Essential information on each bill is below. For more details, click on the bill number – e.g., “SB 5000.” The new page will show the progress of the bill, videos of debate, and the link to send a comment to your legislator about the bill.
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Freedom
Amending the Constitution to allow the state to invest moneys from long-term services and supports accounts.
Bill Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 8201 proposes a state constitutional amendment that would alter Article XXIX, section 1. The proposed change would permit the investment of funds dedicated to public pensions, industrial insurance, disability support, and notably, long-term care services. The resolution does not create a new fund, but rather allows the existing long-term care fund to be invested similarly to other trust funds. Investment income from the long-term care fund would be specifically allocated to benefit program recipients. The legislature intends this as a single amendment for voter consideration in the next general election.
If you support maximizing returns and strengthening funding for long-term care services, this amendment is a step in that direction. By allowing Washington’s long-term care fund to be invested similarly to public pension and trust funds, the state could achieve higher returns. Public pension and disability trust funds are already invested for higher returns. This resolution aligns the long-term care fund with similar financial strategies This could make the program more sustainable in the long run. Furthermore, with an aging population and growing demand for long-term care services, maximizing investment returns could reduce future funding shortfalls and ensure benefits for seniors and people with disabilities. Lastly, the amendment specifies that investment income from the fund must be used exclusively for long-term care services. This prevents misallocation.
In review, this amendment allows for a broader range of investment strategies that could enhance fund sustainability. However, it also introduces potential risks depending on market conditions and legislative oversight. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this amendment depends on economic conditions.
Bill Summary
This proposed amendment to the Washington State Constitution would enshrine broad and unrestricted access to abortion, contraception, assisted reproductive technology, and gender-affirming care, barring the state from imposing any meaningful regulations. While framed as a protection of personal freedoms, this bill supports a culture of death. The lack of restrictions means that even late-term abortions could be performed without regulation. Similarly, gender-affirming treatments, including hormone therapies and surgeries, could be provided to minors without sufficient safeguards, potentially leading to irreversible consequences. It dismisses the rights of medical professionals who may have conscientious objections, forcing them to participate in procedures they may morally oppose. Additionally, it removes the ability of parents to have a say in life-altering decisions made by minors regarding gender transition treatments, effectively stripping them of their parental rights. This bill is not about reasonable healthcare access; it is about removing all limitations and allowing controversial medical procedures to proceed unchecked. Please stand against this amendment and stand for a culture of life.