The Yakima Herald Editorial Board argues today that Secretary Of State Sam Reed should throw out Initiative 1029.
Initiative 1029 is a measure to increase training in long term care. It was submitted with 315,000 signatures.
The Herald argues that “It could be perceived as both an initiative to the Legislature AND an initiative to the people.”
They then make the case that Sam Reed should throw it out.
It should make us all nervous when lawyers and bureaucrats start messing with initiatives. I’m no fan of Tim Eyman but I think we should argue about his initiatives through the Democratic process.
He has had two initiatives thrown out (695 and 747) by the courts only to be passed by the legislature. In other words, it’s hard to thread the needle in the courts once the people have spoken.
In many states, the initiative process began because special interests have too much say in the legislative process. It was a way for regular people to bypass the legislature and get something done.
In our state, it’s created stronger enviromental laws, better public disclosure and a higher minimum wage. It’s also hampered basic government services with Eyman’s anti-tax initiatives.
However, these initiatives reflect the will of the people. It doesn’t pass the blush test that people are confused over whether I-1029 is an initiative to the legislature or an intiative to the people. My guess is that people want more training for long term caregivers.
We should let this initiative go to the ballot and let voters decide.