One state legislator has suggested the city of Tacoma consider a tax increase to fund mental health programs.
Washington State Legislature has authorized county governments to impose a sales tax increase of 1/10 of 1 percent to fund mental health services. This does not need to go to voters for approval.
Pierce County Councilmember Tim Farrell, a Democrat whose district includes Ruston and much of Tacoma, proposed this to his colleagues last year but could not garner enough support to move it forward in the Republican-controlled body.
State Representative Jeannie Darneille, a Tacoma Democrat who represents the 27th Legislative District, was concerned by Pierce County Council’s decision. She is now proposing the city take action if the county will not.
Tacoma City Council members met with Darneille and other legislators in Olympia on Jan. 14, where she discussed her idea. Randy Lewis, the city’s government relations officer, brought up the topic during the council’s Jan. 26 study session.
Darneille is known for her strong support of social service programs. Lewis said Darneille want the legislature to allow cities with populations of 50,000 and above to levy this tax if a county will not, which is currently the case in Pierce County.
Her hope is for the funding to support both mental health and chemical dependency services, Lewis noted. “This is a passion of hers.”
Councilmember Lauren Walker noted the shootings of four Lakewood police officers in November. The man who shot them, Maurice Clemmons, displayed signs of mental instability for several months prior to the shootings.
Walker expressed support for Darneille’s proposal, which could generate around $4 million a year in Tacoma. “It is a substantial amount when talking about mental health,” she said. “We are all aware of the crisis in funding mental health programs.”
In the broader picture, Walker pondered which governmental entity should be responsible for mental health services – the state, the county or, with this proposal, perhaps cities.
Lewis said he discussed this with his counterpart in county government, who informed him the county would not object to the city supporting this during the current legislative session.
Councilmember David Boe noted that raising any tax should be carefully considered in light of the recession.
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