Washington State VOTER

Fall 2001

16

Initiatives: How Does LWVWA Make Decisions on these Issues?
Adapted from an article by Liz Pierini

In deciding where or not to take action on ballot issues, we strive for a reasoned and broad-
based outcome. League's positions and interests are broad, and in fairness to our members, so
must be our considerations.

Since the 1997 local League presidents' retreat when the presidents requested to be consulted
before the State Board took a stand on a statewide ballot issue, the State Board has been
surveying local Leagues. The results of LL surveys have almost always reflected the Board's
own opinions. This is not surprising, since each State Board member is also a member in her own
local League.

At the same time we ask for local League opinions, one of all three of the State's umbrella
committees - government, social policy and natural resources - meet to discuss the issues
requested for action. Into this arena we invites guests, pro and con, to give their views and to
talk over our questions. However, there are not always opposing sides organized to present
arguments. When the umbrella committee has reached a conclusion, it may by consensus
agreement, send an advisory recommendation to the Board.

Board members receive packets prior to the meeting to help them prepare for decision-making.
Next step is the board meeting itself and the appropriate Portfolio Chair moves the proposal;
debate and the vote follow.

When does the board take a "no position" vote? When there is no position or general principle
written on the issues in either state or national position papers, or the issue is not a priority.
More difficult is when the cause is just, but the implementation plan is flawed, or in conflict
with other positions.

Please note that a Board decision is not dependent upon either surveys from local Leagues or a
recommendation from an umbrella committee.

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Please put a membership application form in your local VOTER.

Washington State VOTER

Fall 2001

17

League of Women Voters of Washington's

A C T I O N

W O R K S H O P

Saturday, November 10, 2001

St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 2650 - 148thAvenue SE, Bellevue

Registration ($15) begins at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and rolls
Program 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Current Topics!
Interesting Speakers!
Delicious Food!

POSSIBLE ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION
Children's Issues * Water * Transportation
Health Care * Primary Election Law Changes

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Enjoy a delicious lunch of salads, home-baked bread and desserts provided by members of
League of Women Voters of Lake Washington East

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rI will be attending the Action Workshop, November 10, 2001 and have enclosed $15.00 for registration.

Name______________________________________________________Phone____________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________email______________________________________

Make your check payable to LWVWAand mail to: 4710 University Way NE, #214, Seattle, WA 98105
For more information: lwvwa@lwvwa.org206-622-8961, 1-800-419-2596. Registration Deadline November 7, 2001.

Washington State VOTER

Fall 2001

18

INITIATIVE 773 TALKING POINTS

The State Board voted to support Initiative 773 at the September 14, 2001 Board meeting.

Official Ballot Title:
Initiative Measure No. 773 concerns additional tobacco taxes for low-income health programs and other
programs. This measure would impose an additional sales tax on cigarettes and surtax on wholesaled tobacco
products. The proceeds would be earmarked for existing programs and expanded health care services for low-
income persons.

Brief Summary:
This measure would impose an additional sales tax of 60 cents (from $0.825 to $1.425) per pack of cigarettes
and an additional surtax on the wholesale price of tobacco products of 93.75% of taxes levied under RCW
82.26.020. Washington's cigarette tax would become the highest in the nation. The tax revenue would be spent
first for existing health services, violence reduction and drug enforcement, and water quality programs. The
revenue would then expand low-income health programs and anti-tobacco programs.

LEAGUE POSITIONS
The League of Women Voters of Washington Program in Action 1999-2001

Health Care

Position in Brief:Action to provide universal access to affordable health services for all residents of the
state of Washington and to control total system expenditures.

The League of Women Voters of Washington supports:
*Policies, as part of comprehensive reform of the existing health system, which:

*

Ensure universal access for all residents to a comprehensive, uniform, and affordable set of health services.
These services shall be available regardless of one's health status (i.e., pre-existing conditions) or financial
status.

*

Provide "seamless" coverage and continuity of care, to the extent possible, regardless of changes in life
circumstances such as change in employment, marital status, financial status, or health status.

*

Establish a mechanism to adequately control total system expenditures for health services while maintaining
quality standards of care.

*

Assure that no one shall be forced into poverty (1992)