Letters to The Editor: April 10-16, 2025

The Editor:

The policy of The Northern Light may be to publish letters about local rather than national issues, but as Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is local.” National politics these days have profound effects on local communities and citizens. We are all aware of the draconian changes that the current federal administration has executed in its first two months that are devastating to local communities and vulnerable individuals.

One of the most destructive actions has been unnecessary tariffs that are exacerbating the already high cost of living. This has been made clear to me by the monthly statements for our retirement accounts.

During the four years of the previous administration, we had an increase of 20.98 percent in our retirement account’s value. That amounts to a 0.43 percent increase in each of 48 months. In spite of inheriting a good and improving economy, our retirement accounts have decreased by 4.68 percent in two months (2.34 percent per month) as the current administration’s policies have created chaos that has tanked the economy. Over 25 years, these retirement accounts have never seen such dramatic change. This may be an aberration that corrects over time, it may also be a warning of worse times to come. If the current decline of 2.34 percent per month continues for 46 more months, we will lose 107.64 percent, that is all, of our retirement investment. Thank you very much!

Federal policy affects all local communities and individuals, so they are a local issue. We should elect better and smarter leaders (a low bar to get over at the federal level) and then demand better of them. After all, they work directly for all of us, not just for their own interests.

Michael J. Tomlinson

Blaine

(Ed. Note: Actually, a monthly decline of 2.34 percent would be 67.9 percent of the original amount left after 48 months. It would take 24.3 years to decline to 0.1 percent of its original value. Nevertheless, Tomlinson’s main point remains relevant.)

The Editor:

As Congress debates the federal budget, proposed Medicaid cuts threaten the health and stability of thousands in Whatcom County – especially those living with mental illness.

More than 58,000 local residents rely on Medicaid. Over 11,00 depend on it for mental health services, including therapy, medications and crisis care. Without it, many would lose access to the support they need to stay housed, employed, and connected.

At National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Whatcom, we see this reality every day. We offer free peer-led support groups, education classes, school outreach, and crisis navigation for families and individuals affected by mental illness. But we can’t fill the gap if Medicaid funding is slashed. It is the backbone of our public mental health system.

Cutting Medicaid will only deepen Washington’s mental health crisis. It will drive more people into emergency rooms, hospitals and jails. It will cost more in the long run – and harm the most vulnerable among us.

We urge readers to contact U.S. Representative Rick Larsen and U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell today. Tell them to protect Medicaid in the federal budget and reject harmful cuts.

Mental health is health care. Medicaid makes recovery possible for thousands in our community. It must be protected.

Brian Estes

Treasurer and former president, Board of Directors

NAMI Whatcom