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LWVWA Has Taken a Position in Support of SJR 8201The LWVWA Board of Directors approves positions on statewide Ballot Issues based on Issue Chair recommendations using policy statements in LWVWA Program in Action and LWVUS Impact on Issues. LWVWA may do the following with regard to the Ballot Measures: Endorse/Support, Oppose, or Not take a position.
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VOTE APPROVED
Senate Joint Resolution No. 8201
The legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on allowing money in Washington’s long-term care fund to be invested. This amendment would allow the state fund dedicated to providing long-term care benefits for eligible seniors and people with disabilities to be invested as authorized by law.
Should this constitutional amendment be:
- Approved ←Recommended
- Rejected
Explanation of LWVWA’s Position in Support
The WA Cares Fund, Washington state's unique long-term care insurance program, was established in 2019 through the passage of the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Act. The program is designed to help Washington residents afford long-term care services when they need them. The program was established as a payroll deduction program from which employees would accrue credits for future long-term care needs. Payroll deductions began in 2023, and payout benefits will begin for those eligible in 2026.
The purpose of the program is to provide coverage for those who could not otherwise afford long- term care insurance, which is quite expensive. Under this law, individuals who pay into the Fund will have access to a lifetime benefit of $36,500 that will be adjusted annually for inflation. Beginning in January 2022, workers pay an initial premium of $0.58 per $100 of earnings to fund the LTSS Trust Program. Beginning in January 2025, workers who have vested in the LTSS Trust Program and need long- term care will be able to access their earned LTSS Trust Program benefits for a wide range of services and supports.
Debates over this program related primarily to the small amount of future coverage that would be available, but the argument that it would cover needs that mid- to low-income people could not otherwise afford prevailed. Additionally, the program provides for home care and other options that could make it less expensive and more flexible than traditional long-term care coverage.
At the November 4, 2025, election, the ballot will include SJR 8201, Allow Investment of Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Fund Amendment. Currently, the state constitution restricts how certain public funds can be invested. This amendment would add the LTSS Trust Fund to the list of funds exempt from these restrictions, allowing the state to invest the money more broadly and use the investment earnings to support long- term care services. At this time, public pension or retirement funds, the industrial insurance trust fund, and funds held in trust for people with developmental disabilities are exempt. Constitutional amendments require a public vote, so the Legislature approved this for the ballot in November.
The League actively supported enactment of the WA Cares program and the legislation that placed this greater investment opportunity on the ballot.
For more information or to identify a speaker on this topic, contact Cynthia Stewart, LWVWA Revenue Issue Chair or Karen Tvedt, LWVWA Elder Caregiving Issue Chair.
Posted 9/25/2025 | Download Position Paper