Press Release - April 15, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2026
Media Contact:
Ashley Butenschoen
360-224-4123
info@soundeconomywa.com
Court Blocks Whatcom Initiative; Advocates Call It “A Denial of the People’s Voice” and Vow Next Steps
Whatcom County, WA — Supporters of Initiative 2024-01 are responding to the Washington Court of Appeals decision that upheld the removal of their initiative from the ballot, calling the ruling not a defeat, but a fundamental denial of the people’s constitutional right to legislate through the initiative process.
The court ruled the initiative was outside the scope of local initiative power, determining it was “administrative rather than legislative” and improperly interfered with county budget authority.
“This is not a loss at the ballot box. This is a case where the people were never even allowed to vote,” said proponent Tim Koetje. “When citizens follow the rules, gather signatures, and are still blocked from the ballot, that should concern everyone, regardless of political beliefs.”
Legal counsel for the initiative noted the court relied in part on the argument that the measure interfered with the County’s budget authority. Advocates strongly disagree, arguing that reducing or repealing a tax will always affect government revenue. They believe that reality should not be used as a legal barrier to prevent voters from having their say.
Accountability Moving Forward
As Whatcom County enters its third year of collecting taxes under Proposition 5 for the Healthy Children’s Fund, initiative supporters say their focus is now on oversight, transparency, and accountability.
While Proposition 5 was presented to voters as an urgent investment in childcare and early learning, the County’s own financial report raises serious questions about delivery, transparency, and results.
According to the County’s 2025 Fourth Quarter Financial Report:
The Healthy Children’s Fund collected $11,098,851 in 2025 alone
The County has spent $5,570,779 from the fund
The total fund balance now sits at $25,321,881
At the same time, little to no communication to the voters on:
What programs received this funding
How much has been spent on administrative costs
How many new childcare slots have actually been created
Additionally, county financial data shows that investment earnings increased by over $558,000 in 2025, with property tax-related interest adding another $1.38 million, bringing total interest-related gains close to $2 million.
These are not tax dollars being put to work for families. They are dollars sitting and accruing interest, while many of the promised outcomes remain unclear.
Despite these increased revenues, questions remain about how quickly and effectively funds tied to the Healthy Children’s Fund are being deployed to meet the needs they were promised to address.
“Voters were told this tax would deliver urgent solutions for children and families of ALL income levels. Yet we’re seeing millions of dollars collected while the pace of delivering results raises serious concerns. Taxpayers deserve full transparency and real accountability. We will be watching closely to verify that the contracts executed are aligned with what the people were promised,” said Campaign Chair Shari Stremler
Supporters are actively evaluating legal and legislative options moving forward, including potential next steps.
They also emphasize the importance of the 2026 elections, where Washington voters will have the opportunity to elect five Supreme Court Justices.
“This moment highlights just how important our courts are,” said Koetje. “We need judges who will interpret the law as written in our Constitution, not limit the people’s voice.”
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Paid for by: Washingtonians for a Sound Economy
Top 5 donors: Timothy Koetje, Axiom Division 7, Dekoster Excavating, Inc., Faber Construction, Brooks Manufacturing
PO Box 724, Lynden, WA 98264