OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state voters overwhelmingly approved expanded background checks and training for long-term care workers in 2008.
Now they’re being asked to do it again in the middle of a budget crisis.
The Legislature has for three years delayed the implementation of new rules for care workers because of budget cuts. Advocates for the measure contend the problems in the system are only getting worse and that the cost to fix the issues is minimal.
Gov. Chris Gregoire is among those who oppose the initiative because the new spending would have to be offset by cuts elsewhere. The state is looking to cut $2 billion to fill a budget shortfall.
State officials estimate that the initiative would cost about $18 million over the next two years.
