Washington’s WA Cares Payroll Tax Faces New Scrutiny Over Launch

Washington's WA Cares long-term care program is facing renewed scrutiny over a caregiver featured alongside Gov. Bob Ferguson during the program's June 30 launch event. Washington Policy Center's Elizabeth New questioned the example because WA Cares benefits did not begin until July 1. New argues the event could leave viewers with the impression that the care being highlighted was already being funded through WA Cares and is using the controversy to renew her broader criticism of the state's mandatory long-term care payroll tax. WA Cares currently takes 58 cents from every $100 in wages, with workers paying into the program toward a lifetime long-term care benefit currently set at $36,500. SEIU 775 strongly disputes New's criticism. Secretary-Treasurer Adam Glickman called it a "made-up issue," saying the caregiver never claimed her aunt's existing care was funded through WA Cares and was instead demonstrating the type of care the program is designed to provide. The debate raises broader questions over WA Cares, affordability and whether Washington workers will ultimately receive enough value from the mandatory payroll tax. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for more coverage of Washington politics, taxes, government accountability and the issues affecting taxpayers across the state. #WACares #Washington #BobFerguson #WashingtonPolitics #WAPolitics #PayrollTax #LongTermCare #SEIU775 #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Taxes #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus