OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington residents are receiving ballots this week with four significant conservative-backed initiatives at the forefront. Each measure aims to overturn or amend laws passed by the state’s legislature in recent years.
The initiatives are spearheaded by the conservative political action committee “Let’s Go Washington.”
Initiative 2117 aims to repeal major parts of the Climate Commitment Act. This 2021 law includes a carbon cap and trade program capping carbon emissions from businesses. Bryan Haywood of “Let’s Go Washington” claims that this law results in a hidden tax on gasoline.
“If 2117 passes the price of gas relative to other states will go down,” Heywood said in during a debate hosted by Seattle University.
Critics, including former State Senator Reuven Carlyle, argue that the Act benefits the community by using revenue to support essential programs.
“Those dollars are all coming from this pollution source, so the idea that this program is not accountable, that it’s not working, that the beneficiaries are grifters is jolting,” Carlyle said in the Seattle University debate.
Initiative 2109 targets the state’s capital gains tax. The law, passed in 2021 imposes a 7% tax on gains exceeding $250,000 from certain investments. “Let’s Go Washington” argues that this is a “backdoor income tax” and could affect small businesses. However, its opponents state that the funds are crucial for education and childcare programs.
Initiative 2124 focuses on allowing Washingtonians to opt out of the state’s long-term care insurance program. While the program aims to address the demand for affordable long-term care, opponents argue against obligatory participation. Proponents claim that it would ease financial strain, but opponents believe it could make the program ineffective, affecting 3.9 million residents.
Initiative 2066 seeks to adjust parts of the “Decarbonize Washington” Act. This law affects Puget Sound Energy by limiting incentives for natural gas appliances and promoting electrification. Those in favor of the initiative argue it will protect consumer choice, whereas opponents warn of increased energy costs and potential pollution.
