Breaking from big business and metropolitan chambers of commerce who oppose the measure, Washington members of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) support the fiscal restraints and accountability called for in Initiative 1125.

NFIB, the country’s leading small-business association, polled about half its 8,000 Washington members this month and found that 76 percent support I-1125, which is sponsored by Tim Eyman. Fourteen percent of the members opposed the measure and 10 percent are undecided.

“Small-business owners support transportation projects that increase capacity and expedite the shipment of goods to market,” NFIB/Washington State Director Patrick Connor said. “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.”

Eyman said he is thrilled by the support from “the backbone of our state’s economy.”

“This endorsement by NFIB comes at a crucial time now that ballots are arriving in the mail,” he said. “This 76 percent support for I-1125 from small businesses dovetails perfectly with the 73 percent of King County voters who oppose taxing drivers on I-90 to pay for 520…I-1125 appeals to voters all over the state due to Olympia’s plans to toll every highway, bridge, road and street in the Puget Sound region and beyond. Before such a radical change occurs, the voters deserve a voice and a choice. I-1125 gives them that.”