Close tax exemptions and help save higher education

The stark numbers in “Even unused tax breaks tough for legislators to plug” [NWSunday, Feb. 5] boggled my mind — 452 unprotected exemptions to the tune of $24 billion?

I’m an adjunct instructor at Highline Community College and due to extreme cuts the college has reduced operating costs and staff to the point where I question effectiveness. Yet we’re told to expect more cuts or pay an increased sales tax because as public employees, we’re draining the budget. It seems to me that we need a long-term solution that balances cuts and revenue.

I understand that tax breaks are essential, but 640? We need to constantly evaluate the benefits of these breaks and eliminate those that do not work in the best interest of state residents. Maybe then, our Legislature will remember that higher education is one important piece in the recovery of Washington state.

After all, even tax breaks can’t lure corporations to a state with a woefully undereducated workforce.

— Stephanie Hunter, Auburn