The state of Washington is facing a $1.2 billion shortfall for the 2013-2015 biennium. We are running out of money!

All of us have been tightening our financial belts, removing the non-essentials from our spending. Should the state not do the same, especially with our tax dollars?

We have heard that we are down to the “bare bones.” Yet $25 million remains in the upcoming budget for Planned Parenthood affiliates.

Personal politics aside, we need to question why, when safety net and other important services are being cut, we are funding an entity listing over $38 million in net assets, six-figure executive salaries, millions of dollars for “government relations and advocacy,” and other questionable business practices (which have led to criminal and civil lawsuits nationwide).

With so many other urgent needs facing our state, I urge our legislators to consider redirecting these funds to other needed services that are more in line with their (the legislators’) own stated primary goals for this biennium of “jobs, education and a sustainable budget.”

We need to challenge our legislators’ decision to continue to use taxpayer funds to support Planned Parenthood!

Pattie Sciola, Kirkland