Voters to decide on 0.2% sales tax increase for criminal justice

EVERETT — In November, Snohomish County voters will face a choice to raise sales taxes in the name of funding criminal justice and public safety.

On Wednesday, the County Council unanimously decided to put the 0.2% sales tax increase on the ballot. The two cents on every $10 purchase is expected to generate more than $39 million annually.

The money would target the opioid epidemic by pouring more money into the county’s law and justice system and community programs.

“Illicit drugs are cheaper than ever, readily available and extremely addictive,” County Executive Dave Somers said at a council meeting on Tuesday. “This crisis has touched many families, including my own.”

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/voters-to-decide-on-0-2-sales-tax-increase-for-criminal-justice/