Washington Fuel Tax Opponents Gain Signatures

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pponents of Washington’s fuel tax increase turned in the last of more than 420,000 signatures, nearly double the number needed to force the issue onto a November ballot, the Associated Press reported.

While the secretary of state’s office still must verify that the campaign has sufficient valid signatures — roughly 225,000 are required — sponsors were confident voters would get a chance to overturn the 9.5-cent-per-gallon increase passed by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) in May.

The group, “No New Gas Tax,” turned in nearly 190,000 signatures on July 8, on top of about 232,000 two days earlier, AP said.

The first 3 cents of the increase kicked in July 1, raising the state’s fuel tax to 31 cents a gallon. The rest is scheduled to be phased in over the next few years: 3 cents in 2006, 2 cents in 2007 and 1.5 cents in 2008.

But if voters approve the November initiative, the tax increase would be repealed, putting on hold a number of road repairs across the state, AP reported.