Executive Constantine celebrates early approval of ‘Best Starts for Kids’

King County Executive Dow Constantine thanked voters after the “Best Starts for Kids” levy garnered wide approval in early returns from the primary.

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The levy would collect some $872 million over six years to pay for youth criminal justice, child care, and early childhood programs countywide.

Constantine released a statement after early results came in that showed the proposition passing with 58.86% of the vote. He says he believes the levy will set the pace for the entire nation.

Read his statement below:

Thank you, King County voters for boldly supporting our kids and our future. In renewing Best Starts for Kids, you have extended successful upstream solutions for youth in every community while creating access to quality childcare for thousands more.

The new Best Starts for Kids is a monumental step that we will take together toward a future where every child can grow up happy, healthy, safe and thriving. With tonight’s strong vote, Best Starts for Kids will continue to set the pace for the nation.

If the levy is certified, it will cost the owner of a median-priced home in King County $114 a year.

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The King County Council passed the ordinance concerning renewed funding for the support of children, youth, families and communities. The vote was the chance for the public to approve the proposition.

According to the county’s description of the ballot measure, if approved, “this proposition would fund prevention and early intervention services and capital investments to promote health and well-being, including child care; prenatal and newborn family services; youth development programs; social, emotional and mental health supports; and homelessness prevention.”

It authorizes a six-year property tax beginning in 2022 at $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.