Action Needed – Pierce County Behavioral Health Vote Support!

The Pierce County Council will be voting on a 1/10^th of 1% Behavioral Health Tax. It is critical that supporters tell the Council why they must pass the tax and why you support it. The only way this vote will pass is if the County Council hears from you! We need your help now! Attached is a list of resources to learn more. Please email Chelsea at Talbertch@gmail.com if you have questions.

Can your neighbors count on you to take action and share why the Pierce County Council must invest in behavioral health resources?

Opportunities to testify in person:

• Tuesday, February 18 from 9:30 – 11 AM at the Human Services Committee Meeting (Room 1045, 930 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA)
• Tuesday, March 10 at 3 PM at the Pierce County Council Meeting (Room 1045, 930 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA)

Can we count on you testify? Help us make sure all voices are heard by filling out this form! Please note testimonials are limited to 3 minutes.

Email your council members today!

• EMAIL NOW 
• Template Email to Send to Council Member – feel free to edit and make it your own!

How else can you help? Share this information and forward this email to your networks. The more voices, the stronger the impact we will have!

Learn more about the tax and contacting your council member:

• Info Sheet “How will Pierce County use the one-tenth of 1% Sales Tax?” 
• Pierce County Council 1/10th Behavioral Health Webpage
• Pierce County Council Ordinance text (which includes data in the “Whereas” sections- Proposed Ordinance 20-24
• How do I know who my council member is? - Find out here!
• Comment on legislation by visiting the Ordinance Webpage and clicking “comment on legislation” in the upper far right corner
• More resources to learn about the tax and behavioral health in Pierce County

It is critical that we are able to convey that an investment in behavioral health services and resources across Pierce County is wanted and needed. It will cost an average of $19.35 per person per year. This would have raised $13.1 million in 2019. We know we have a regressive tax system that can only be fixed through the State Legislature. But we also know we are not saving any money by not having the tax. With a tax, we are able to have transparency and accountability for how the dollars are spent and most importantly, increase access, coordination, collaboration, education, and so much more for all who live, work, and enjoy Pierce County. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need support with sharing your story.

Best,

Chelsea Talbert