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Levy would continue funding programs for veterans

Monica Spain
/
KPLU
King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson and others made a pitch for the Veterans and Human Services Levy on Wednesday.

Ballots go out in the mail this week for the King County Primary Election. Among the measures is Proposition One which asks voters to renew the Veterans and Human Services Levy. 

Sheila Sebron is an U.S. Air Force veteran who does peer-to-peer outreach, helping others cope with life after military service.  She joined King county council members and other veterans who want to get the word out about saving programs they say are critical as more soldiers return home.

“It’s scary to think about because of the progress in the last five to six years. I just think of the vets who I’ve been able to connect to the system who were suicidal, who because there was something after that conversation, are now doing the same thing I’m doing and helping other vets.”

Since it was approved in 2005, more than 80,000 veterans and other needy families in King County have found jobs, affordable housing and other services through the levy. King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson says accountability is high and includes two citizen review boards.

“It’s been a very transparent process we have annual reports and lays out where every dime is being spent.”

Homeowners in the county have paid about 17 dollars a year for the Levy. The renewal will keep that funding at the current rate.