Hospital association takes a stand on two initiatives.(Washington State Hospital Association for Initiative 773, against Initiative 747)(Brief Article)

The Washington State Hospital Association is putting its weight behind Initiative 773, described as "Health Care for Washington's Working Families," and against Initiative 747, which would further restrict property tax increases.

I-773 would increase sales tax on cigarettes by 60 cents a pack, and place an additional surtax on the wholesale price of tobacco products.

The added taxes would produce $144 million in annual revenue, according to the hospital association.

Of that amount, the state would spend about $115 million a year to add 50,000 slots in the Basic Health Plan, which subsidizes health insurance for low-income residents.

The …