PORT ANGELES – Port Angeles is urging Governor Bob Ferguson to reconsider proposed budget cuts and prioritize the protection of essential social services, according to a letter sent last week.

Rather than implement cuts that impact the most vulnerable residents of the state, Mayor Kate Dexter’s letter asked that the governor consider implementing a progressive tax system in Washington “that would ask those who can afford to pay more to contribute their fair share.”

“We understand the need for fiscal responsibility,” Dexter wrote in the letter. “But we believe that a more equitable approach is necessary.”

Currently, state officials are working on reducing expenditures and increasing revenue to address the state’s projected four-year budget shortfall of around $12 to $15 billion.

To help solve the issue, Ferguson has proposed $4 billion in budget reductions and indicated support for the $3 billion of budget reductions proposed by former Governor Jay Inslee last December.

However, while the state is facing a budget shortfall, Port Angeles and many other cities are facing challenges providing critical services. These challenges are exacerbated by the economic climate, the increasing cost of living and the heavy local reliance on fixed incomes, according to the letter.

Additionally, Port Angeles could feel the impact of decreased Canadian tourism due to boycotts, Dexter said during a city council meeting at the beginning of March. Federal budget cuts by the Trump administration will place an additional strain on local resources, the letter added.

“[There’s] a lot going on that makes this a challenging year for our community,” Dexter said.

However, the hope is that a non-regressive tax structure to help solve these issues.

“We have an upside-down tax code [in Washington state],” Council member Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin said, noting that there the state has wealthy individuals who could help bridge the funding gap.

“We believe that by working together, we can find solutions that will protect our most vulnerable citizens and ensure a brighter future for all Washingtonians,” the letter read.

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Reporter Emma Maple can be reached by email at emma.maple@peninsuladailynews.com.