Summary

The King County Council is scheduled to vote on the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services levy on July 17. Executive Constantine urges councilmembers to pass a complete package that meets the needs of our growing region.

Story

The Regional Policy Committee on Wednesday passed an ordinance to place the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy on the November ballot at 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The package – a replacement of the 6-year Veterans and Human Services Levy which expires this year – adds new programs, rental assistance and housing stability for older residents.

The full King County Council will vote Monday on the final Veterans, Seniors and Human Services measure to go on the ballot.

After months of review and discussion with community members across King County, Executive Constantine proposed a levy package that continues proven strategies to connect veterans to employment opportunity, helped vulnerable populations gain or maintain affordable housing, and added new services to help the region's rapidly growing senior population.

Executive Constantine set the rate at 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. For the owner of an average home in King County – currently about $450,000 – that amounts to $4.50 per month.

As part of the levy package, Executive Constantine asked the Legislature to allow local governments to exempt lower-income households of seniors, people who are retired due to disability, or veterans who have a total disability rating. Until the Legislature acts, King County will offer full rebates to qualified seniors and people with disabilities.

The difference between 10 cents and 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed value is about 75 cents a month. That translates into more than $10 million annually for levy-supported programs.

"It's no secret our population is getting older, and funding for seniors is under attack," said Executive Constantine. "The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy is a balanced package that meets our obligation to veterans, domestic violence survivors, people experiencing homelessness and others, while adding funding to help our older residents stay connected and healthy. It is our moral responsibility to make certain the generation that built this region's prosperity can live securely and in good health, and remain active in their community."

Relevant links

• VIDEO: An overview of the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy
• See how the current Veterans and Human Services Levy is delivering results
• DOWNLOAD: Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy fact sheet PDF

Quote

It's no secret our population is getting older, and funding for seniors is under attack. The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy is a balanced package that meets our obligation to veterans, domestic violence survivors, people experiencing homelessness and others, while adding funding to help our older residents stay connected and healthy. It is our moral responsibility to make certain the generation that built this region's prosperity can live securely and in good health, and remain active in their community.

For more information

Alex Fryer, Executive Office, 206-477-7966

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