Positions taken by the PJALS Steering Committee
Statewide & local initiatives
No on Initiative 732 – Poorly written carbon tax bill
If passed, I-732 would tax the carbon in fossil fuels used for aircraft, watercraft, and motor vehicles. Fuel brought in vehicle supply tanks would be exempt and money from the tax would go into the State’s general fund. This Initiative is well intentioned yet poorly written and fails to address negative impacts on vulnerable populations and jobs.
Yes on Initiative 735 – Move to Amend: Overturn Citizens United
The measure would urge the Washington state congressional delegation to propose a federal constitutional amendment clarifying that constitutional rights belong only to individuals, not corporations; that spending money is not free speech under the First Amendment; that governments are fully empowered to regulate political contributions and expenditures to prevent undue influence; and that political contributions and expenditures must be promptly disclosed to the public. The measure would urge the legislature to ratify such an amendment.
Yes on Initiative 1433 – Raise Up Washington: Minimum Wage Increase & Paid Sick Leave
The Raise Up Washington initiative will help Washington workers and our economy in two ways: It raises Washington’s minimum wage to $13.50, and provides up to seven days of paid sick and safe leave per year.
Yes on Initiative 1464 – Transparency & Accountability in Elections
Initiative 1464 would create “Democracy Credits” to enable eligible citizens to direct a portion of public funds to their preferred political candidate as an individual donation. It would also restrict the relationships of public employees, former public employees, and political candidates with lobbyists, limit the donations of public contractors to candidates running for offices that regulate their industry, and repeal the non-resident sales-tax exemption.
Yes on Initiative 1491 – Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Initiative 1491 would allow family members and law enforcement to ask a judge to temporarily suspend a person’s access to firearms if there is documented evidence that the person poses a serious threat to themselves or others. We know that family members and law enforcement are often in the best position to see the warning signs of violence and, by creating Extreme Risk Protection Orders, Initiative 1491 will give them a tool to prevent a tragedy before it happens.
Yes on Initiative 1501 – Prevent Fraud, Protect Seniors
Initiative 1501 increases the penalties for criminal identity theft and civil consumer fraud targeted at seniors or vulnerable individuals; and exempts certain information of vulnerable individuals and in-home caregivers from public disclosure.
Yes on Spokane Transit Proposition 1—Yes on Buses: Keep Spokane Working, Moving, Thriving
Approving STA Proposition 1 will: Create new routes and more frequent service to hospitals, employers, colleges and universities, community events, and shopping.; relieve areas of growing congestion, reduce wear and tear on our roads, and provide freedom to get around; and build the foundations we need to keep our communities healthy and working, especially for our seniors and community members with disabilities.
Remember to get your ballots turned in or postmarked by Nov. 8th!
Download a printable pdf version here.