-Seattle Proposition 1 would replace
an expiring education levy.
If approved, the Seattle Prop 1 levy
is expected to raise a maximum
of $1,258,300,000 over 6 years.
Seattle Proposition 1 would fund childcare and preschool,
academic, health and safety supports
for K through 12 students,
college and job readiness,
and other college and career supports
as described in Seattle Ordinance number 127238.
Beginning in 2026,
the first year of this propositions collection,
the tax rate for this levy for each property owner
would be approximately 72 cents per $1,000
of assessed value.
This levy includes a property tax exemption
for senior citizens and disabled persons.
-Hello, I'm Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.
Every Seattle child deserves a strong start in life,
safe and healthy schools and a pathway to college or a career.
That's why we're asking you to renew and expand our Families,
Education, Preschool and Promise Levy,
Proposition 1.
Now, with Prop 1,
we'll double support for affordable childcare,
helping 1,400 families
and stabilizing the childcare workforce.
We will ensure that our youngest learners are ready
for kindergarten and future success.
We'll keep kids healthy
with school-based health clinics in 34 schools,
providing medical care,
behavioral-health support
and safe, nurturing after-school and summer programs.
And we'll invest in college and career readiness
by continuing our Seattle Promise,
which is two years of free tuition at Seattle colleges
for every school graduate,
while also expanding pathways to skilled trades
and family-wage jobs.
That's why I'm proud to stand with the entire City Council,
childcare workers, educators, health advocates,
and businesses all united in support of Prop 1.
So please join us in voting yes on Prop 1,
because every child in every neighborhood
deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you.
-Seattle's Families, Education,
Preschool and Promise Levy
promised higher student achievement, but the results?
They've gone in the opposite direction.
Academic performance has stagnated or even declined.
Math and reading proficiency in Seattle public schools
remains below pre-pandemic levels
despite millions in levy funding.
Even where the FEP programs are in place,
outcomes haven't improved.
And while funds were poured into mental health and wellness,
student depression, anxiety and absenteeism
have only gotten worse.
And the cost?
For the median Seattle homeowner,
this levy means around $654 every year,
on top of the crushing cost of living in one of America's
most unaffordable cities.
More money hasn't delivered better results.
Oversight is lacking,
accountability is missing,
and Seattle families are left footing the bill.
Seattle deserves better outcomes,
not higher taxes for failed programs.
This November, vote no on the FEPP levy.