Resolution 8201, a measure appearing on the ballot for the 2025 general election, is an amendment to Washington State’s constitution that would result in the state being able to invest its funds in private businesses. The money will be sourced from a fund called the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Account, a trust fund which is funded by workers and donors to guarantee long-term medical support for eligible workers as they age. Proponents of the resolution claim the extra money gained from low-risk investments that would be enacted can help provide countless senior citizens with free or discounted medical care. Critics, however, believe that the investments come with the risk of potential financial disasters if they don’t work out. It’s important to mention that this resolution was originally proposed when the fund was created in 2020, but was rejected.

Also appearing on the ballot is Seattle Proposition No. 1, otherwise known as the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy. If approved, the measure will raise the limit of Seattle’s property tax for at least 6 years, with the extra money produced being spent on exactly what the name suggests: providing education support to improve access to early learning; academic, health, and safety supports for K-12 students; as well as college and career pathways for Seattle students. Supporters of this resolution insist that the revenue created will support important education programs, reducing inequity. Such programs include Seattle Promise, in-school health clinics across Seattle Public Schools, and increased funding for more accessible early education. On the other hand, critics claim that the extra cost will just add to the already substantial cost of living in Seattle, and point to the previous levy’s relatively low impact on student success as a major point.

Another ballot measure is Seattle Proposition No.2, aiming to bring changes to the business and occupation tax in Seattle. When enacted, the proposition will raise taxes by rates of up to 50% for businesses making over $2,000,000 of gross annual income. Businesses making under this amount will be exempt from this tax altogether. The increased tax will be in effect until 2033, where it will be lowered once again. In short, large businesses will be taxed at a much higher rate, while smaller ones will be exempt from the increased taxation. Proponents of this proposition claim that it will help small businesses grow immensely, while keeping larger ones in check and keeping tax money high. Those in opposition of the proposition claim that the further taxing of larger businesses will just see a continuation of companies like Amazon and Microsoft moving out of the city, taking away more jobs and putting the city in further financial decline.