Voters were giving the go-ahead Tuesday for the state to make stock market investments with payroll taxes collected for Washington’s new long-term care program .

A measure to amend the state constitution was passing by an overwhelming margin of 56.8% to 43.2%. Results will be updated as more votes are tallied.

If Tuesday’s results for Senate Joint Resolution 8201 hold, it will allow the Washington State Investment Board to legally handle assets of the WA Cares program in a similar manner as it does pension and retirement accounts. The fund had a balance of $2.9 billion on Sept. 30.

“Voters are sending a clear message to lawmakers that they support strengthening this essential benefit for seniors and people with disabilities,” said Ana Ascanio, manager for the Approve 8201 cam

See Full Page