Vote yes to expand basic healthcare in Washington

One of the three initiatives on the November ballot is supported by the Washington State PTA, the Washington Education Association, the Children’s Alliance, the League of women Voters of Washington, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, and an ever-growing number of other supporters. This initiative is I-773. If approved by the voters, I-773 will expand needed access to basic health care for working families in this state.

Washington’s Basic Health Plan is a state-funded no-frills package of health care benefits for Washington residents with incomes lower than, at, or near the poverty level. The program is currently underfunded by the State, allowing only 125,000 adults to be covered, even though 400,000 low-income individuals are eligible. I-773 would provide health insurance for 50,000 more individuals who would otherwise not have any insurance. It would also restore full funding to Washington’s tobacco control and prevention plan.

The funding would flow from an increase in the tax on cigarettes and a comparable raise of the tax on other tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco. Based on the experience of other states with similar tobacco prevention programs, it is estimated that the tax increase will also reduce smoking by 33,000 minors. Despite this welcome decline, the experience of the other states also shows that increased revenues per pack will more than make up for the revenue losses from fewer cigarette sales. Additionally, it is estimated that $630 million in tobacco-related health care will be saved if I-773 passes.

The state’s general fund will not be affected by I-773. Thus, all the state services funded by the general fund will not be affected if the initiative is approved.

Make Washington a healthier place for youngsters and low-income families to live in – vote yes for I-773.

Marysville

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