‘Taxes are going up’: Will Seattle voters approve $1.3 billion in taxes for education?

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is proposing a property tax increase to fund the new Every Child Ready Initiative, which is part of his plan to renew Seattle’s education levy. It would hit Seattleites with $1.3 billion in property taxes over the next six years, double the previous ask.

Harrell’s proposal includes what he describes as transformative new investments to expand access to affordable childcare and early learning through the nationally recognized Seattle Preschool Program. It also makes mental health resources available in K-12 schools, while offering free tuition at Seattle colleges and job training to support career paths.

During a recent segment on “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, Co-host Gee Scott voiced his support of the initiative. But Ursula Reutin expressed concern over the hefty price tag.

Harrell’s education plan backed by some, questioned over cost

“It’s important, we all know, how much the city has put its role into education, primarily in education, and subsidized preschool programs and programs that provide tuition assistance for those going right from high school into maybe Community College,” Gee said.

Though Co-host Ursula Reutin agrees that education is important, she concerned with where the money is coming from.

“So, I don’t doubt the importance of the programs that are being served by this,” Ursula said. “My issue is just the number. We talk about it every single day. Taxes are going up.”

Listen to the full story below.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.