Washington Policy On The Go is WPC’s bi-weekly (weekly during the legislative session) virtual lunchtime event series featuring center directors and guests to inform you on the latest in Washington State policy research and analysis. In this video, we’ll hear WPC Worker Rights and Health Care Director Elizabeth New discuss the Senate Joint Resolution on the ballot to allow public money to be invested for the WA Cares fund and needed reforms to long-term care.
Hold Washington accountable and see measurable results of policies at washingtonpolicy.org/reportcard
00:00 – Introduction and ballot question overview
00:52 – Elizabeth New explains the WA Cares program
01:46 – SJR 8201 and the State Investment Board
03:09 – Investment risks and diversification
04:01 – Safeguards for invested funds
05:13 – WA Cares benefit limits and inflation issues
06:05 – Possible future tax and benefit adjustments
07:00 – Why investments were originally restricted
07:47 – Transition to Medicaid and long-term care reforms
09:23 – Medicaid eligibility loopholes and asset transfers
10:53 – Protecting taxpayers and program sustainability
11:22 – Comparison to Paid Family and Medical Leave
13:02 – Regressive effects of state payroll taxes
14:26 – Rising tax rates and future increases
17:19 – The risk of these programs becoming income taxes
18:21 – Closing remarks and report card plug
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