Category: current-action-alert

On June 13th, the Fort Collins City Council will discuss how to pay for a number of City initiatives, including our climate programs. One of the funding mechanisms under consideration is a “Large Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emitter Tax,” which would make Fort Collins’ largest polluters help pay for things like public transit, bike and pedestrian pathways, home energy efficiency and electrification, and EV charging stations.

Councilmembers need to hear from us before June 13th to encourage them to move the Large GHG Emitter Tax forward to the ballot this November. Please write to them at CityLeaders@fcgov.com and tell them that you want to have the opportunity to vote on this tax. A sample letter appears below. Additional information and “talking points” are available in this slide deck from the salon presentation given on this topic on May 12th. See in particular slides 12 – 15. Customize your letter if you have time, but if you don’t, just send the following:

To: CityLeaders@fcgov.com

Subject: Please let the voters decide on a Large GHG Emitter Tax

Dear Mayor Arndt and Councilmembers Gutowsky, Pignataro, Canonico, Peel, Ohlson, and Francis:

Please support moving the Large GHG Emitter Tax forward for voter consideration this November. It’s important that this tax be included as an option because:

• More funding is needed than can be raised by the regressive fees and taxes proposed by the City’s Finance Department to pay for climate programs.
• Regressive fees and taxes should not be the only way we fund our climate programs.
• As Arthur Pigou said years ago, negative externalities should be taxed to reduce undesirable outcomes.

Everyone has an interest in solving the climate crisis.  Those most responsible for the crisis should be required to step up. Broadcom and Anheuser-Busch – Fort Collins’ two largest corporate GHG emitters – have the wherewithal to help fund our community’s efforts to address that crisis. Please let the voters decide in November!

Sincerely,

[Name and Council District*]

*To find your Council District, click here and enter your address.

Pentagon spending dwarfs every single other discretionary program in the federal budget by a long shot, with a proposed $886 BILLION budget for next year––a $28 billion increase over last year with little to no debate whatsoever. If Congress does as they have the previous couple of years, they’re likely to shovel on billions more. Much of this money goes into price-gouged, cost plus contracts.

This is a critical time for us to sound the alarm before spending is balanced on the backs of those most in need. Your voice is desperately needed now more than ever.

Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) recently introduced the People Over Pentagon Act, which would cut Pentagon spending by $100 billion. This crucial legislation provides a great start and proves that the resources tp reduce government spending are there, while helping Americans struggling with inflation, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, cutting child poverty, and fighting catastrophic climate change. Congress just needs to have the backbone to put these priorities over the greed of weapons manufacturers. Contact your representative today and urge them to finally stand up to weapon contractors, and put People over the Pentagon!

Note: this Action Alert was brought to us by Peace Action.