On November 2, 2017 the Executive Council voted to adopt a support position for Ballot Measure 101.
Support Ballot Measure 101: This ballot measure is presented to the people for a vote to affirm the legislature's passage of House Bill 2391. "Yes" vote provides funds that are currently budgeted to pay for health care for low-income individuals and families and individuals with disabilities and to stabilize premiums charged by insurance companies for health insurance purchased by individuals and families. Approves temporary assessments on insurance companies, some hospitals, the Public Employees' Benefit Board and managed care organizations to provide the funds. Specifies that insurance companies may not increase rates on health insurance premiums by more than 1.5 percent as a result of the assessment. Provides that the hospital assessment may not begin without the approval of a federal agency. Passage of this ballot measure will ensure that the monies budgeted for this purpose are spent. If the measure does not pass, budgeted costs for providing health care to low-income individuals and families and individuals with disabilities will be underfunded and will force the legislature to find funding elsewhere.
Rationale: The No vote will put pressure on the legislature to reduce funding for higher education.