An initiative, a referendum and four Constitutional amendments will be on the November 6, 2007 statewide ballot in Washington State.  With the election date approaching, the WSCC invites people of faith to reflect on Catholic social teaching when considering ballot issues and local candidates.  From A Call to Action, Catholics are reminded that:

“To take politics seriously at its different levels -- local, regional, national and worldwide -- is to affirm the duty of all people to recognize the concrete reality and the value of the freedom of choice that is offered to them to seek to bring about both the good of the city and of the nation and of humanity.”

The Ballot Measures:

Initiative 960 would require two-thirds legislative or voter approval for tax and fee increases.  Referendum 67 would keep a new law making it unlawful for insurers to unreasonably deny coverage or payment of benefits, and permits up to triple damages.

Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 8212 would authorize the state to allow private companies to move inside prisons to provide employment of inmates. SJR 8206 would require placing 1 percent of state general fund tax revenues into a “rainy day fund” that could be tapped only in emergencies or by a 60 percent vote of the Legislature.  Engrossed House Joint Resolution 4204 would provide for approval of school district property tax levies by a simple majority vote.  House Joint Resolution 4215 would authorize the investment of the permanent funds of a public four-year college or university. 

The WSCC is not taking a position on any of the measures.  However, WSCC has prepared an educational statement on I-960 to assist citizens in their decision-making on the initiative.  CLICK HERE for the WSCC’s I-960 statement and for Catholic social teaching as well as the pros and cons on the other five statewide ballot issues.