Childcare Support, Census Day and Property Tax Postponement

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Childcare Support, Census Day and Property Tax Postponement

News You Can Use About Our Region’s COVID-19 Response

Today the King County Council met - virtually via video conference for the second time since social distancing was mandated by Governor Inslee - to pass legislation to provide free childcare to eligible families of first responders and other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

King County Council Provides Childcare Funding for Parents Participating in Essential Activities

The measure that I sponsored was approved unanimously and provides $2.2 million in unspent Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) funding to provide free childcare to eligible families. Many of these hardworking families have had difficulty finding childcare because many childcare providers have been forced to close due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

When the King County Council created and adopted the plan for allocating this funding source last year, we made expanding access to childcare a top priority. We did not imagine then that the need would grow to be so emergent and acute. I am proud to work with the Executive and my Council colleagues to repurpose some of this money now to make sure child care is available to first responders, health care professionals, grocery workers and other essential personnel who need our support to keep fighting on the front lines of the battle against coronavirus. As a representative of the district where our first and most deadly outbreak began, I look forward to expanding childcare resources to hard-hit areas throughout King County.

Reminder: Complete Your Census Forms by Tomorrow, April 1 

While the COVID-19 crisis has complicated much of life, it's important for each household in King County to complete a census form by tomorrow. Making sure you and those you live with are counted in the Census matters because:

  • Census data is used to allocate billions of dollars in federal and non-profit funding to counties, schools and other local governments.
  • Census population data determines how many representatives a state has in the US Congress.
  • A complete and accurate Census literally shapes our communities and influences the important work to improve equity, opportunity, and the many issues faced by our region.

The Census is safe, easy and confidential. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Census, including those of all ages, races, and all citizens and non-citizens, regardless of immigration status. Please do your part and complete the Census today!

King County postpones payment deadline to June 1 for individual property taxpayers

Due to the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, King County Executive Dow Constantine extended the first-half 2020 property tax deadline to June 1. This extension applies to individual residential and commercial taxpayers who pay property taxes themselves, rather than through their mortgage lender. Banks and other financial institutions that pay property taxes on behalf of their lending customers will still need to meet the original April 30 deadline. Taxpayers with questions about their property tax bill or payment options can contact King County Treasury at propertytax.customerservice@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-2890.

Stay Home and Spread the Word!

Remember, right now, physical distancing is the most important thing we can do to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.

Sincerely,

Claudia Balducci

Claudia Balducci
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6