Seattle, Wash. – In response to the Legislature’s passing of ESHB 2015, and pending Governor Ferguson’s signature, King County Assessor John Wilson issued the following statement:
“The Washington State Legislature has provided local jurisdictions with a powerful tool to fund law enforcement through the passage of ESHB 2015. This legislation authorizes the King County Council, through councilmanic action, to implement an additional 0.1% sales tax increase to fund public safety. With the county’s dire budget situation, I do not doubt that they will implement this right away if given the opportunity.
“Unfortunately, the bill defines ‘public safety’ so broadly that this new money could be spent on almost anything the County does. That won’t happen if I am the next Executive. I pledge that as King County Executive, I will ensure this money goes to fund five things only:
- The King County Sheriff’s Office
- The King County Office of Public Defense
- The King County Prosecutor’s Office
- Adult and Juvenile Detention
- King County Superior and District Courts
“We have a crisis in King County of not enough cops, understaffed jails, and prosecutors and public defenders with caseloads that are far too high. One hundred percent of this new money must go towards this crisis.
“It’s time we get serious about adequately funding public safety. I am the only candidate for King County Executive who seems willing to directly address the chronic underfunding and understaffing of our county’s paramount duty. It’s about time we focus on keeping our communities safe so they can thrive. That will be my top priority as your next King County Executive.”