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 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 ret

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