The California "Solution" Has Come To Seattle

Much like California did to close their budget shortfall, King County has decided to cut services that impact primarily the poorest among us to solve their own budget crisis.

Because a plan to give voters the option to raise the property tax in November was rejected 4 to 2 by the county Budget and Finance Committee, all King County general fund payments to things like homeless shelters, public health clinics and other programs for the needy will almost certainly be eliminated next year.

"Those services are going to go away," County Councilwoman Julia Patterson said. "That means people will go to the emergency room after they've waited until their situation is chronic and crucial. It means the health care costs will increase for all of us. It means people, children, seniors, people living in poverty in King County are going to get sick, and some people might die. So let's just be very honest about this. These decisions we're making impact peoples lives."

Another one of the tax increases that the Committee won't let us vote on? A sales tax increase of one-tenth of one cent to eventually raise $50 million annually. If it would save the county parks, shelters and health clinics, I'd vote yes on it.