Cascadia today: Seattle and Portland protest Iran war + wild pigs in OR eradicated + reforming Portland's art tax

Cascadia protests the US war in Iran

Activists staged protests this weekend in Seattle and Portland in opposition to Donald Trump's latest stupid war, this one against Iran. Meanwhile, a report in the Washington Post indicates that advisors to Trump are are urging the president declare a national emergency prior to the mid-term elections.

Local elected leaders, including Rep Adam Smith (D-Seattle) and Sen Ron Wyden spoke out against the war, which was not authorized by Congress. Wyden said, "Donald Trump is unilaterally dragging us into another costly and deadly war in the Middle East that the American people don’t want.”

Neither this illegal war nor Trump's continued seizure of power is acceptable. If things in the US continue to spiral out of control, Oregon and Washington should consider alternatives for our region. Cascadia needs to start having honest discussions about a peaceful path toward separation. A YouGov poll last month found that 25% of Washington residents and 21% of Oregon residents support their states seceding from the US.

I wrote about the state of our bioregion, and the conversations we need to have about peaceful separation, last week:

Portland administrator says ICE facility must stay open

The Portland Mercury reports that Portland city administrator Raymond Lee told staff that the city's ICE facility, which has been subject to daily protests, must remain open. The city is also discussing how to fine the facility if it's found to violate city laws. In related news, the Seattle city council take public comments tomorrow at 2 pm on a measure banning new detention centers in the city. Sign up to give in-person, remote, or written testimony here.

Dems eliminate exemptions from millionaires' tax

KUOW reports that an amendment eliminating some corporate exemptions to the Washington state legislature's tax on incomes over $1 million passed in committee last week. The effort was led by Rep. Shaun Scott (D-Seattle) and 12 other progressive legislators to eliminate a tax break that would have cost $550 million each year.

This is good news for Cascadia's resiliency in the face of massive federal cuts to the safety net.

Oregon's legislature, however, is confronting a potential $128 million budget deficit by cutting state jobs and services rather than increasing progressive revenue, Oregon Capital Chronicle reports.

Meanwhile, the WA legislature killed a bill for a third year in a row that would have allowed small corner stores and restaurants in urban residential areas.

Tribes demand accountability from ICE

An article in the Oregonian looks at how tribes in Cascadia, such as the Lummi on the Salish Sea in Washington, are insisting that ICE leave tribal members alone, since they have been in Cascadia since time immemorial. Arrests and incidents across the US prompted the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians to issue a statement demanding that ICE respect tribal sovereignty and recognize tribal ID cards.

Feral swine eradicated from Oregon

OPB reports that a multi-decade effort to eliminate feral swine gs from the state – an invasive species introduced by colonists – has been successful, wildlife officials hope. If you do see a feral pig, your can report it at https://squealonpigs.com.

Portland looks to reform arts tax

Oregon Arts Watch looks at Portland's art tax, which the city council is looking to reform after OPB reported that the program had more than $9 million in unspent funds. The program funds arts teachers and nonprofits, and city council members are looking to find creative ways to increase funding for the programs.

Thanks for reading! – Andrew