Iron Workers oppose I-1631

I am writing in my capacity as financial secretary/treasurer and business manager of the Iron Workers Local 14 to soundly oppose Washington state Initiative I-1631. It is clear that I-1631 will put good paying jobs with good benefits at risk, while also passing down costs to working families in our community.

Working people will be expected to pick up the tab for this initiative with increases in gas prices and utility bills. Here in Spokane and our surrounding territory, our members commute daily, some driving in excess of 100 miles per day to reach a job site. We can’t support an initiative that makes it harder for Washingtonians to drive to work and heat their homes.

I am also concerned by the initiative’s lack of accountability, and skeptical that the collected funds will be spent efficiently. Our state has too many taxes and fees, and not enough to show for our money. The unelected board proposed by I-1631 is just more wasteful government bureaucracy.

I-1631 falls short, placing an undue burden on the working people of Spokane and the State of Washington. The Iron Workers Local 14 opposes I-1631 and urges for a better way forward.

John Morse, financial secretary/treasurer and business manager, Iron Workers Local 14

Spokane