Helping Decide Our Future on Fantastic Friday!
Dear Friends,
As we approach this pivotal election day, I want to ensure you have all the necessary information to exercise your fundamental right to vote. The upcoming ballot initiatives will significantly shape the future of our great state of Washington, and your participation is crucial.
Your voice matters immensely in determining who represents our interests in Washington, Olympia, on School Boards, and at every level of government. This election presents a unique opportunity to align our community with your values and beliefs.
For those already registered, you should have received your mail-in ballot. Remember, your ballot must be postmarked no later than Election Day or deposited in an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you’re mailing your ballot close to Election Day, please be mindful of collection times or consider using a ballot drop box to ensure your vote is counted.
If you haven’t registered to vote, there’s still time. While online registration for mail-in voting has closed, you can still register in person at your local County Elections office, even on Election Day itself. I encourage you to verify your voter registration status or find more information on the Secretary of State’s website.
As we move forward, let’s remember the power of our individual voices and choices. Each vote is a building block in shaping a legislature that truly embodies the principles of equity and justice. I am profoundly grateful for your engagement in this ongoing journey towards a more representative and inclusive Washington State.
Together, we have the potential to achieve remarkable progress. I sincerely hope you will seize this opportunity to make your voice heard in this election. Our collective participation is the cornerstone of our democracy, and I look forward to seeing the positive changes we can bring about through our united efforts.
Thank you for your continued support and civic engagement. Let’s make this election a testament to the strength of our community and our shared vision for a brighter future.
Keep reading for more on this Fantastic Friday.
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
Voting to Protect Our Air, Water, Forests, and Farmland
As we approach this crucial election, I want to highlight several important initiatives on our ballot this year, particularly Initiative 2117. This measure poses significant implications for our state’s future, and it’s essential that you have accurate information to make informed decisions.
Initiative 2117 seeks to prohibit state agencies from implementing carbon tax credit trading and aims to repeal the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. While proponents claim it will lower costs, the potential negative impacts are concerning.
First, the initiative would drastically cut funding for transportation infrastructure, including new ferries and hybrid electric projects. This could strain our transportation budget and affect daily commutes for many Washingtonians.
Second, I-2117 would reduce funding for vital environmental programs that improve air quality, modernize school buildings, prevent wildfires, and support clean transportation options. This could lead to increased pollution and health risks in our communities.
Lastly, the initiative threatens funding for programs that protect our rivers, lakes, and streams, as well as salmon recovery efforts. Such cuts could harm our natural ecosystems and limit recreational opportunities.
It’s important to note that over 350 organizations across our state, including Tribal Nations and the Washington State Medical Association, oppose this initiative.
As your representative, I urge you to consider the long-term effects of I-2117 on our environment, public health, and economy. For more information on this initiative and its potential impacts, please visit our state’s official election website or contact my office directly.
Your participation in this election is vital for shaping the future of Washington. Together, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable state for generations to come. Thank you for your engagement in this important democratic process.
Voting to Protect School Funding
Next, I want to draw your attention to Initiative 2109, a measure that could significantly impact our state’s education funding. This initiative seeks to repeal the capital gains tax, which has become a vital source of revenue for our public education system.
Initiative 2109 would eliminate a tax that affects fewer than 4,000 of Washington’s wealthiest residents, yet provides substantial funding for our schools, childcare, and early learning programs. In 2022 alone, this tax generated $889 million for education, with 84% of the revenue coming from King County’s affluent residents.
It’s important to understand that this tax is narrowly targeted. It applies only to 7% of annual profits exceeding $250,000 from stock and bond sales. Retirement accounts, small family businesses, farms, and all real estate are already exempt.
If passed, I-2109 could result in a loss of over $5 billion for education over the next few years. This could force school districts to rely more heavily on property tax levies to maintain safe learning environments for our students.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond K-12 education. It would also affect funding for childcare and early learning programs, which are crucial, especially in our rural areas where parents are seeking more options.
Recent polling suggests that 56% of Washingtonians oppose this initiative, recognizing its potential negative impact on our state.
As your representative, I believe it’s crucial to maintain funding for our educational systems and early learning programs. I encourage you to carefully consider the long-term effects of I-2109 on our state’s future and the education of our children.
Your informed participation in this election is vital. I urge you to review the official election information and make your voice heard at the ballot box. Together, we can ensure a strong, well-funded education system for all Washingtonians.
