The poor shoulder the costs

Once again, carbon “tax fee.” As tax, much of its proceeds were to support the McCleary decision. As a fee, it can only be used for its intended purpose. The governor proposes to hold Washington citizens accountable to restrictive standards, exceeding the Paris Accords. Gas tax and utility fee increasingly punishes lower wage workers, but all citizens are affected.

Multiple exemptions for West Side giants and the irony of a proposed dirty smelter in Newport, Washington, leave me with severe misgivings of the governor’s intentions. Those who struggle shoulder the greater burden of higher costs. It’s not environmental vs. big oil, it’s the average citizen being able to afford a car to get to work, gas, insurance, a decent home and education for their children.

The teachers’ frenzy for money disheartens me; there is not a plan in place to sustain these pay increases. Even the general fund system may have its limits. I think the liberal faction has painted itself into a sharp corner.

No on Initiative 1631.

Norman Gale

Spokane Valley