Washington voters to decide whether WA Cares fund can be invested in stocks

SEATTLE — Washington voters this November will decide whether to let the state’s long-term care insurance fund invest in the stock market.

The measure, known as Amendment 8201, would change the state constitution to allow the Long-Term Services & Supports Trust Fund — also known as WA Cares — to be invested in equities and other diversified assets. Currently, the constitution limits how public trust funds can be invested, restricting them mostly to bonds and other fixed-income securities.

WA Cares is funded through a 0.58% payroll deduction and is designed to help Washington workers pay for future long-term care needs such as home health aides, assistance with daily activities, and adaptive equipment.

If approved, the amendment would let the Washington State Investment Board, which mana