Voting Against Higher Energy Bills
Next, Initiative 2066, a measure that could significantly impact our state’s energy efficiency programs and standards. This initiative, if passed, could have far-reaching consequences for our energy bills, grid reliability, and environmental goals.
Initiative 2066 targets energy efficiency programs that have been saving Washingtonians money on their energy bills and reducing stress on our electric grid during extreme weather events. It would roll back modern protections that make homes and businesses more energy efficient, potentially resulting in higher energy costs for future homeowners and renters.
Key points to consider about I-2066:
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Increased Energy Bills: The initiative could require utility companies to invest in outdated technology, with costs likely passed on to families and businesses.
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Reduced Energy Efficiency: It would jeopardize energy efficiency programs and eliminate important customer rebates, potentially raising costs for Washingtonians.
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Special Interest Influence: I-2066 is part of a broader effort by fossil fuel corporations and well-funded interest groups seeking to maximize profits at the expense of Washington families.
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Local Decision-Making: The initiative would limit the ability of towns, cities, and counties to make energy decisions that best suit their communities.
As your representative, I believe it’s crucial to maintain and improve our energy efficiency standards and programs. These measures not only save money for our residents but also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Washington.
I encourage you to carefully consider the long-term effects of I-2066 on our state’s energy landscape, economy, and environment. Your informed participation in this election is vital for shaping the future of our energy policies.
Protecting Public Insurance in Washington
Finally, I want to talk about Initiative 2124, a measure that could significantly impact Washington’s long-term care benefit fund and the lives of millions of working Washingtonians.
Initiative 2124 proposes to shut down our state’s long-term care insurance program, which currently benefits 3.9 million workers. This change could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for women and working families.
Key points to consider about I-2124:
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Impact on Caregivers: If passed, I-2124 could force more people, predominantly women, to leave their jobs or reduce work hours to provide unpaid care for loved ones with disabilities or those who are sick or aging. Women are 73% more likely to permanently leave jobs and five times more likely to work part-time due to caregiving demands.
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Financial Strain: The initiative could increase financial stress for families by eliminating a crucial support system. Currently, over 800,000 Washingtonians, mostly women, are unpaid family caregivers.
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Insurance Market Concerns: I-2124 may push people back into the private insurance market, where premiums can increase dramatically without warning, and claims are often delayed or denied. This particularly affects those with pre-existing conditions, who may be unable to obtain coverage.
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Gender Discrimination: Private insurance companies often charge women up to 70% more than men for long-term care insurance, exacerbating gender-based financial inequalities.
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Middle and Low-Income Families: These families would be disproportionately affected, as they are least able to afford private long-term care insurance or out-of-pocket care expenses.
As your representative, I believe it’s crucial to maintain and improve our long-term care benefit fund. This program provides essential support for working families and helps prevent financial hardship due to caregiving responsibilities.
I encourage you to carefully consider the potential impacts of I-2124 on our state’s families, economy, and healthcare system. Your informed participation in this election is vital for shaping the future of long-term care in Washington.
Thank you for your engagement in this critical democratic process. Let’s work together to ensure a secure and supportive future for all Washingtonians.
Making Sure Your Voice is Heard
As we reach the end of the final Fantastic Friday before our election, I’ve shared information about four crucial initiatives on our ballot: I-2117, I-2109, I-2066, and I-2124.
Each of these measures has the potential to significantly impact our state’s future, from our environmental policies and education funding to our energy efficiency standards and long-term care programs. It’s essential that you, as informed voters, understand the implications of these initiatives before casting your ballots.
These initiatives touch on core aspects of our daily lives and the long-term well-being of our state. They affect our air and water quality, the education of our children, the efficiency of our homes and businesses, and the care of our loved ones as they age.
The decisions we make on these measures will shape Washington’s future for years to come, influencing everything from our economic stability to our quality of life.
I encourage each of you to take the time to research these initiatives further, using reliable sources and official election information. Your voice and your vote matter immensely in this process. As your elected representative, I’m committed to providing you with accurate, unbiased information to help you make informed decisions.
Together, we can ensure that Washington remains a place of opportunity, sustainability, and care for all its residents. Thank you for your engagement in this crucial democratic process, and I look forward to seeing the positive changes we can bring about through our collective participation.
