violated campaign finance law, concealed nearly $800,000 in payments, judge rules". The Seattle Times.
- ^ "Tim Eyman violated campaign finance law, judge rules, is barred from controlling political committees". The Seattle Times.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
st-aprilwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Tim Eyman in default, assets to be sold to satisfy $5.4 million debt, Seattle Times