Letters to the editor for Feb. 7

The popularity of business bashing

Since when has “profit” become a four-letter word? Every business deserves to make a profit, yet there appears to be a connotation of “bad” connected to this concept. Government proposals at state and local levels continue to propose and enact requirements on employers that cost money and cut profits.

Now, admittedly, companies such as Walmart, who pay their employees so poorly that they must enroll in taxpayer-subsidized programs such as Medicaid, could afford to do much more for their employees. Meanwhile, the Waltons pocket millions in profits. Bad!

But what of smaller businesses? Paid family leave, medical insurance, minimum wage, head taxes, guaranteed scheduling, overtime rules, expanding unemployment insurance payouts, etc. — the list continues to grow. Admittedly, each in its own right is a valid and humane benefit, but the cumulative effect puts the survival of a business at risk. Not to mention that, ironically, once implemented, many of these changes are passed on to the consumer through higher prices. So, a raise in salary or benefits may see no real gain because of higher costs.

At some point, and for some it comes early, businesses will collapse. That’s not right. There needs to be a balance.

It appears to me that the tilt is so heavily in favor of the worker that his/her job is really what’s at stake. Who wins here? No one. Neither management nor employee is the enemy, and until each meets the need of each, this four-letter atmosphere will continue.

Making steps toward socialized health care

In recent years, Washington lawmakers have thought ahead and planned for the needs of their residents. Through the passage of Paid Family and Medical Leave and the Long-Term Care Trust, legislators are making sure that Washington families will have the services and care they need.

Through these programs, every worker in Washington pays a small payroll tax and after reaching a certain threshold of hours worked, can access paid time off and/or long-term care. Everyone pays in at a percentage of their income. Everyone can access.

Welcoming a child, caring for a sick loved one, or needing long-term care are all life stages that are expensive, stressful, and quickly consume scarce resources for working families. These situations are some of the most expensive and difficult times in life and are now covered for Washingtonians to have the time and care that they need.

What if we had a similar model to provide health care for all stages and circumstances? Socialized health care is becoming popular among many major presidential candidates. Once Washingtonians see these state-specific programs working for them, perhaps similar models will gain broad popularity here.