Washington Cares gives moms and women across the state the short end of the stick when it comes to caregiving
Happy Mother’s Day weekend to Washington moms around the state who drive their kids to 43 practices in a week, handle last minute nannying/pet sitting/bake sale/homework needs, and still find time to make us feel loved.
But let’s not forget that Washington Cares gives moms and women across the state the short end of the stick when it comes to caregiving. Women make up the majority of unpaid caregivers in the U.S., and that time away from their jobs will likely cost them their own long term care insurance since Washington Cares requires continuous payment for 10 years.
It’s a vicious cycle, and if moms were in charge, they’d probably make it fair for all and even include a fun note in everybody’s lunch.
Not only is Washington Cares a mandatory additional tax, it’s just bad policy. But here’s how WA Cares affects women most:
- Working women who take time off to have a child or care for a family member could lose all the money they had paid into the fund and be forced to start from scratch.
- Low-income workers, who also provide care to their family for low or no cost, have to pay the same amount as the top income earners in the state.
- No one can opt-out and with women receiving 64% less pay than men in Washington state, the program costs women more in the long run.
- Washington women can pay into WA Cares their whole lives and still not have nearly enough to pay for their own elder care since it can cost anywhere from $4,000-$15,000 a month for care.
“Washington Cares is not set up to be any kind of long term care, at best, it’s 3-4 month care. If the policy was good, the opposition wouldn’t need to fearmonger and lie to Washingtonians to keep it functioning. For the love of mothers, let’s pass I-2124.” – Hallie Balch, Let’s Go Washington Press Secretary
Visit letsgowashington.com for more information.
Also read:
- Former WA Supreme Court justice joins legal effort against income tax
Phil Talmadge and Rob McKenna have joined forces with the Citizens Action Defense Fund to oppose Washington’s new tax on high-income earners, raising legal and constitutional questions. - Makeover in store for Congress with flood of lawmakers headed for the exits
A wave of exits from Congress—over 65 lawmakers—will usher in unfamiliar faces and decrease veteran expertise, shifting the political landscape in Washington. - Opinion: Sheriffs fight back
Four county sheriffs are suing to block a new law giving a governor-appointed board power to decertify and remove sheriffs, bypassing voter oversight in Washington. - Obituary for Lucille ‘Erma’ Christenson Madore – April 22,1924-March 13, 2026
Known for her love of music and family, Lucille ‘Erma’ Christenson Madore lived through nearly 102 years and leaves a large, grateful legacy in Vancouver. - Fiscal fallout: $375 million bond debt indirectly funding operating budget
Shifting $375 million from a loan fund impacts local infrastructure as Washington state covers operating costs with bond debt, prompting concern among officials and advocacy groups. - Lawsuit aims to block new eligibility requirements for WA sheriffs
Four sheriffs are suing over a state law that sets new eligibility rules, arguing it undermines voter authority by allowing removal for certification issues. - Opinion: The growing gap between public voice and political power
Todd Myers describes how large-scale protest and sign-ins often fail to sway state leaders, and argues authentic influence is most likely found through local action.
