Initiative 960: The Corporate Tax Loophole Protection Act

We’ve done the research on the ballot initiative I-960, which will appear on Washington ballots this November, and here’s what we found: It would lead to endless, expensive elections; make government less efficient; waste taxpayer dollars; and slow government’s response in a time of crisis. That’s why SEIU Healthcare 775 has joined AARP, the League of Women Voters,, WA Association of Churches and others in urging members to vote NO on I-960.

All of us want greater accountability and openness from government.  Initiative 960 pretends to do that, but will only make things worse. 

Initiative 960 would require a public vote on countless budget items, no matter how small.  The result?  Endless, expensive elections, with long and confusing ballots.

I-960 will make government less efficient.

Routine fund transfers to address basic needs such as road and bridge repairs, children’s health care, or prescription drug assistance for seniors would require a two-thirds legislative vote and a public vote.  This could cripple state government.

When a similar measure was enacted in Colorado, nonpartisan analysis revealed  education funding dropped from 35th in the nation to 49th, child immunization rates fell to dead last among the 50 states, and prenatal care fell from 23rd to 48th. This must not happen in Washington State.

I-960 will not cut taxes, but it will waste your money. 

More elections and longer ballots are expensive to administer and process. Sorting out the many legal issues created by I-960’s confusing and poorly written language will tie up the courts, costing taxpayers time and money. 

The initiative leaves us vulnerable in times of crisis.  The measure says the legislature can suspend supermajority legislative and public votes only during a natural disaster.  Authorities will be handcuffed from responding quickly during an economic recession, pandemic flu, or even terror attack.

I-960 is too risky and too expensive. Join first responders, teachers, nurses, home care and nursing home workers, Children’s Alliance, WA Assn of Churches, WA Conservation Voters, SEIU, business and citizens across Washington in voting No on 960. 

See www.no960.com for more information!