11^th LD Democrats Agenda – 11/18/2014

General Membership meeting: 9/16/2014 at 7pm
Location: 231 Burnett Ave N, Renton WA

Dear 11th LD,

On Tuesday, we are entertaining the endorsement of City of Seattle ballot measure Proposition 1 Numbers 1A and 1B – regarding Pre-K instruction/programs.

In this post, you’ll find information from King County elections (below) and from each campaign (attached).  I’m sending this to you in advance of our meeting so that you may take time to educate yourself on both propositions.

We will break the measure into its two parts: the first to decide if we support  either measure should be enacted into law; the second to decide which one(s), if either, we support.

We will hear from both sides, have the opportunity for members to speak for and against each proposal, and then vote.  2/3 of those present and voting will be required to pass.  If neither Prop 1A or Prop 1B receives 2/3, we will entertain a dual endorsement.  If the dual does not receive 2/3, we will not take a position on the measure.

INFORMATION from King County Elections

Simple Majority as to the first question; if first question is approved, then the option with the most votes as to second question (Seattle City Charter, article IV)

Proposition 1A (submitted by Initiative Petition No. 107) and Proposition 1B (alternative proposed by the City Council and Mayor) concern early learning programs and providers of such services for children.

Proposition 1A (Initiative 107) would establish a $15 minimum wage for childcare workers (phased in over three years for employers with under 250 employees); seek to reduce childcare costs to 10% or less of family income; prohibit violent felons from providing professional childcare; require enhanced training and certification through a training institute; create a workforce board and establish a fund to help providers meet standards; and hire an organization to facilitate communication between the City and childcare workers.

As an alternative, the Seattle City Council and Mayor have proposed Proposition 1B (Ordinance 124509), which would fund the four-year initial phase of a City early learning program with the goal of developing a widely-available, affordable, licensed, and voluntary preschool option.

The Ordinance requires support, training and certification for teachers.

The program uses research-based strategies, includes evaluation of results, and provides tuition support. This proposition authorizes regular property taxes above RCW 84.55 limits, allowing additional 2015 collection of up to $14,566,630 (approximately 11¢ per $1,000 assessed value), totaling $58,266,518 over four years.

1. Should either of these measures be enacted into law?

Yes

No

2. Regardless of whether you voted yes or no above, if one of these measures is enacted, which one should it be?

Proposition 1A

Proposition 1B

See you on Tuesday!

Holly Krejci, Chair

11th Legislative District Democrats

Link: Prop 1A – DEMOCRAT UNITY LETTER

Link: Proposition 1B Handout (1)