NoHLA is deeply concerned about three initiatives on the November ballot, as each could have serious financial implications for health care programs and the safety net. The proposed initiatives would repeal the capital gains tax, repeal key pieces of the Climate Commitment Act, and undermine the WA Cares long-term care program. 

At first glance, these initiatives may not seem to impact health care directly, but a closer look reveals that billions of dollars in state revenue are on the line. If these three initiatives pass, budget experts predict a dramatic decline in state revenue streams – and that could lead to cuts in health and social service programs that Washingtonians depend on for their health and wellbeing. We’ve seen this playbook before: when the state budget contracted during the Great Recession, the state cut supportive programs for the most vulnerable populations – some of which we still haven’t been able to fully restore. That’s why NoHLA and many other organizations have signed on to endorse the “No” campaigns for I-2109, I-2117, and I-2124. 

Here’s a brief rundown of what each harmful initiative would do:

Initiative 2109 would repeal a 7% excise tax on the sale of stock, bonds, and other capital assets by individuals who have annual capital gains of more than $250,000. It is expected to bring in about $1.2 billion in the current two-year budget cycle. The funds are used to pay for child care, education, and early learning centers. The tax applies only to a small number of high income individuals, only about 4,000 paid the tax last year. If Initiative 2109 passes, we can anticipate there will be an estimated state revenue reduction of about $2.28 billion over five years. 

Initiative 2117 would prohibit state agencies from imposing any type of carbon tax credit trading, including “cap and trade” programs, regardless of who they are imposed on, fuel suppliers or recipients. In addition to the health impacts of climate change, this would have serious implications for NoHLA’s health priorities as we count on state dollars to fund programs making health care more accessible and affordable. Estimates indicate that I-2117 could remove around $2 billion from the budget, according to Office of Financial Management estimates. 

Initiative 2124 would destabilize the participant pool and effectively de-fund WA Cares, Washington state’s long-term care insurance program. Long-term care is critical to help seniors and people with disabilities access the care they need. Unfortunately, many people can’t afford long-term care if they don’t qualify for Medicaid. WA Cares makes it possible for a person who is eligible to receive up to $36,500 to pay for at-home or residential services starting in July 2026. If we do away with WA Cares, it is likely more people will be in debt because they can’t afford to pay the long-term care premiums or needed care. In addition, many people, mostly women, may have to continue providing unpaid care for loved ones who are sick, aging, or experiencing disabilities. NoHLA has joined with more than 120 patient, health, worker, and community organizations supporting the No on 2124 Campaign – learn more from the campaign here.