The mental health of our students is a priority that cannot be overlooked. In Seattle Public Schools, there is an urgent need for more therapists, counselors, and social workers to support our students' wellbeing. However, the current funding is insufficient to meet this pressing demand. We propose an increase in the Amazon Tax from which $20 million can be allocated towards hiring these essential professionals.

Seattle has one of the highest rates of child mental health disorders in the nation with 1 in 5 children experiencing a mental health issue (source: Mental Health America). Yet, according to data from Seattle Public Schools, there are only 76.85 counselors and 55.5 social workers for over 53,000 students (source: Seattle Public Schools). This ratio far exceeds recommended standards set by American School Counselor Association which suggests one counselor per 250 students. 

By increasing the Amazon tax - a corporate tax paid by companies with revenues over $20 million - we can generate additional funds needed without placing an undue burden on individual taxpayers. These funds will directly impact our children's education and overall well-being by providing them with much-needed support services including 73 additional therapists and 370 additional counselors/social workers.

We urge you to consider this proposal seriously and prioritize our children's future. Please sign this petition if you believe that every student deserves access to quality mental health resources at school.