Washington State Election 2008 – Initiative 1029

Initiative Measure No. 1029 concerns long-term care services for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

This measure would require long-term care workers to be certified as home care aides based on an examination, with exceptions; increase training and criminal background check requirements; and establish disciplinary standards and procedures.

Should this measure be enacted into law?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

It is always best to vote No on initiatives unless it is obvious that what is being requested would be truly benefitial to society. Unless someone can show me otherwise, this initiative is going to be an easy no vote. As much as there may be good reasons for home care workers to have more training from what I read it sounds like this is being pushed through by the labor union with a vested interest. Plus, in reading the ‘Statements for and against’ in the Voters Guide, those against the initiative are more persuasive.