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Proposed Measures Draw Sharp Criticism From Medical and Education Groups
Three ballot initiatives scheduled for Washington state voters are facing intense scrutiny from medical professionals, education advocates, and the Seattle Times editorial board. The measures—Initiative 001 (I-001), Initiative 638 (I-638), and Initiative 645 (I-645)—are being promoted by billionaire Brian Heywood and his organization Let’s Go Washington.
The Seattle Times editorial board has opposed all three initiatives, describing them as "flawed," "poorly written," and "fear-mongering." Critics argue that the measures would negatively affect schools, students, families, healthcare, and taxes across the state. An op-ed by a representative of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, published in HeraldNet, warns that these initiatives threaten to enact harmful policies affecting schools, students, families, health care, and taxes.
The measures are promoted by MAGA millionaire Brian Heywood and Let’s Go Washington, groups that previously pushed to slash education funding, bankrupt long-term care benefits, and gut climate change funding. According to the HeraldNet report, the initiative would result in a loss of $13 billion in education and childcare funding.
Initiative 645 Targets Education Funding and Tax Structure
Initiative 645 proposes significant changes to the state’s financial structure. The measure would repeal Washington’s Millionaires Tax, which would result in a loss of $13 billion in education and childcare funding. The initiative would also eliminate free school meals for many K-12 students.
The proposal aims to increase healthcare costs and taxes on working families and small businesses while providing tax cuts to wealthy individuals. Opposition to I-645 includes the Children’s Alliance, the League of Women Voters, Food Lifeline, the Washington State Labor Council, small businesses, educators, and advocates for working families, students, and retirees.
Privacy and Medical Records Under Initiative 001
Initiative 001 addresses school privacy protocols. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown stated that the measure undermines parents' rights by removing the right to immediate notification if a child is a victim of a crime at school. The initiative would force schools to hand over confidential counseling or medical records to parents, including those charged with abusing their children.
Additionally, I-001 would require teachers and counselors to disclose LGBTQ+ students' status to unsupportive families. Opposition to this measure includes the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the WA State Nurses Association, the League of Women Voters of Washington, and the Washington State PTA.
Medical Examinations Proposed in Initiative 638
Initiative 638 would impose invasive government-mandated sex inspections on K-12 girls participating in sports. The measure requires doctors to verify sex based on "reproductive anatomy" or conduct hormone and genetic tests during sports physicals. The initiative applies only to girls, not boys.
The WA State Nurses Association, more than 100 physicians and health care providers, and more than 400 community groups oppose I-638.
