Vote no on Initiative 1501

Initiative 1501 would increase the state penalties for criminal activity, theft and consumer fraud for seniors and vulnerable individuals, but federal law already provides penalties that exceed those proposed. Why are we voting on an initiative that is a duplication of federal law? In reality the measure is attempting to take away our freedom of choice and information.

This measure involves altering the state Public Records Act (PRA) for the benefit of the Service Employees International Union. The measure would make changes to the PRA that would prevent state-paid individual provider home care aides and family child care providers from being informed of their recently recognized constitutional right to choose for themselves whether to pay union dues. The union dues/fees are about $500 per year.

The Freedom Foundation has been in a two-year legal fight in which the union has sought to prevent the Freedom Foundation from contacting these workers and informing them of their constitutional rights. If you are one of the above-mentioned workers you can go to this web site: optouttoday.com/seiu-775. In addition I-1501 could limit journalists’ ability to use public records. Preserve our constitutional rights and freedom by voting “no” on I-1501 and being an informed voter.

Kay Hendrix

Moses Lake