I’m nearly 75 years old. This November, I’m voting No on I-2124 to protect long-term care in Washington state.

I’m a Washington State Parent Ambassador, a Policy Council Member of the Puget Sound Educational Service District, and a Council Member on Amara’s Building Families Partnership. I also became a foster grandparent in June, 2019, when our three granddaughters were placed in our home by Child Protective Services. I know how important family is, so trust me when I tell you that preparing for long-term care needs is one of the most important things a family can do.

That’s why I support WA Cares, our state’s long-term care program. This program promises to be a safety net, like Medicare or Social Security, for Washingtonians who become injured, disabled, or sick, and need extra help to get through their daily activities. However, Initiative 2124 threatens to bankrupt this program, stripping long-term care coverage from millions of Washingtonians and threatening families who need resources to care for each other.

The AARP, the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Children’s Alliance have all endorsed a “No” vote on I-2124. That’s why I’m voting “No” as well.

Patricia Haynes

Enumclaw