County Council sets legislative priorities

During a special study session on Monday, Jan. 6, Pierce County councilmembers and Executive Ryan Mello presented the council’s legislative priorities to state lawmakers, emphasizing the structural budget challenges faced by the county.

It was noted that county expenditures are rising faster than revenue growth, and that there is a need for $20 million in state support to help maintain essential public services locally. The council and executive also discussed the behavioral health needs in the community, challenges related to proposed caseload standards for indigent defense, and other topics of local interest.

Lawmakers, including House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, Sen. Steve Conway, Sen. Chris Gildon, and others, participated in the session and expressed interest in continued collaboration to address these challenges.

Looking ahead to this year’s legislative session, the council is focused on key priorities that ensure our community has the resources, infrastructure, and support needed to thrive. A summary of the council’s 2025 legislative agenda can be found at tinyurl.com/mtrnwpre.

Counties face growing challenges in funding critical services due to structural revenue limitations. Current funding mechanisms are insufficient to meet present and future demands for public safety and other essential services.

The council supports legislative efforts to provide local governments with stable and sustainable financial resources to fulfill constitutionally and statutorily mandated programs and services.

Proposed caseload standards under consideration by the Supreme Court would significantly strain local governments, potentially jeopardizing the criminal justice system and other essential services. To address this, the council is advocating for additional financial support to manage indigent defense caseloads.

The council believes the behavioral health system requires additional state investment and policy reform. This includes reestablishing Trublood funding for jail diversion programs, supporting a pilot program for first responders to administer buprenorphine for pain and opioid use disorders, increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, and providing flexibility in funds for outpatient and inpatient detox programs, among others. 

Pierce County faces critical shortages in key areas of the justice system. The council supports state funding and policy initiatives to address shortages of interpreters, law enforcement officers, public defenders and prosecutors, increase jury duty pay, and reduce gun violence, including youth and intimate partner gun violence, among other focus areas. 

Numerous capital projects and infrastructure requests have also been identified including upgrades to Sprinker Recreation Center. 

Go to TacomaWeekly.com to learn more.