The November election features a wide range of initiatives and other ballot measures. Solid Ground’s Board of Directors has endorsed five they believe support our mission and values. These endorsements represent opportunities to make real gains for social justice by building equitable access to fundamental resources and opportunity. They move us closer to a community that is compassionate, respectful and inclusive. 

Statewide

YES on I-1433

Higher wages across the state will help workers, families and businesses thrive in Washington state. Initiative 1433 will help Washington workers and our economy in two ways: It raises Washington’s minimum wage to $13.50, and provides up to seven days of paid sick and safe leave per year.

The wage increase is phased in over four years, beginning at $11 in 2017. The measure also allows workers to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, so workers can take care of themselves and their families when sick without fear of being fired or losing a day’s wage. Employers who provide higher wages or more generous paid leave are not affected by these changes.

YES on I-1501

Everyone deserves to be protected from identity theft and other consumer fraud scams. Initiative 1501 would increase the criminal penalty for identity theft against a “senior” or “vulnerable individual” to a class B felony. It would increase the civil penalties by three times the amount of actual damages for anyone who commits consumer fraud against “seniors” or “vulnerable individuals.”

The measure would define a “senior” as a person “over the age of 65.” A “vulnerable individual” would be defined as a person 60 years of age or older who cannot take care of himself or herself and is receiving home care services.

Furthermore, the initiative would amend the Public Records Act to prohibit disclosing “sensitive personal information,” such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers, of vulnerable individuals and their in-home caregivers.

Regional

ENDORSE Sound Transit Proposition 1 (aka ST3)

Access to transportation is critical to ensuring that people can get to school, work, medical appointments, and to other daily appointments. We should meet our region’s rapid growth with long-term, sustainable solutions. ST3 expands public transit by adding 37 new regional light rail stations along 62 new miles of rail, expanded commuter rail service, and more frequent bus rapid transit. As importantly, Proposition 1 includes a contribution of $20 million over four years to support the creation of affordable housing near light rail stations and a commitment to offering surplus land to be used in this development. ST3 would benefit people with low incomes by providing more reliable transit options between regional hubs while expanding affordable housing near new light rail stations.

Funding will come from: .5% increase in sales and use tax, property tax of $.25 or less/1,000 of assessed valuation, and .8% increase in motor vehicle excise tax.

King County

APPROVE Charter Amendment No. 2

Charter Amendment No. 2 would amend numerous sections of the Charter to make the language gender-neutral. Small changes to our Charter will go a long way in updating it — making it more inclusive, clear and consistent.

City of Seattle

YES on I-124

All workers should be protected from on-the-job assault and harassment. Initiative 124 would require large hotel employers to further protect employees against assault, sexual harassment, and injuring by retaining lists of accused guests among other measures; improve access to healthcare; limit workloads; and provide limited job security for employees upon hotel ownership transfer.

Photo: Raise Up Washington supporters from the campaign Facebook page.