// Originally Posted by the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, August 26, 2016 //

Voters should reject Initiative 1501. 

This measure, despite the benevolent sounding description that it “concerns seniors and vulnerable individuals,” seems more likely to benefit the Service Employees International Union, which has about half of its members working in the home health care field. 

Backers of the measure contends I-1501 would increase the penalties for criminal identity theft and civil consumer fraud targeted at seniors or vulnerable individuals; and exempt certain information of vulnerable individuals and in-home caregivers from public disclosure.

The first part of the proposal is unnecessary. Laws are already in place to protect everyone from identity theft and consumer fraud.   

And the second part of the measure, changing the Public Records Act to prohibit disclosing “sensitive personal information” of both vulnerable individuals and “in-home caregivers of vulnerable populations,” seems to be a move to make it easier for the SEIU. 

Here’s is how it is spelled out in the state’s Voters’ Guide in the argument against I-1501:

“Don’t be deceived. The only two caregivers who helped draft the I-1501 pro statement are SEIU activists, not ordinary workers. That’s because the measure only benefits union executives, not hard-working caregivers…. It’s all about keeping caregivers from discovering they no longer have to share their paychecks with the union. Follow the money. I-1501 protects union bosses’ wallets while hurting workers and vulnerable individuals.” 

Beyond that, we have concerns about any proposals that limits access to public information.  

The state’s Public Records Act was put in place to ensure citizens have access to information created by their government. We believe the fewer public documents kept secret, the better it is for the citizens of Washington state. 

I-1501 is a bad proposal. Reject it.