Inside: Addressing the outstanding questions on WA Cares, plus more light rail woes
Friend,
Washington Policy Center continues its month of gratitude by reflecting on the people and ideas that drive our mission forward. Throughout the month of November, our policy experts will offer you a closer look at the work, passion, and purpose behind what we do.
Today, we’re pleased to share a message from our Eastern Washington Director Chris Corry.
P.S. Stay tuned as we continue publishing notes from our team in the weeks ahead. Your support is changing lives, and we can’t wait to share more.
Major Questions STILL Unanswered on WA Cares Program
Does one have to pay union dues to accept WA Cares funds to take care of a loved one? It's not entirely clear. WA Cares is steering family caregivers toward union-linked agencies that require dues, while a promised non-union option remains vague and undeveloped. This, combined with WA Cares’ limited $36,500 lifetime benefit and likely added pressure on Medicaid, suggests the program is serving to grow SEIU 775’s influence more than to provide effective, targeted long-term care support for Washingtonians.
The legislative session is coming up quickly, and in order to make informed decisions about how to best govern our state, we must acknowledge where we are currently.
Dave Boze and Paul Guppy discuss the recent election results, and what it means for you.
Invest in building a better Washington.
By embracing free-market principles in our research and initiatives, WPC provides the knowledge and tools you need to actively shape positive outcomes in our state. Together, let's pave the way towards a prosperous future for all Washingtonians.
PHOTO: After we dropped off the first 27,000 signatures to the Governor's office during the last legislative session, another 10,000 or so came in, so I took my daughters to the Capitol Building to help deliver the next batch and teach them the importance of making your voice heard. -- David Boze
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Will Light Rail's Problems Sink the I-5 Columbia River Bridge Replacement Project? By Charles Prestrud
The I-5 Columbia River Bridge has costs piling with little progress. READ MORE
‘We don’t have unlimited money’: WA Policy Center VP echoes Gates on disciplined climate budgets Todd Myers on the John Curley Show Bill Gates recently released a memo urging climate resources to be managed effectively, something WPC's Todd Myers has argued for years. READ MORE
What are the key issues for Washington state surrounding health care costs, access and patient care – and how can we solve them? Join Washington Policy Center and former 4 News Now anchor, Aaron Luma, for this FREE panel discussion on the future of health care in Washington. Featured speakers will address topics including state policy (including taxes), price caps and Medicaid underpayment – as well as the pros and cons of universal taxpayer-financed care and more.
WILL YOU MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD FOR WASHINGTON KIDS?
Federal Tax Credits Would Give Washington Kids Historic Opportunities, But Only If WA Opts In
Join us in sending a message to Governor Ferguson to allow Washington to participate in the federal program that helps students to take advantage of education scholarships for private or public opportunities. It only takes two minutes, take action here!