Members of the Metropolitan King County Council said that King County voters sent a clear message on Election Day: they care about supporting Veterans, their families, and others in need. Results from Tuesday’s General Election showed Proposition One, the King County Veterans and Healthy Communities Levy passing with strong support across King County.

“The Veterans and Human Services campaign was truly a grass roots effort made up of volunteers, veterans and human service advocates,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “They didn’t have TV ads, consultants or glossy direct mail pieces, but they brought courage and dedication to the effort.”

“The Veterans and Families Levy is the result of city and county officials, religious leaders, human services providers, veterans and community leaders coming together for a common goal: providing a safety net for our veterans, their families and our most vulnerable in King County,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “Leaders from across King County stood arm in arm in support of this levy and their work paid off.”

“Prop 1 was sponsored and supported by city officials, who saw the needs of veterans and families in their own communities,” said Enumclaw Mayor John Wise. “I applaud the King County Council for giving voters the opportunity to show that they care about our veterans and those in need.”

Proposition 1, adopted by the County Council with bipartisan support and passed by voters with a 57 percent yes vote, is a 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. Half of the revenue raised by the levy will fund services for veterans, military personnel—including National Guard and reservists—and their families, including services specific to veterans’ needs such as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and specialized employment assistance.

The other half will fund regional health and human services, including housing assistance, homelessness prevention, mental health counseling, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and employment assistance.

“King County voters have given the veterans community an incredible opportunity to help our own and so many more,” said Veterans Advisory Board Chair Bill Wood. “This levy will bring tangible, positive changes for veterans from previous conflicts and our returning vets from the Middle East, as well as their families.”

“I am so pleased that the voters in a very caring and generous way recognize the urgent needs of our returning veterans” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “After risking their lives for our country, the veterans deserve our support and to receive the appropriate services they need.”

Proposition 1 will 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 will 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.

“The Veterans and Human Services Levy ensures human service programs will be available to veterans and their families, domestic violence victims, at-risk youth, seniors and low income residents,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “Prop 1 is an important 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.”