Every kid deserves a strong start in life and opportunity to reach their potential. Your vote to renew this effective, evidence-based levy maintains and expands community led programs proven to help young people succeed at every stage of life. The measure sets an annual spending cap, funds are overseen by an independent citizen committee and subject to annual audits to ensure transparency and program improvement.
Investing Early: Helping Kids Thrive
This measure supports prevention and early intervention strategies that have helped thousands of kids stay in school, address personal challenges, and avoid involvement in the criminal legal system – cost effective engagement that facilitates future success. The levy supports equitable investments in children of color to overcome racial injustice, providing important community support. Your vote also expands school-based health programs and counseling services – helping address the alarming increase in youth depression and other behavioral health concerns during the pandemic.
Supporting Vulnerable Families
Renewal continues outreach and partnerships for pregnant and parenting families, so babies and children have the strongest start in life. Your vote will provide thousands of low-income families access to childcare, critical for economic recovery, family stability, and gender equity, especially for moms who left the workforce during the pandemic. In addition, levy dollars have already helped over 10,000 families avoid homelessness. Renewal continues rental assistance and other critical homelessness prevention strategies.
Endorsements: Executive Dow Constantine; County Councilmembers; Mayors and City Councilmembers; SEIU 925 & 775; MLK Labor Council; MomsRising; WA State Nurses Association; KC Alliance for Human Services; Childhaven; Kent Youth and Family Services; Southeast Youth & Family Services; Southwest Youth & Family Services; Youth Eastside Services; 11th, 33rd, 37th, 48th Dems; more!
Dow Constantine, Dila Perera, Ben Danielson, www.beststartsforkids.org
