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League of Women Voters Opposes State Initiatives

Published on 9/10/2024

Although the League of Women Voters is nonpartisan and never will endorse a candidate or endorse political parties, we often take positions on policies that affect our quality of life, or the goals set up by our community. We carefully study an issue before taking a stand. This year the League of Women Voters of Washington has decided to oppose three state initiatives being brought forth for the Nov. 5th election.

Initiative 2117 prohibits all state agencies, counties and cities from implementing any type of carbon tax credit trading. This will effectively repeal the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) SB 5126 of 2021.

The League believes that the public has a right to know about dangers to health and the environment, pollution levels, and proposed resource management policies and options, as well as to participate in related decision-making. The LWV stands united with, and in support of, efforts to price carbon emissions, whether cap-and-trade, carbon tax/fee, or other viable pricing mechanisms; and to establish incentives for efficient use of current energy sources and the greater use of alternative energy sources. Quarterly allowances auctions under the (CCA) have accumulated over $1.4 billion for investments in electrification, low-emission transportation systems, natural solution, reducing greenhouse gases, heating, and redressing environmental injustice from past energy policy with front line communities and tribes. (LWVWA 2024 Issue Paper: Climate Crisis and Energy)

The League of women Voters of Washington OPPOSES the repeal of the Climate Commitment Act. (We seek a NO Vote on I-2117).

Initiative 2109 repeals Washingtons state’s limited capital gains excise tax, slashing over $2.2 billion from public education, childcare and early learning in the next 5 years.

In the LWVWA’s issue paper on Revenue and Fair Revenues, it states, “For many years the State of Washington has had the most regressive tax structure in the United States. Lowest income taxpayers in Washington have been paying 17.8% of their income in sales and property taxes, while those at the top 1% of the income spectrum have been paying only 3% of their income in taxes”. In Jan. 2021 the legislature passed a capital gains tax of 7% on capital gains exceeding $250,000.00. There is a long list of exemptions that assure it will only apply to the highest income individuals. The tax collected is set up contribute to the state’s Education Legacy Trust Fund which is only for expanding access to higher education through funding for new enrollments and financial aid, early learning and childcare programs, and other education improvement efforts.

The League of Women Voters of Washington OPPOSES the repeal of the Limited capital gains excise tax. (We seek a NO Vote on I-2109).

Initiative 2124 seeks to disrupt Washington’s long-term care insurance program Wa Cares by making it voluntary instead of mandatory. Making contributions to this fund optional would jeopardize coverage for those in need and likely lead to its financial collapse, rendering it ineffective for those who do contribute to the fund.

In the LWVWA issue paper on health care it states, “We believe that a basic level of quality health care at an affordable cost should be available to all U.S residents . . . this includes prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care, acute care, long-term care and mental health care”. Wa Cares provides funding for in-home care and home medical equipment and to pay a family caregiver to allow people with disabling conditions to live with dignity and stability. Wa Cares also helps people with pre-existing conditions who cannot get commercial insurance. It would leave us at the mercy of for-profit insurance companies who deny benefits and jack up premiums by 50%, 100%, or even 300% without warning. (https://olympiaindivisible.org)

The League of Women Voters of Washington OPPOSES making Washington’s Long Term Services Insurance Program contributions optional. (We seek a NO Vote on I-2124).

For more information:
www.no2109.org
www.noon2124.org
www.no2117.com
info@lwvwa.org

To join the Advocacy Team, contact us at advocacy@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org

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