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City of Seattle
Seattle City Council
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Council Begins Consideration of Families and Education Levy
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
4/23/2004 2:55:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Loan Nguyen (206) 684-8806
Nancy Roberts (206) 684-8146
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COUNCIL BEGINS CONSIDERATION OF FAMILIES AND EDUCATION LEVY
Public hearing scheduled for May 19; goal is to place social services levy on September 14 primary election ballot
SEATTLE - A City levy program that has been used to assist families of school-aged children is back before the City Council for possible placement on the September 14, 2004 primary election ballot.
The Council will hear its first briefing on the Mayor's proposal for the Families and Education Levy on Monday, April 26, at 9:30 a.m. On Thursday, April 29, the Council will hold the first in a series of Committee of the Whole meetings to explore and discuss the various elements of the levy plan. The Council will hold a public hearing on the levy proposal at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19, at City Hall.
"Due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond the control of families, a significant number of children in this city are not ready to learn when they get to school every day, and that is simply unfair and unjust to this entire generation," said Councilmember David Della, who chairs the Parks, Neighborhoods & Education Committee and will chair the Committee of the Whole. "Seattle residents have proven to be compassionate to our children and willing to help them; it is up to our City's leaders to put forward the best package of programs that will accomplish that."
In 1990, former Mayor Norm Rice called an education summit where community and business leaders, educators and parents came together to talk about how to do more for kids. The first Families and Education Levy grew from that community effort. This year's proposal would be the levy's second renewal.
The proposed 2004 levy package was developed over the past two years by a 42-member Citizens Advisory Committee and a seven-member Levy Oversight Committee, as well as the Mayor's Office.
The Council has scheduled several meetings for consideration of the levy proposal, extending into early July, when a package would need to be approved for placement on the September 14 ballot. The schedule is as follows:
April 26, 9:30 a.m. - Council Briefing
Presentation of Mayor's proposal and overview of Council process and schedule
April 29, 10 a.m. - COW
Background on prior levies and property tax measures, Legislative staff analysis of Mayor's proposal, CAC presentation on its recommendations
May 5, 3 p.m. - COW
Council discussion on Mayor's proposal, questions and issues raised
May 19, 5:30 p.m. - Public Hearing
Sign-up sheet available at 5 p.m.
May 21, 2 p.m. - COW
Staff presents draft decision agenda identifying key issues and options, Council members offer possible amendments
June 7, 9:30 a.m. - COW (tentative)
Continued discussion on issues, options
June 30, 9:30 a.m. - COW
Review and committee vote on legislation
July 6, 9:30 a.m. - Council Briefing
Final review of legislation
July 6, 2 p.m. - Full Council
Final vote on legislation
All meetings will be held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue (entrance on Fifth Avenue). For those unable to attend the public hearing, comments can also be sent to david.della@seattle.gov or:
Councilmember David Della
Legislative Department
600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 2
P.O. Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025
The public hearing and all Council meetings will be cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21/28 and Webcast live at www.cityofseattle.net/council.
More information about the proposed 2004 Families and Education Levy is available at www.seattle.gov/mayor/issues/educationlevy.htm.
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City Council
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