Would Snohomish County be better off without Boeing? I believe most people would say a very loud, “No!” However, Mr. Friesen, in his June 1 letter, believes otherwise. So to keep things in perspective for the readers, here are the facts:
Boeing is the U.S. No. 1 exporter and paid more than a half-billion dollars in federal taxes in 2014. Boeing has given more than $190 million in employee, charitable and business contributions plus provided thousands of volunteer hours. Fifty-three percent of all Boeing’s charitable contributions were devoted toward education in 2015. More than 11,055 community partners worldwide engage with Boeing every year through their charitable and employee dollars. Over 500 Boeing employees mentored more than 7,500 students in 2015. Boeing has employed over 21,000 military vets and has provided over 183 humanitarian delivery flights worldwide. Over 800 school leaders in under-served school districts have received leadership development support in 2015.
This is just a small description of the way Boeing’s presence is felt worldwide and in education. This does not count the numbers of Boeing employees who make great livings and contribute privately each and every year. Unlike Mr. Friesen who believes that Boeing should not make a profit or pay its employees including the leadership what it feels they are worth, I’d like to know how much Mr. Friesen donates and/or contributes to the community.
Boeing does get federal tax incentives largely due to the trade-offs of its development and scientific/engineering research which enrich all sorts of other businesses. As a result of Boeing, 21,500 other supplier and partner companies have been created, and employ even more people, making charitable contributions and paying taxes.
Congress and state legislatures are responsible for tax codes, not the companies and corporations who must make a profit to even be considered a business by the IRS. Sound Transit spent nearly $1 million on a “congratulatory party” for its lack of accomplishments! But, Boeing should be made to pay?
Wonder what the schools actually did with all that over $90 million Boeing gave last year?
So, thank you, Boeing and its employees for simply being here and providing so much we wouldn’t have without your presence!
Catherine Paxton
Arlington
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