Re: “A budget ‘rat hole’? Political fight over WA climate money intensifies” (Jan. 8, Climate Lab):
Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposing spending nearly 15% of the Climate Commitment Act funds toward working family tax credits is disappointing, not only in its abuse of the intended purpose of the fund but because of its political calculation. Working families in Washington are suffering from the high cost of living generated by both federal and state policy, from what they pay at the grocery store to their utility bills. We desperately need that support. But the voters of this state have spoken: The people of Washington need funds dedicated to climate action, and we need them now.
The CCA is one of the few state budgets in the black because of thus far responsible stewardship, not by happenstance. Short-term gains through tax credits will hobble the long-term protections that money is meant to support. The CCA is not a wealth redistribution scheme, nor does it have the funding model to support such an effort. Washington can help working families by making transportation greener and cheaper, supporting affordable and dense housing, and disaster relief.
One thousand FEMA workers are about to be fired by the Trump administration. Let’s consider that before happily spending funds earmarked for climate action on other priorities.
Adarsh Parthasarathy, Seattle
