Letter: Federal cuts have local consequences

Published 1:30 am Saturday, May 10, 2025

Editor,

In Washington we are already feeling economic impacts from the destruction of federal agencies.

Diminished access to housing resources, canceled critical construction projects, loss of institutional knowledge and research capacity, will all have long and costly consequences.

These cuts also mean cancellation of infrastructure projects in rural areas, threatening public safety, the closure of small businesses, creating unemployment, increasing wildfire risks to our public lands, and dangerously damaging access to health services.

The success of Washington’s economy depends on delivery of these vital services.

Current and former federal workers are our neighbors, friends and family. The hardworking employees that I’ve been honored to work alongside are thoughtful public servants, deserving of dignity and respect. The work they do matters to us all.

Many federal workers left their jobs under duress and accepted one of the multiple iterations of the Deferred Resignation Program and are eligible to receive pay and benefits through September 30th, while being placed on leave… basically paying them not to do the work our communities desperately need.

This action by Trump’s DOGE is not saving money or providing our much needed services.

Instead, it’s inflicting harm to the American people. What a terrible waste all around.

Helen Price Johnson

Clinton

Former USDA Rural Development, Washington State Director