Five statewide measures on November ballot

By Evan Smith

Voters in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and the rest of Washington face five statewide ballot measures on the Nov. 8 ballot – three initiatives and two State constitutional amendments.

Here they are:

Initiative 1125 is the Tim-Eyman-sponsored measure to prohibit the use of motor-vehicle-fund revenue and vehicle-toll revenue for non-transportation purposes, and require that road and bridge tolls be set by the Legislature and be project-specific. Its practical effect would be to prohibit using tolls on other highways from being used on the Highway 520 Bridge or on the Highway 99 tunnel, to prohibit fuel-tax money from being spent on mass-transit and require the Legislature, rather than the State Transportation Commission to set tolls, It also would prohibit planned variable tolling on Highway 99 and Highway 520. Opponents say that it could keep investors from buying bonds for Washington transportation projects.

Initiative 1163, sponsored by the service employees’ union, would reinstate background checks, training and other requirements for long-term care workers and providers. Proponents argue that the background checks and additional training are needed. Opponents argue that the measure would require the State to pay for a union-sponsored training program. A similar initiative passed a few years ago was suspended by the Legislature.

Initiative 1183 would close state liquor stores and sell their assets; license private parties to sell and distribute spirits; set license fees based on sales; regulate licensees; and change regulation of wine distribution. It would allow competition based on price. It also would set taxes on private liquor sales. Costco was the prime sponsor of the signature-gathering effort.

Senate Joint Resolution 8205 would amend the State Constitution to remove an inoperative provision regarding the length of time a voter must reside in Washington to vote for president and vice-president. Part of the provision conflicts with the U.S. Constitution.

Senate Joint Resolution 8206 would amend the State constitution to require the legislature to transfer additional moneys to the budget-stabilization account in each fiscal biennium in which the state has received “extraordinary revenue growth,” as defined, with certain limitations.