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.
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