An open letter to Gov. Little:

I don’t understand why you don’t understand why an Idahoan might want to move west to Washington. Take a look at just a few of the important differences in our two states that affect our everyday lives:

For example, Washington has:

1. No sales tax on food

2. No income tax

3. A higher minimum wage: Washington is $13.69; is $7.25 (Dept. of Labor)

4. Higher teacher salaries: Washington is $82,000 (ranked fifth in nation); is $54,000 (ranked 39th in nation, only $7,000 more than bottom state of Louisiana.) (Dept. of Labor)

5. Higher funding for schools: Washington is $43,000 per student (ranked 7th in nation); is $20,000 (ranked 51st in nation)

6. Higher overall economic strength: Wash. ranked 11th in nation; Idaho ranked 38th.

7. Protection for pregnant women who might need emergency medical care.

8. No threats of loss of license and fines to medical professionals who dare to give assistance to pregnant women in a time of crisis.

9. No keeping citizens prisoner in their own state if they need emergency medical care during pregnancy.

10. No threats of large fines to libraries and librarians if there are books available that someone might find ‘unacceptable.’

11. Ban on assault weapons. “The weapon of choice among young men responsible for most of the country’s mass shootings.”

Just sayin’ . . . these are just a few of the reasons why Idahoans might want to ‘go west.’ So, Mr. Governor, maybe we could learn a few things from our neighbor to the west and make life better for our own citizens here at home. Think about it, please.

MAUREEN GRAHAM

Sandpoint