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On Tuesday, the King County Council unanimously passed the $12.59 billion 2021-22 King County biennial budget. The Council faced a tall task requiring us to be smart, responsible and results-driven to do the most good for the most people with the limited resources we have due to the COVID-19-related economic downturn.
I’m proud that the Council and the Executive stood together in a time of pandemic and economic crisis to build a budget that provides critical services while retaining the flexibility to navigate the ongoing economic uncertainty we all face. We are making sound investments in programs and projects that will make a difference to people now, while positioning the County toward a better and more equitable future.
Here are some key items I advocated for in the biennial budget:
Restoring mental health services for those in need during COVID-19. I successfully advocated to restore $2 million of the proposed cut to the MIDD fund. These funds will support critical mental and behavioral health services that are even more needed as the pandemic continues and accelerates.
 Investments in Eastside trails and open space. Trails connect us to what we know and love here in King County, including open space and natural beauty, abundant access to safe and healthy recreation, economic opportunity and more. But we have more to do to expand our trails so even more people can benefit. The King County budget includes $500,000 that, when combined with the $2 million pledged by REI Co-op and Facebook will complete the Northup Way Connector, a currently unfinished gap that will link Eastrail and the 520 Trail together. Additionally, thanks to voters approving last year’s 6-year King County Parks Levy, this budget provides transformative investments for Eastrail, including rebuilding the Wilburton Trestle, extending the trail in Renton and improvements north to Woodinville.
 The Northup Way Connector will link Eastrail and the 520 Trail and serve as a gateway into the City of Bellevue
Directly supporting District 6 community work. Supporting our District 6 environment and community organizations is always critical. The budget includes investments for a pilot project to remove invasive milfoil along Lake Sammamish in an effort to protect habitat for the Kokanee salmon, whose numbers are plummeting. It also funds LifeWire, Eastside Legal Assistance Program and Mercer Island Youth and Family Service to support housing stability for neighbors struggling to keep a roof overhead.
Childcare safety funded. In an accompanying supplemental budget passed last week, I’m proud that we were also able to improve pandemic safety in select childcare centers across King County. With $1 million in funding for essential supplies needed to operate during the COVID pandemic, the YMCA of Greater Seattle and the Boys and Girls Club of King County and Bellevue, will be able to continue to provide a safe, nurturing place for children to play and learn.
Read more about what’s in the 2021-22 King County Budget here >>>
COVID-19 on the Rise - New Statewide Public Health Restrictions Established
On Sunday, Governor Inslee announced statewide restrictions to help curb the surge of COVID-19 in Washington state.
We know what works to slow the spread of the virus and we must keep doing it – keep six feet distance, wash your hands, and wear a mask.
Read about the Governor’s new restrictions, effective now until December 18 here >>>
Spread the Word!
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
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6
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