SNOHOMISH COUNTY TRIBUNE, Summary:
Everett voters will decide on three ballot measures in November, including two competing minimum wage initiatives and a measure that would give the Snohomish River watershed legal rights in court.
The watershed initiative, also known as Everett Initiative 24-03, would grant the Snohomish River and its watershed the legal right to clean water and a healthy ecosystem.
Proponents of the measure say it would give the river a voice in court and help to ensure its protection so that it can maintain its water quality and biodiversity, and contribute to a thriving Everett economy.
“We know of plenty of cases where community groups tried to protect their local watersheds, only to be told they didn’t have legal standing so couldn’t take the case forward,” campaign co-manager Rachel Kurtz-McAlaine said in an email. “Current legal frameworks don’t always protect our watershed adequately and can change with the political climate.”
The minimum wage initiatives would increase the local minimum wage to $20.24 an hour. The main difference between the two initiatives is whether tips would be included as part of the minimum wage. One initiative would allow up to $3.96 per hour in tipped income to contribute to the $20.24 an hour minimum wage. The two initiatives are Everett Deserves a Raise (Everett 24-01) and Raise the Wage Responsibly (Everett 24-02), sponsored by the Washington Hospitality Association.
Read more at Everett’s three ballot measures include two competing minimum wage increases, by Anikka Stanley, Snohomish County Tribune, October 16, 2024.
Learn more about Everett Initiative 24-03 at StandingfortheSnoho.org.
