Washington state has long grappled with the complex issue of juvenile incarceration and the allocation of resources for youth services. In a recent editorial, King County Superior Court Judge David Keenan proposed increasing funding for both youth detention facilities and support programs. However, public defenders from SEIU 925 have voiced strong opposition to this approach. They argue that the root cause of inadequate youth services lies in an unjust tax system perpetuated by judicial decisions. This article explores the criticisms leveled against Judge Keenan's proposal and highlights the broader systemic issues affecting Washington's youth.

Judge David Keenan, whose career spans law enforcement and corporate law, brings a unique perspective to the debate on juvenile justice. Having experienced incarceration as a teenager himself, he now holds significant power over the teenagers represented by public defenders. His career trajectory, marked by influential positions in county courts and nonprofit boards, underscores his prominence within Washington's legal establishment. Despite his firsthand experience with the flaws of the juvenile justice system, his editorial lacks evidence supporting the efficacy of juvenile incarceration in enhancing public safety. Furthermore, it overlooks concerns regarding the mistreatment of incarcerated minors by authorities.

Keenan's suggested solutions involve increased funding for detention facilities alongside diversion programs and educational support. Critics contend that this dual-funding strategy has historically favored the construction of jails while neglecting essential services. James Foreman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work highlights how communities of color have advocated for both more jails and better services, only to see the former consistently prioritized over the latter. The inequity stems partly from Washington's regressive tax structure, established through judicial rulings that disproportionately burden working-class individuals while shielding the wealthy.

This unjust tax system dates back to 1933 when affluent residents persuaded the state Supreme Court to overhaul taxation laws, effectively banning wealth taxes while endorsing sales and excise taxes. Consequently, vital services such as education, mental health care, childcare, and housing remain severely underfunded. These deficiencies force many disadvantaged youths into the criminal justice system, where they depend on chronically understaffed public defense systems. The current crises in these areas predate federal-level disruptions and can be traced back to judicial decisions that have undermined equitable resource distribution.

For Judge Keenan's call for increased funding to gain credibility, critics urge him to address the fundamental distortions in Washington's tax code. They emphasize that every child in the state deserves the same opportunities that contributed to Keenan's own success. By advocating for systemic reform rather than merely expanding existing flawed structures, there is potential to create a more just and supportive environment for Washington's youth. Addressing the underlying causes of underfunding could pave the way for meaningful improvements in both juvenile justice and broader social welfare initiatives.