Our advice on ballot measures

Four measures on the Nov. 5 general election could make a difference in your lifestyle and your wallet.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you cast your ballot:

Initiative 2066

This initiative would repeal regulations that attack your ability to use nature gas use dryers, stoves, heating systems and more in your home and business. It would also restrict government agencies from implementing policies and programs that promote the use of electric appliances over natural gas.

The measure comes after the so-called “decarbonization” act last spring that allowed Puget Sound Energy to force utility customers to purchase electricity rather than use natural gas.

If you want a choice in how you cook, dry your clothing or heat your home, you’ll want to vote “yes” on this measure.

Initiative 2109

A “yes” vote on this measure is a vote to repeal a tax imposed on the sale or exchange of capital assets of residents who have capital gains of more than $250,000.

Capital gains taxes can come off the sale of a home, livestock and more. And at the current 7% rate, the tax can add up to a substantial amount.

Proponents see the capital gains tax as a “stepping stone” to a state income tax. I agree.

If you want to keep more of your hard-earned money, vote “yes” on this measure.

Initiative 2117

Tired of paying about a dollar more per gallon of gas than neighboring Idahoans? Tired of inflation continuing to drive up the price of food and other items? Then this measure is for you.

I-2117 would end the so-called “carbon tax” on large businesses and end the state’s cap-and-tax “Climate Commitment Act,” which is more about redistributing your hard-earned tax dollars than saving the environment.

A “yes” vote on this measure would help reduce the cost of fuel in the state, and thereby help cut the cost of food and other goods and services pushed by high-priced fuel. It would also prohibit bureaucrats from using subsidies to pick energy winners and losers.

Don’t be fooled … supporting this measure will not have a detrimental effect on water and air quality as those benefiting from carbon tax programs claim.

Initiative 2124

Be careful when you vote on this initiative, the wording is deceiving.

At issue is whether those working jobs in jobs in Washington state should be required to pay for a long-term care tax for a benefit they will likely never be eligible to receive. A yes vote keeps the tax intact, and still requires employers to mandate workers participate. But it opens up a window for some workers to opt out.

If you want more of a choice on how your hard-earned money is spent, vote yes on 2066, 2109, 2117and 2124.

— Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Email him at [email protected].