how add text letter spacing in essential graphics after effects

Hi. Trying to create some text templates using essential graphics. I've added properties for everything I need, but can not get the leading to work. Yes, I know it's not yet supported.

Was able to ALMOST find a solution by adding an expression (temp = thisComp.layer("Leading").effect("Slider Control")("Slider");

[temp, temp]) to my line spacing under the text animators. Created a null. Added a slider to it. Pick whipped the expression to the null's slider. It shows up and functions within my essential graphics, but is using both the x+y axis, so my text spacing is now being adjusted diagonally versus just moving up and down the Y axis like I need it ton (aka the text line spacing is moving both up and down, but also left to right simultaneously depending on slider input.)

Anyone have a workaround to this? Plz send help.