MIDD -- Your Tax Dollars At Work

In 2006, the Washington State Legislature passed legislation authorizing counties to collect a new sales tax levy of one-tenth of 1% to fund services for the Mentally Ill and Drug Dependent.  This tax, commonly referred to as "MIDD," raises approximately $45 million annually and is currently funding the development of important programs like:

• Mental Health Court Expansion -- Using MIDD funds, King County District Court and the PAO will be able to expand Mental Health Court services and treatment to eligible defendants, regardless of jurisdiction.  When mentally ill offenders are not connected to treatment and other services, they tend to be repeat offenders who cycle in and out of jail and the criminal justice system.  Mental Health Court connects offenders to treatment with positive outcomes for the offender and the community.

• Jail Crisis Diversion Facility -- This new facility would provide an alternative resource for police to take low-level offenders to in lieu of jail or hospital emergency rooms simply because they are committing low-level, non-violent crimes as a symptom of their mental illness or chemical dependency.   The Crisis Diversion Facility would be a place where trained professionals could help stabilize these mentally ill and chemically-dependent offenders and connect them to services instead of using our jail as the default mental hospital and sobering center in our community.

• Safe Housing and Treatment for Juveniles Involved in Prostitution -- The goal of this program is to provide a safe haven for children caught up in prostitution.  The program is designed to help these youth seek refuge from violent pimps and the trauma of life in the street.  This public/private partnership has received wide support from MIDD, the City of Seattle, and private foundations.  Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess has been a leader in the effort to build this program and to provide important support for vulnerable youth.

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