A ballot measure that would let the state make stock market investments with payroll taxes collected for Washington’s new long-term care program is a “no-brainer,” supporters said Friday.

Senate Joint Resolution 8201, if passed in November, would amend the state constitution to allow assets of the program, known as the WA Cares Fund, to be handled similarly to pension and retirement accounts.

That would lead to larger returns in the long run, ensuring that premiums stay low and the program is sustainable, advocates said in a call with reporters Friday.

“I think this is just a no-brainer,” said Greg Markley, secretary-treasurer of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. He’s also chair of the Washington State Investment Board, whose fiduciary responsibility is to manage retirement

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