Fuse Washington

We’ve got a long version with more detail, and a printable one page summary you can print out for quick review.

What it does
I-960 would require public advisory votes as well as two-thirds legislative approval or voter approval for any new “tax increases,” including many routine fund transfers.

What that really means
I-960 would require a public advisory vote on countless budget items, no matter how small – including administrative fees and routine fund transfers to cover basic needs. The inclusion of fund transfers would allow a minority of legislators in the House or Senate to block the approval of most annual operating budgets and any new funding for public services. The result? Less efficient government, long and confusing ballots, and millions of dollars wasted on endless elections.

When a similar measure was enacted in Colorado, nonpartisan analysis found that 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.

Who's behind it
This is how Tim Eyman is making his money this year.

Who's against it
The AARP, Washington Assn of Churches, Labor Unions, Conservation Groups, the Children's Alliance, Democratic organizations, Fuse and almost any progressive organization you can think of.

The Question for You
Do we want more political gridlock and fewer public services?

What it does
This bill would make it illegal for insurance companies to deny legitimate claims, and allow a judge to order up to three times actual damages plus legal costs for violations.

What that really means
Insurance companies make more money if they don’t pay your claim. They earn billions of dollars by delaying, denying, and disputing legitimate claims. Referendum 67 makes it illegal for an insurance company to delay or deny legitimate claims. If you are forced to sue your insurance company to get them to pay a legitimate claim, you can recover actual damages and attorney's fees, and in some cases up to triple damages.

Passing R-67 would give insurance company an incentive to pay legitimate claims in the first place and not go to court.

The insurance industry says passing R-67 will raise rates. But if insurance companies treat people fairly in the first place, they won't have anything to worry about.

This has already passed both the House and Senate. Insurance companies have funded signature gathering to place it on the ballot in an attempt to repeal it.

Who's behind it
Consumer Groups, the AARP, Unions, Police, Firefighters, Teachers, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, and Fuse.

Who's against it
Insurance Companies and some conservative business interests. The insurance industry has poured in almost $11 million dollars from out of state to fight for their right to deny legitimate claims. State Farm tops the list at more than $1.6 million.

The Question for You
Should it be illegal to for insurance companies to delay or deny legitimate claims?

What it does
EHJR 4204 would set the voter approval requirement for school levies at 50%. Currently, a "supermajority" of voters -- 60% -- must approve school levies.

What that really means
Schools and taxpayers will be better off. Statewide, locally approved levies account for 17% of the funding for our schools. When a levy “fails” with 59.9%, the school district has no choice but to hold another election and it can take them years to recover. Holding multiple elections costs taxpayers millions of dollars even though a majority of voters approved the levy the first time.

In 2006 alone, 31 levies failed with more than 50 percent approval, because they didn’t achieve a supermajority.

This has already passed both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support, but because it amends the state constitution, it also needs voter approval.

Who's behind it
All kinds of Education, Business, Religious and Good Government Organizations; Fuse and basically everyone who supports public education.

Who's against it
Extremely conservative legislators and groups.

The Question for You
Isn’t it a little crazy that it’s harder to fund schools than it is to fund jails in a state that ranks 47th in the nation in class sizes?

What it does
Directs 1% of the State’s revenues into a constitutionally protected “Rainy Day Fund” to save for emergencies or the next recession.

What that really means
A Rainy Day Fund is intended to cushion the blow the next time Washington State runs into tough economic times, ensuring the State won't have to raise taxes or cut critical services. The money in the fund can only be touched in a State of Emergency, if job growth forecasts drop below 1%, or if 60% of the Legislature approves.

Everyone agrees that saving for tough times makes sense. But opponents of this measure think it's too inflexible and hampers the State's ability to respond to difficult circumstances.

Most progressive interests are not taking a position on this amendment; some are opposing it. Conservatives generally support it.

This has already passed both the House and Senate, but because it amends the state constitution, it also needs voter approval. Progressive legislators were split on it.

Who's behind it
The Governor and bipartisan majorities in the State Legislature.

Who's against it
Three State Senators and 23 State Representatives. Many progressive legislators opposed it.

The Question for You
Is it more important to you that the Legislature be required to save money reliably even if it limits their flexibility? Then vote YES.

Do you think the State needs a savings plan that doesn't tie the Legislature's hands when responding to difficult circumstances? Then vote NO.

What it does
Reauthorizes certain state-contracted inmate labor programs in state prisons that were disallowed by a technical Supreme Court ruling after 20 years of operation.

What that really means
The Department of Corrections is required by law to provide work programs for inmates. In 2004, the Supreme Court struck down a program that allows the state to provide inmate labor by contract with private for-profit and non-profit businesses. Passing SJR 8212 will restore the program.

Prison work programs reduce re-incarceration rates and teach job skills that prepare inmates to return to the community. Inmates can participate in these work programs by choice, and part of the money they earn goes toward crime victim compensation, legal fees, and the cost of their imprisonment.

Opponents say the program amounts to the state competing with private businesses, but the amendment specifically prohibits unfair competition.

This has already passed both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support, but because it amends the state constitution, it also needs it also needs voter approval.

Who's behind it
Overwhelming bipartisan majorities in the State Legislature.

Who's against it
No State Senators and 15 State Representatives.

The Question for You
Are you willing to support obscure but sensible technical fixes to the State Constitution?

What it does
Allows the State to invest higher education funds in the stock market, subject to high fiduciary investment standards, as is already authorized for K-12 and pension funds.

What that really means
State Higher Education funds can earn higher rates of return, generating more money for public colleges and universities.

This has already passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, but because it amends the state constitution, it also needs voter approval.

Who's behind it
Overwhelming bipartisan majorities in the State Legislature.

Who's against it
No State Senators and 2 State Representatives.

The Question for You
Are you willing to support obscure but sensible technical fixes to the State Constitution?

Questions? Comments? Let us know!