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Extend justice tax
The April 28 special election includes a measure that has not attracted a lot of attention. Spokane County voters will be asked to renew the 0.01 percent sales tax that has been in place since 1995. This funding provision is crucial to maintaining the essential staff and programs at Spokane County Juvenile Court.
Over the years, the number of offenses committed by juvenile offenders has steadily gone down, and part of the reason is the programs that Juvenile Court uses to steer youthful offenders from criminal activity. We also give tools to parents that help them keep kids in school and away from substance abuse and gangs.
Spokane Juvenile Court has been recognized as a “pocket of excellence” by the recent report of the Spokane Regional Criminal Justice Commission. This sales tax extension will give us the tools to keep juvenile offenders accountable and keep our community safe.
Presiding Judge Sam F. Cozza
Spokane County Superior Court
Spokane