As you may have heard, we’ve got a big election coming up in November. But the race for the White House is only part of the story, because Washington state voters will also decide on several measures that could have a devastating impact on our communities, neighbors, and children.
Backed by a multi-millionaire hedge fund manager, these three initiatives would slash funding for early learning, childcare, public schools, long-term care for the elderly, public transit, wildfire prevention, climate resiliency, and more – all for the benefit of Washington’s wealthiest residents and top polluters.
That’s why Solid Ground’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose I-2109, I-2117, and I-2124 – and here’s why we urge you to do the same this fall:
- I-2109 would repeal the capital gains tax, a 7% excise tax on stock market profits greater than $250,000. In its first year, the capital gains tax raised $900 million in yearly funding for school construction, childcare, early learning, and K-12 education in our state. Only 0.2% of Washingtonians pay this tax, but the revenue it generates benefits children, parents, and communities across the state.
To learn more, go to Invest in Washington Now.
- I-2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, which sets a cap on total carbon emissions in our state and fines those who pollute egregiously. The revenue from the Climate Commitment Act funds public transit, wildfire prevention, weatherization and rebates on energy-saving appliances (to help families make their homes more energy efficient), air pollution mitigation, and more. This funding helps our state switch to lower-cost, more sustainable infrastructure, providing well-paying jobs to many across the state in the process.
To learn more, go to Vote NO on I-2117.
- I-2124 would rapidly bankrupt WA Cares, a program that provides guaranteed, affordable access to long-term care. 70% of us will require long-term care as we age, and WA Cares provides guaranteed, affordable home care, access to residential treatment, meal support, and more to those who need it.
To learn more, go to Vote NO on I-2124.
If any one of these initiatives passes, it would have a devastating impact on Washington residents and the future health of our communities. To learn more, check out our advocacy partner Poverty Action’s blog post, There Will Be Three Initiatives on Your Ballot This Fall. Here’s What You Need to Know.
Image at top: Photo of the Washington State Capitol by the Washington Department of Transportation via Flickr.
Leave a Comment