 This week I joined my colleagues on the King County Council and the Sound Transit Board of Directors to give young people (ages 18 and under) free year-round public transit starting September 1. Under the state’s recently adopted Move Ahead Washington package, King County Metro and Sound Transit will be eligible for new grant funding that will exceed the annual fare revenues collected from youth under age 19.
Over the past few years, I’ve been working hard to make it easier for young people to take transit. In partnership with District 6 constituent advocates, we’ve been able to get more Youth ORCA cards in kids’ hands by waiving the fee to purchase a youth ORCA card and have expanded ORCA Card partnerships with King County schools.
Free youth transit passes mean more King County youth will gain the independence and skills to travel to school and regular activities, explore new destinations across King County, and visit with friends without needing a ride from parents or caregivers.
Learn more:
Donating a van to Jubilee REACH
 Each year, the King County Council gets to donate retired Metro vanpool vans, which still have a lot of life in them, to local organizations serving the community. This year, I donated a van to Jubilee REACH, a nonprofit that serves Bellevue students and their families.
Jubilee REACH provides mentorship, tutoring, ESL classes, assistance with rent and utilities, food, and much more to kids in 14 Bellevue schools. They go beyond meeting basic needs—they create a sense of community and belonging for the people they serve. I am thrilled that I was able to support them as they support Bellevue families and appreciate everything they do.
Learn more about this fantastic community organization:
Reducing the dangers of firearms in King County
 Watch the KING 5 News report on King County’s and Kirkland’s gun buyback efforts
The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a proposal to create a permanent voluntary safe firearm and ammunition return program within the King County Sheriff's Office. Households with guns are more likely to experience gun violence, including heightened risk for suicide and domestic violence. Providing a means to dispose guns that people don’t want or need is one way to reduce the dangers of firearms in homes. I was happy to co-sponsor and vote for this bill.
Read more about this legislation:
Don’t forget to vote!
 Whether you send in your ballot through the mail (it must be postmarked August 2), or drop it in one of the County’s 76 drop boxes (before 8pm on August 2), or visit one of six vote centers (before 8pm on August 2), don't forget to vote in the primary next week.
August recess
The King County Council begins its summer two-week recess on Monday and will return the week of August 15. This regular weekly email will also pause and resume August 19. In the meantime, please stay cool (Here’s a list of cooling centers in King County), and if you’re able to get out, visit some of King County’s fantastic local and regional parks!
 This summer, enjoy the many parks and trails that King County has to offer
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
District 6
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