Children, families and schools can breathe a sigh of relief based on the latest election results. Two statewide ballot measures are trending in the right direction. However, we are disappointed to lose a staunch advocate for public schools in Eastern Washington.
Voters defeat Initiative 1033
More than 56 percent of voters said NO to Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1033. Voters in 22 of 39 counties on both sides of the Cascades got the message about I-1033′s devastating impact on schools and universities and city, county and state services we all rely on.
I-1033 lost largely in part to an unprecedented coalition of more than 200 organizations representing education, seniors, health care, environment, labor and business. And, hundreds of volunteers stepped up to phonebank night after night to remind voters that I-1033 would have diverted $8 billion away from classrooms, police and fire, parks and other investments we count on to maintain our quality of life.
Referendum 71 leading
Referendum 71 supporters are optimistic the narrow lead will hold. Half the ballots left to count are from King County where R-71 is winning by large margins. We are disappointed that it’s not receiving broader statewide support. R-71 extends the same legal protections afforded to married couples to families headed by same-sex partners or seniors. Whether at school, a hospital or work, no one should be discriminated against.
Thank you to an education champion
In the 16th Legislative District, which includes Pasco and Walla Walla, Laura Grant lost her bid to return to the State Legislature. It was not for a lack of effort. Laura campaigned vigorously to continue to fight for reforms that will help local schools.
Although Laura’s late father, Bill Grant, represented the district as a moderate, independent Democrat for more than 20 years, she faced an uphill battle running in a traditionally conservative district. We will sorely miss not having this education champion, and the Legislature’s only active teacher, in Olympia.
