In a recent Seattle City Council meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to proposed budget reallocations that threaten funding for affordable housing and social services. The discussions highlighted a growing concern over the city's financial priorities, particularly regarding the controversial Amazon tax and the allocation of funds towards the police budget.

Margo Stewart, a representative from Workers Strike Back, criticized the council's decision to divert funds from the Amazon tax, which was established to support affordable housing initiatives. Stewart emphasized that this move undermines the efforts of working-class individuals who fought for the tax during the George Floyd protests, arguing that the council is prioritizing corporate interests over the needs of vulnerable populations.

Joey Lopez, co-executive director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, echoed these sentiments, stating that the proposed budget fails to reflect the moral values of the community. He called for more progressive revenue sources, such as the capital gains tax, to address systemic inequities and support social services.

Several speakers highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing in Seattle, with Carly, another member of Workers Strike Back, noting that the jumpstart tax has been crucial in funding the construction of over 3,000 new affordable housing units in the past year. As living costs continue to rise, community members urged the council to reconsider its budgetary decisions and focus on increasing taxes on large corporations like Amazon, which reported significant profit increases.

Critics of the council's budget decisions also pointed to a broader trend of austerity measures that disproportionately affect working-class residents. Alex Olson, a district resident, labeled the council's approach as austerity, arguing that it perpetuates social inequities rather than addressing them.

The meeting concluded with calls for the council to prioritize the needs of its constituents over corporate interests, with many speakers advocating for a shift towards more equitable funding solutions that genuinely support the community's most vulnerable members. As the council prepares to finalize its budget, the voices of concerned citizens continue to resonate, demanding accountability and a commitment to social justice.