SJR 8214 will help disabled

Almost lost in the debates over six initiatives, a seventh statewide ballot issue is quietly headed toward Tuesday’s ballot. Senate Joint Resolution 8214 deserves attention because it would help people with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible.

The proposal would allow new flexibility in the investment of public-private trust funds for the benefit of persons with disabilities. The constitution prohibits investment of state funds in the stocks and bonds of private companies. However, voters previously have approved amendments giving the Legislature broader authority to decide how to invest funds for public pensions and worker’s compensation. The investments have been well managed and beneficial.

The proposed constitutional amendment would allow the Legislature the same authority for determining how to invest the trust funds for people with developmental disabilities. The measure received unanimous votes of approval in both the state Senate and the House of Representatives. There’s so little opposition that the secretary of state’s office was unable to find someone to write a statement against the proposal for the voters guide.

Voters should confidently say yes to SJR 8214.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Aug. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rep. Suzanne DelBene and South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman chat during a tour and discussion with community leaders regarding the Mountlake Terrace Main Street Revitalization project on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Traxx Apartments in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Gerrymandering invites a concerning tit-for-tat

Democrats, among them Rep. Suzan DelBene, see a need for a response to Texas’ partisan redistricting.

Comment: State lawmakers’ email secrecy an assault on records law

House leaders want to allow members to mark some email as ‘transitory,’ hiding them from the public.

Comment: Edmonds must plan to face next extreme climate event

Other nearby cities are preparing for extreme heat and cold. Edmonds has its own work to do.

Comment: Whales don’t live by election cycles; nor can research

Research is helping us direct efforts to protect marine mammals. It’s work that must continue without delays.

Forum: On The Wild Place trail memories come with each mile

Backpack journeys through woods to beach feature a changing troop but familiar and treasured experiences.

Brooks: Fixing the divide that ushered in Trump

We didn’t get rid of Jim Crow; our self-segregation effectively recreated it along class lines.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Aug. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Getty Images
Window cleaner using a squeegee to wash a window with clear blue sky
Editorial: Auditor’s Office tools provide view into government

Good government depends on transparency into its actions. We need to make use of that window.

Schwab: Coming to a street near you: Trump’s D.C. takeover

If Lafayette Square was a rehearsal, troops in D.C. are the premiere, with a road show in the works.

Kristof: Ukrainians must be front of mind for Trump right now

The U.S. owes a great deal to Ukraine that shouldn’t be repaid by dealing away its land to Putin.

Verify your ballot was counted

Make sure your vote counts! I am alarmed to learn that 5… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.