City of Seattle Seattle City Council

COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY PASSES FAMILIES AND EDUCATION LEVY PACKAGE
Ballot measure to be decided in September

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council unanimously passed the Families and Education Levy renewal package. In September, voters will have the chance to approve a package that would provide over $116 million for children and youth programs through a 7-year property tax levy.

“It takes a whole village to raise a child,” said Councilmember David Della, who led the effort to get a compromise package to Seattle voters. “This proposal is a strong combination of services, that recognizes the needs of Seattle children and their families from birth through high school, including school aged children who have left the school system.”

“This is a levy package that the public can enthusiastically support,” said Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck, who has been involved with the Families and Education Levy for the past four years. "It is a results-oriented levy that covers Seattle's children and youth all the way from birth to age eighteen with programs that enhance such areas as quality childcare, family involvement, and support for middle school students."

Councilmember Richard Conlin added, “This package represents a partnership that ensures progress for our schools’ students and for our city’s success.”

Voters originally passed the Families and Education Levy in 1990 and again in1997. It is aimed at promoting academic achievement, strengthening families, and enhancing school readiness among children and youth ages birth to 18.

The total cost of the levy is $116,788,000 with a total annual cost of $16,684,000. Average cost of the levy per household per year is $65.

The Families and Education Levy will now go before voters on the September 14, 2004 ballot.

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City Council

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