Dow Constantine builds list of top King County concerns over Trump Administration
Nov 15, 2016, 2:34 PM
King County Executive Dow Constantine said "Access for All would build stronger communities. (King County)
(King County)
King County Executive Dow Constantine and members of his Cabinet discussed how Trump administration policies may impact regional health insurance, human services, environmental protection and transportation at a meeting Tuesday.
The discussion follows President-elect Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Congress who have made policy statements regarding the Affordable Care Act, domestic programs, environmental priorities and infrastructure spending.
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“A lot gets said in the heat of a very long campaign. If we are to take President-elect Trump and the Republicans who control Congress at their word, there is reason to be concerned,” Constantine said. “We are an innovative, prosperous region that embraces pluralism and diversity. The next Congress and the White House need to know what’s at stake for our region. Whatever happens in Washington DC, our region will continue to move forward, and outward to the rest of the world, building a welcoming community, a strong economy, and a healthy environment.”
Constantine listed the following as King County’s top concerns:
• More than 200,000 people in King County could be at risk for losing their health insurance if the ACA is repealed or diminished.
• Demand for public health clinics could rise. Last year, 90,000 King County residents accessed basic health services through 10 Public Health Centers and about 20 satellite operations.
• Mental health and substance abuse funding contained in the ACA could be reduced.
• Funding for Department of Housing and Urban Development could be reduced, impacting homelessness programs.
• Federal coal leasing programs could allow for more coal extraction. Federal agencies could allow more oil and coal terminals.
• Environmental policies could change to open more coastlines and wildlife refuges to oil and natural gas drilling.
• Increased infrastructure spending may provide opportunities to fix local roads and bridges, including the 41 King County bridges considered functionally obsolete and 16 that are structurally deficient.
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