The ballot measure, adopted by a vote of 12-to-1, seeks voter approval for a King County property tax levy of 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation for six years, which is estimated to raise about $13.3 million per year. If approved by voters in November, half of the revenue raised by the levy would fund services for veterans, military personnel and their families, including services specific to veterans’ needs such as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and specialized employment assistance. The other half would fund regional health and human services, including housing assistance, homelessness prevention, mental health counseling, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and employment assistance.

“Poverty in King County increased by more than forty percent last year, yet King County's general fund crisis has put our ability to fund critical human services in serious jeopardy,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “For years, leaders in this region have worked to secure a stable source of dedicated revenue for human services in great need such as seniors, abuse victims impoverished children and veterans. If voters agree, this levy could be the solution that ensures a safety net for King County families."

The ballot measure also would establish two citizen oversight boards, each consisting of 12 members to be appointed on or after January 15, 2006, to report on the expenditure of levy proceeds. The veterans’ citizen oversight board would oversee the funds for regional human services for veterans, military personnel and their families. The regional human service board will oversee the funds for regional health and human services for a wide range of low-income people in need of such services.

“Today, the Council took a needed first step towards providing essential services to the most vulnerable among us,” said Council Vice Chair Pete von Reichbauer, the only member of the Council to have served in the military. “We must now prove to the voters that this levy is both necessary, and that their tax dollars will be spent effectively.”

“This ensures that the well of funding for human service programs will be available to all agencies, regardless of their need or their clientele,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, Chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “But what we also need to remember is that’s just a first step as we continue to work on securing a stable, dedicated funding source for human service programs which benefit both veterans and a wide range of other needy citizens.”

“It is inexcusable that King County today has more than 6,000 individuals and families without a home, including 2,000 military veterans who have sacrificed for our country but now must resort to living on the streets in King County,” said Councilmember David Irons. “This community has a long history of proud military service and compassion for those in need. Right now, we have a demonstrated serious need for expanded assistance programs. The voters of this community have proven over and over that they will support reasonable tax levies when they know the money will be spent on specific needs. This is the right thing to do, and the right time to do it.”

"King County has managed to stabilize funding for important human services, but our investment in our community safety net has fallen short and vulnerable populations continue to slip through the cracks," said Councilmember Julia Patterson. "Eliminating homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse and other human service issues will require a multi-year effort. We will not achieve success with only one step, with one plan or with one approach."