I-1163's predecessors have been voted down by the Washington legislature three times because they waste taxpayer money at a time when other far more important programs are being cut. Even worse, this initiative will actually make home care for middle class seniors LESS safe because it will price the agency caregivers it covers out of reach of many seniors. Many more seniors will be forced to seek care in the unregulated and unsupervised gray market, where there is no training and no background checks.

Tom Boughner
Olympic Senior Care

I-1163 simply does not make sense for WA. It is far too costly for the state and seniors who privately pay for their care services. Just like I-1029, it will increase the cost of care without creating real benefit for the care recipient. We already have background checks and required training. If the union really wants to spend tax payer dollars in an effective way, they should be encouraging more funding for supervision of their caregivers and IP's. Lack of ongoing supervision is a far greater problem for those clients receiving state funded in-home care.

Debbie Gann - Owner/Director
Home Attendant Care

It’s obvious that the real motivation behind Initiative 1163 has absolutely nothing to do with improving long-term care. It is intended simply to swell the rolls of dues-paying union members, and provide taxpayer-paid employment for unqualified union members to “train” our caregivers.

Cindi Laws, Executive Director
Washington State Residential Care Council

Read More @ TheOlympian.com