 Last year, I worked closely with leaders from the immigrant community to design and allocate $5 million for a first-in-the-nation program to help defray the cost of applying for documented status and US citizenship. King County is home to approximately 94,000 undocumented immigrants, many of whom are eligible for legal status, but may not be able to afford the thousands of dollars for application fees and related expenses.
 This King County Immigration Fee Support program, along with the $8 million King County Relief Fund for immigrants who were ineligible for other COVID relief funds due to their immigration status, will help ensure that our immigrant neighbors have access to the rights and supports they are eligible to receive.
Applications are now open for both programs. Approved applicants can receive $1,000 from the King County Relief Fund and up to $3,000 per person or $6,000 per household for immigration fees from the King County Immigration Fee Support program. You must apply to separately for each:
#WeekWithoutDriving 2022
 Click on the image above to watch me talk about the Week Without Driving Challenge
For the second year in a row, I’m participating in Disability Mobility Initiative’s Week Without Driving Challenge. Beginning, Monday, September 19, the Week Without Driving Challenge gives elected leaders and others a chance to experience what it’s like for nearly a quarter of our state’s residents – people with disabilities, young people, seniors and people who can’t afford cars or gas – who have to rely on taking transit, walking, biking or asking for rides from others to get around.
Last year when I first took the challenge, I thought it would be easier because I already choose to get around mostly by transit and bike, but I learned it’s a lot different to choose to not drive versus to not be able to drive. It taught me about how our system works and doesn’t work, especially for people with disabilities.
I’m excited to take the Week Without Driving Challenge again in 2022. I want to encourage more people to join me in this experiment of learning how our transportation system really works – or doesn’t – for Washingtonians.
Learn more about Week Without Driving and follow me and others this week on Twitter via the hashtag #WeekWithoutDriving.
Thunderbolts strike in King County!
 The Seattle Thunderbolts visited the King County Council on Tuesday
This Tuesday, I was delighted to join the Seattle Thunderbolts in Council Chambers to celebrate their Minor League Cricket Championship title. The Thunderbolts claimed a $150,000 purse for winning America’s most extensive cricket championship, with their star bowler Phani Simhadri awarded the 2022 Most Valuable Player award for the season. The Thunderbolts’ home pitch is right here in District 6 at Marymoor Park and I am proud to join the local cricket community to congratulate the Thunderbolts on what we hope will be the first of many wins as King County takes its place on the national cricket stage.
Learn more about Minor League Cricket:
Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a reminder for all of us of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis.
We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss. When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and profound effect on us.
Suicide has warning signs, and I encourage you to take the time to learn them. Seeking support for ourselves, a loved one, or a colleague can make the world of difference. We can help one another by checking in on one another, letting people know that they are not alone, and that there are many people who care for them.
There are also a wide range of mental health resources to help us through challenging times, including the new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that went into effect this year. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress get the support they need.
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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