 It’s hard to believe summer is almost over, but it’s time to prepare for another school year:
Is your child up-to-date on their vaccines? If not, check out Public Health’s list of free walk-in clinics, where kids through age 18 can get protected against MMR, Tdap, chickenpox, COVID-19, and more.
Not sure which vaccines are required for students? The Department of Health has a full list, but you may also consider non-mandatory vaccines like COVID and the flu to make sure your child can stay as healthy as possible this year.
Do you have concerns about getting your child the COVID vaccine? It’s important that you have all the information you need to make the right decision for their health. Local pediatrician Dr. Ben Danielson has answers to some of the most common questions and concerns about the COVID vaccine for kids.
 Click on the image above to watch Dr. Ben Danielson answer parents’ frequently asked questions about the vaccines for young kids
Free youth transit! This new school year also brings an exciting new opportunity for kids 18 and under: free transit! Starting September 1, all youth will be able to ride transit for free. They can present their Youth ORCA card or current middle or high school ID to the driver and get where they need to go—no parental chauffer required! They can get their free Youth ORCA card online, by mail, or in person at the Metro Pass Sales Office.
Sound Transit announces delays to the opening of East Link Light Rail
 Light Rail testing in Downtown Bellevue. Photo: Sound Transit
I’ve spent the better part of the last fifteen years working to build light rail on the Eastside so everyone can enjoy fast, frequent and reliable transit. That’s why I was incredibly disappointed when Sound Transit announced yesterday that East Link Light Rail’s opening will be delayed by at least a year, largely due to work quality issues on the light rail track adjacent to I-90.
The East Link delay highlights the continued need for oversight and for finding ways to build light rail faster and cheaper, including ideas I’ve championed such as a new Technical Advisory Group (TAG). The TAG is a group of national experts who are helping Sound Transit learn how to accelerate the buildout of light rail across our region.
Despite this setback, Eastside growth continues unabated, and we must find ways to deliver the essential high-capacity transit that our growing region needs. At yesterday's Sound Transit System Expansion Committee, I asked Sound Transit staff if we could open a Bellevue to Redmond light rail starter line early, while waiting for the other delayed portions along I-90 to be completed. If this is determined to be technically feasible, I will be a strong proponent for doing so.
Read more in the Seattle Times:
Reducing the dangers of firearms in King County
 On Tuesday, the King County Council approved awards for $8.2 million to projects and programs that increase access to recreation and preserve and restore our river corridors. I was especially excited to see Rainier Athletes, a District 6 organization that provides financial, academic, and personal support to underserved youth so they can participate in organized sports, summer camps, and outdoor activities, among the grant recipients. These grants are funded by a voter approved levy and will help us make sure that everyone in King County can enjoy the outdoors and recreation opportunities, while we preserve the unparalleled beauty and important functions of our environment for generations to come.
Another Parks Levy grant is currently open for applications. The Healthy Communities and Parks Fund will provide new, increased, or enhanced access to recreation, parks, and open space to help reduce disparities and improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities. Learn more here, attend a virtual information session at 4:00 on August 24, and apply by September 18!
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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