King County officials warn proposed state cuts to foundational public health services could erase core functions; measles cluster monitored

King County health leaders on March 20, 2025, told the Board of Health that proposed state budget cuts to Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) could force the department to eliminate core disease-control, data and preparedness positions, jeopardizing preventative work that protects communities across Washington.

Dr. Faisal Khan, director of Public Health — Seattle & King County, said Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposed budget reduces FPHS funding by nearly $60 million per biennium — roughly $25 million to $30 million a year statewide — and that the county’s department received about $19 million from FPHS in 2024. Khan told the board those reductions could “severely maim” public-health capacity, affecting disease investigators, emergency preparedness staff and data analysts.

Khan said federal uncertainties compound the problem: Congress and federal agencies were operating under short-term continuing resolutions at the time of the meeting, meaning some federal program funding is approved month-by-month through September, and long-term federal support remains unclear.

Khan also updated the board on a measles situation: the department identified a second case linked to an earlier infant case and said the new patient had limited public interactions while contagious, was isolated, received clinical care and is recovering. The department assessed potential exposures and concluded there was no ongoing risk to the general public. Khan reiterated the effectiveness of two doses of MMR vaccine (about 97% protection) and said public-health staff are combating vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

Later in the meeting, Simon Vila, government relations officer for Public Health — Seattle & King County, gave a mid-session legislative briefing. He said the legislature is working under a widening revenue shortfall and highlighted revenue proposals released by Senate Democrats that include a payroll tax on large employers, a financial intangibles tax and adjustments to Washington’s property tax limit (the 1% levy lid). Vila said those proposals could create options for local jurisdictions to secure new revenue tools, and he warned that Governor Ferguson’s proposed cuts to FPHS are central to the department’s concerns.

Board members discussed quick action to press the legislature for FPHS preservation. Chair Teresa Mosqueda said she would circulate a sign-on letter that board members could sign in their individual capacities to urge lawmakers to protect foundational public-health funding; Dr. Khan and staff indicated they would collaborate on the letter’s contents.

No formal Board action was taken at the meeting on legislation. Board members asked staff to continue outreach and promised to help advocate for preservation of FPHS dollars as the legislature moves into budget negotiations.