Balducci Issues Statement on Council’s Adoption of Public Safety Sales Tax

July 22, 2025

Today, the King County Council approved a new 0.1% criminal justice sales tax authorized by the Washington State Legislature. This measure is projected to generate $90–95 million annually and will help stabilize projected general fund budget shortfalls in 2026 and 2027. While a necessary step, it doesn’t fully address the long-term structural gap created by rising costs outpacing property tax growth.

Following the vote, Councilmember Balducci issued the following statement:

“We’re grateful to the legislature for providing an option to address our immediate budget shortfall,” said Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “But this is a stopgap, and once again a tax source that falls heaviest on those with the least ability to pay. Sales tax is the most regressive tax we have, and is a volatile funding source, vulnerable to economic downturns. Especially as we prepare for looming federal funding cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital services, I remain disappointed that this is the only tool offered to us by the state and that our pleas for a fairer and longer-term solution remain unheard by some of our state leaders.”

Balducci also acknowledged the unusual timing of adopting a new tax before the formal budget discussion that begins in September:

“It’s unusual to adopt a tax ahead of a budget proposal, but doing so gives us a lifeline to plug an estimated $150 million deficit in the general fund for 2026 and 2027—preserving critical services and positions in our courts, prosecutors, public defense, and law enforcement. As we approach the budget and spending decisions to come, I strongly urge my colleagues to prioritize the full range of public safety investments and stabilize existing services. We must prioritize funding for services for victims of crime, domestic violence survivors, gun violence prevention, civil legal aid, as well as mental and behavioral health treatment. If we are to burden our taxpayers with another regressive tax measure, we must use it to fully staff public safety services from prevention through response.”