|
On Wednesday Gov. Jay Inslee announced that masks will again be required for all people – regardless of vaccination status – in indoor settings beginning Monday, Aug. 23, and that most school, childcare and higher ed employees must be vaccinated by Oct. 18. Though not a requirement, the state Department of Health also strongly recommends people wear masks in crowded outdoor settings such as concerts, fairs and farmers markets.
Learn more about how to get the COVID-19 vaccination >>>
WA educator vaccination requirement: The new requirements come as schools prepare to begin the new school year and as Washington state has broken previous records for COVID hospitalizations – records set in December, before vaccines were widely available. On Wednesday, every county in the state was ranked as either substantial or high transmission for the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Additionally, Washington’s 35 local health officers have already recommended masking indoors regardless of vaccination status.
I encourage everyone to follow the guidance and mandates, wear your masks, and get vaccinated. It’s safe and effective and the only way we can come out on the other side of the pandemic.
Read the Governor’s full announcement here >>>
Thank you, voters! Best Starts for Kids levy renewed
 Earlier this month, King County voters resoundingly approved the renewal of the Best Starts for Kids levy with over 62% of August Primary voters in support. This is truly a groundbreaking levy, investing in prevention and upstream services to help families across King County.
Best Starts for Kids sets forward a bold vision for a healthier, happier future for King County children and youth, with strategies that support them from before they’re born to their transition into adulthood. It also places an innovative focus on equity, where racial and social justice are embedded in every strategy and every program. The renewed levy includes new childcare investments, expansion of out-of-school-time programs for school-aged children, and expansion of transitions to adulthood supports for youth and young adults. I am thrilled that King County voters decided to continue critical investments in the health and well-being of children and youth in our community.
Learn more about Best Starts for Kids >>>
Giving “retired” vans a new lease on life in our community
 Each year, the King County Council Van Donation Program allows councilmembers to donate retired, but still useable, King County Metro Vanpool vans to local nonprofits that serve seniors, low-income people, youth, or people with disabilities.
This year, I donated a van to Global Social Business Partners (GSBP). GSBP is a food system and entrepreneurship incubator with a mission to foster entrepreneurship and social business innovation to solve social and environmental issues. They will be using the van for their Youth Rising program, which serves youth from low-income and underserved communities, and will transport youth for farm learning, food, faith, culture, and food distribution events. It’s always exciting to be able to provide this kind of immediate, direct support to organizations doing amazing things in our community, like GSBP.
Get more information about King County Council District 6 community grants and funding opportunities 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.
Take care,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6
|
