Summary

The King County Council today voted to place the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy on the November ballot. The 6-year funding and implementation plan would replace the existing levy, which expires this year.

Story

With King County Council action today, voters will have the opportunity to decide the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy to keep neighbors connected to human services. 

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.

“I thank the many veterans, seniors, community members, and advocates who worked so hard on the measure approved by Council to go on the November ballot,” said Executive Constantine. “After lengthy discussions and review, I presented a package at 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which I believed met the needs of our region. The Council approved a rate of 10 cents, a savings of about 75 cents a month for the average homeowner. That translates into $10 million less each year for enhancing vets employment services, expanding and building new senior centers, and providing legal help for domestic violence survivors. As a local government, King County has few tools beyond the property tax to fund vital services. When the Republican-controlled state Senate placed the burden of statewide education funding squarely on King County property owners, they made it harder for King County and local governments across Washington to meet basic needs. This cannot stand. Olympia must fix this unfair tax and replace it with alternatives that are fair, sustainable and responsible.” 

I thank the many veterans, seniors, community members, and advocates who worked so hard on the measure approved by Council to go on the November ballot. After lengthy discussions and review, I presented a package at 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which I believed met the needs of our region. The Council approved a rate of 10 cents, a savings of about 75 cents a month for the average homeowner. That translates into $10 million less each year for enhancing vets employment services, expanding and building new senior centers, and providing legal help for domestic violence survivors. As a local government, King County has few tools beyond the property tax to fund vital services. When the Republican-controlled state Senate placed the burden of statewide education funding squarely on King County property owners, they made it harder for King County and local governments across Washington to meet basic needs. This cannot stand. Olympia must fix this unfair tax and replace it with alternatives that are fair, sustainable, and responsible.

For more information, contact:

Alex Fryer, Executive Office, 206-477-7966

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