Seattle voters will decide on affordable social housing initiative through a special election on February 11th that includes Prop 1A - an employer paid excess compensation payroll tax. If passed, this initiative will create a long-term funding source for the Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD), a public authority established by voter I-135 two years ago.

Under the initiative, employers will pay a 5% tax on excess earnings for employees with total compensation over $1 million. Employers—not employees—pay the tax. The revenue will fund the construction, acquisition, operation, and maintenance of social housing, as well as support SSHD staffing. This dedicated funding can also be bonded to speed up social housing production. Let’s Build Social Housing is backing the initiative and spreading the word. Check out their ballot graphic:

Costco issued a statement affirming its commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies following its annual shareholder proxy vote where 98% of of shareholders and all Board Directors rejected an anti-DEI proposal. In response, 18 State Attorney Generals have threatened filing lawsuits, though lacking in specificity or merit. It remains lawful for employers to implement diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs that seek to ensure workers of all backgrounds are afforded equal opportunity in the workplace.

As part of its DEI commitment, we encourage company officials to negotiate in good faith with its unionized workers in developing contract terms set to expire January 31st. According to recent news reports, still to be decided are seniority pay, paid family leave and bereavement policies, sick time, and safeguards against surveillance. These policies benefit all employees and are especially supportive of those from under resourced families and communities.