To: King County Councilmembers
From: Denise D. Smith and Pat Cleary
Date: November 8, 2007
The League of Women Voters of Seattle supports the mental health/substance abuse sales tax as proposed in the 2008 King County budget. This proposed .001 sales tax increase, which will cost the average household $25 per year, is necessary to meet the County’s commitment to fund regional health and human services and to end homelessness.
The work of the Healthy Families and Communities Task Force has developed an approach that will address the human services funding crisis in our community. While we recognize that the sales tax is regressive, we cannot wait for comprehensive tax reform to treat people with dignity and meet their needs.
As a organization with members throughout the Seattle, north King County and Eastside area, we support the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. For the housing first model to work, we must have supportive services, including treatment options, in place.
Thank you for your consideration of this important issue. We urge your support.
Respectfully, Denise D. Smith, President Pat Cleary, Board member, Social Justice Chair