WA Cares investment measure leads in early returns

Senate Joint Resolution 8201, which would allow the state to make stock market investments with payroll taxes collected for its long-term care program, known as WA Cares, was leading in early statewide returns Tuesday night.

According to the Washington Secretary of State’s website, SJR 8201 was supported by 56.8 percent of voters, while 43.2 percent rejected the measure.

If the measure is ultimately approved, the Washington State Investment Board would be legally able to handle the program’s assets in a similar manner as it does pension and retirement funds, the Washington State Standard has reported.