1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The decision to raise pay for elected officials during a state budget crisis is deeply concerning, especially when many public servants are struggling financially and facing potential furloughs. As a state employee, I understand the challenges of making ends meet, and this pay raise feels like a slap in the face to those of us working tirelessly to serve our communities. While our elected leaders undoubtedly have important responsibilities, prioritizing their compensation over the well-being of frontline workers is a misguided and tone-deaf move. I urge you to reconsider this decision and prioritize the needs of all state employees, not just those at the top. In times of economic hardship, it is crucial to lead by example and demonstrate fiscal responsibility and empathy for those bearing the brunt of the crisis.