WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – As Washingtonians begin to vote by mail, voters have more decisions to make than their choice for America’s next president. 

Besides electing various federal and state positions, voters will also cast their votes on four statewide ballot initiatives. All four initiatives on Washington’s ballot this November were sponsored by Let’s Go Washington, a political action committee (PAC) founded by Brian Heywood. 

The City of Bellingham has come out in opposition of all four initiatives.

Initiative Measure No. 2066 

This initiative seeks to repeal or prohibit laws and regulations incentivizing a switch from natural gas to electricity in an effort to reduce pollution and energy costs for consumers. 

Supporters of I-2066 want to protect citizens’ and businesses’ access to natural gas, without government regulation. Arguments against I-2066 include protecting the environment and energy efficiency standards, which will ultimately reduce costs for consumers.

Initiative Measure No. 2109 

I-2109 would repeal Washington’s capital gains tax. The law currently imposes a 7% tax on capital gains of more than $250,000. Money collected from this tax goes to education, including K-12 education, higher education, early learning, childcare and school construction. 

Supporters for I-2109 reject the capital gains tax, claiming that it is a pathway to an income tax, while maintaining that the state constitution protects funding for education.

Those against I-2109 emphasize that the capital gains tax only applies to less than 1% of Washingtonians. The tax does not apply to retirement or college savings, real estate, farms or small businesses. Additionally, the opposition to I-2109 wants to protect funding for education and childcare.

Initiative Measure No. 2117 

This initiative would prohibit carbon tax credit trading and repeal the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which implemented a cap-and-invest program designed to reduce Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions. Repealing the CCA would pull funding from climate projects and transportation. 

Those supporting I-2117 argue that carbon taxes increase costs for gasoline and energy. The opposition argues that the initiative does not guarantee reduced costs and is a threat to the environment, health and safety and transportation systems.

Initiative Measure No. 2124 

I-2124 concerns Washington’s long-term care insurance. Currently, most employees in Washington must contribute 0.58% of their wages to the program, known as “WA Cares,” created in 2019. If passed, this initiative would make participation in the program optional. Employees who opt out of the program would be ineligible for the $36,500 insurance benefit. 

Supporters of the initiative want to give employees the choice to contribute their wages and create flexibility in long-term care.

Those against the initiative support WA Cares as it stands, arguing that other insurance plans do not cover long-term care, which 70% of Washingtonians will need at some point. They argue that I-2124 would ultimately push more people into debt, disproportionately affecting women and people with pre-existing health conditions.

More information can be found in the Washington Voters’ Pamphlet or at MyBellinghamNow.com.