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:
- Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit. - Opinion: ‘The Democrats’ part of the bargain’
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a New Year’s Eve encounter and a Bill Maher commentary to assess what he sees as cultural and political changes from the past year. - Free fares on New Year’s Eve is a big hit with C-TRAN riders
C-TRAN’s New Year’s Eve free-fare program provided extended late-night service and a safe transportation option for riders across Clark County just after midnight.
