 Every family should have access to high-quality, affordable childcare, but high costs and limited slots make it difficult for many to find the childcare they need. That’s why we included a new childcare subsidy in the Best Starts for Kids levy renewal, which voters overwhelmingly passed last year. Now your family may be eligible to receive childcare support if you live in King County, make 85% or less of the state median income, and are not eligible for the Working Connections Child Care subsidy program.
To check your eligibility, fill out the quick 5-minute form here. If you are selected to complete a full application, you will be contacted by the end of September to apply.
One of the best election departments in the nation
 King County Elections Director Julie Wise speaking at this week's King County Council meeting
This week, I sponsored a proclamation honoring King County Elections (Elections) for their impressive work in promoting free, fair, accurate and accessible elections – all essential components of a healthy democracy.
And it’s not just me who thinks Elections is a national leader in democracy promotion. Earlier this summer the department was recognized by the Election Center, also known as the National Association of Election Officials, with two Professional Practice Paper Awards. The first award was for partnering with both major political parties to double the number of trained observers in the election facility, creating more transparency in our elections. The second award was for innovative use of technology - this year for permanently shifting many essential elements of election administration to virtual processes – for the second year in a row.
These recognitions are the latest in a long string of awards Elections has received. They confirm what we already know: King County Elections is exceptional and it’s not an exaggeration to say that King County has one of the best elections departments in the nation.
Donating mobility to Bridge of Promise
 Visiting with staff and members of Bridge of Promise
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 Bridge of Promise, a nonprofit that enriches the lives of adults with developmental disabilities.
Bridge of Promise provides recreational, social, and educational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their day programs, located in Bellevue and Kent, include arts and crafts, cooking, bowling, martial arts, dance, outings to museums, and much more—when I visited, participants were just returning from swimming! Bridge of Promise is dedicated to honoring autonomy, individual choice, and personal potential and social engagement for everyone, regardless of the presence of a developmental disability. I am thrilled that I was able to support them with a van donation and appreciate everything they do.
Tomorrow: Let’s Move Redmond Open Street Festival
 Tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 10) from 11am to 3pm bike, walk, jog or roll to Downtown Redmond for the Let’s Move Redmond Open Street Festival. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that promotes healthy, active transportation by transforming 161st Street into a place where people can move around and play without a car. Let’s Move Redmond celebrates local businesses, community organizations and fosters civic pride in our streets.
Want to know more about what an open street festival is about? Check out Move Redmond’s video:
 Click on the image above to learn more about the Move Redmond Open Streets Festival
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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