King County

When corporations raise their prices but don't raise their wages, it's impossible for many people to afford the basics. It's been almost 14 years since Congress raised the national minimum wage, and millions are struggling to afford food, housing, health care, and more. One local initiative could help reverse this trend. If approved by voters, Renton's Citizen Initiative Measure No. 23-02 would raise the city of Renton's minimum wage from the statewide minimum of $15.74 to $20.29 an hour for large businesses, and $18.29 for medium-sized businesses. Smaller businesses with less than 15 employees or a gross revenue of less than $2 million are exempt. 

If approved, Renton will join many large cities in Washington like Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila in securing a minimum wage that better reflects what workers should truly earn in an economy where companies and executives are taking in record profits. This modest increase in minimum wage can make a huge difference in being able to afford medical care, make rent reliably, and keep the utilities on. Despite the urgent need for action, conservative lobbyists and large corporations like Walmart and McDonald's have banded together, contributing to the $100,000 campaign aimed at preventing the initiative from passing this February. 

When working people earn the wage they work hard for, everyone benefits - families can stay housed, healthy, and able to afford living where they work. We strongly endorse a Yes vote on Citizen Initiative Measure No. 23-02. 
 

Auburn’s school district is a cornerstone of the community, and everyone benefits when our students are safe, happy, and successful at school. Auburn School District Proposition 1 would replace the expiring levy that covers educational programs and operations costs not already funded by the state.

Proposition 1, if passed, would ensure that day-to-day funding for our students continues through a replacement levy on excess property taxes at a rate of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value over four years. The public revenue raised - an estimated $51.8 million in 2025 alone, or $1,475 a year for the owner of a median-priced $590,000 Auburn house - will support all athletic and arts programs, family resources, health and safety staff, special education programs, and more. The measure has earned strong community support.

Vote Yes on Auburn School District Proposition 1 to continue equipping our students for bright futures.

Like school districts across the state, Tukwila Public Schools relies on local bonds and levies to provide an excellent environment for education. Proposition 1 asks voters to replace an expiring 2020 levy that is vital for maintaining essential school operations. 

If approved by voters again, Proposition 1 would continue to support staffing positions including nurses, counselors, and custodians, fund a portion of special education services, and sustain academic programs in band, art, music, world languages, and more. Additionally, it provides for textbooks, student transportation, and extracurricular activities like clubs and athletics. At an estimated average rate of $3.39 per $1,000 in assessed property value, if both Proposition 1 and 2 are passed, the new rate represents a drop of $0.41 from the current total rate of $3.80.

Renewing this levy is key to continuing the high-quality education and support our students deserve. Vote Yes on Tukwila School District's Proposition No. 1.

Our students perform their best when they have all the resources they need to succeed in college, today's job market, and beyond. To that end, Proposition No. 2, the Tukwila School District's Technology and Capital Levy, is an investment worth making. This levy, up for renewal after a previous approval in 2020, is essential for providing our students with the tools and environment they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. 

The levy will fund critical aspects of the district's technology plan for 2024-2028, including funding laptops and presentation boards as well as ensuring that every student has access to the latest educational technology. Additionally, it covers essential maintenance and software updates, staffing and professional development to help educators effectively integrate technology into their teaching, and upgrades to wireless infrastructure and other vital tech resources. In a world where technology is at the forefront of education and innovation, supporting this levy means ensuring that our students are equipped to succeed in a technology-driven age.

The levy renewal is estimated to cost homeowners $0.75 per $1,000 in assessed property value from 2025 to 2028. A homeowner in Tukwila with a property appraised at $500,000 can expect to pay about $375 a year, or $31.25 a month.

Vote Yes on Proposition No. 2 to help Tukwila students continue to thrive.

Maintaining and improving our educational facilities is critical for the success and safety of our students. The Vashon Island School District's Replacement Capital Levy for Safety, Security, and Technology Improvements embodies this essential commitment to our children's future. This is not a new tax but serves to replace the current levy that is set to expire in December 2024. 

The funds from this levy make up about 6 percent of the district's annual operating budget, which is crucial for bridging the gap between state funding and the actual costs necessary for maintaining and advancing our school facilities. Funds from the levy have enabled the district to modernize school facilities, equip students with updated technology, employ essential staff, and provide comprehensive social-emotional and academic support.

If approved by voters this year, the proposed replacement levy would apply from 2025 through 2028 at a rate that is $0.10 higher than the prior collection year. For the owner of a $700,000 home, this means an additional $5.83 per month – a small price to pay for substantial benefits. This funding would go towards projects such as the Chautauqua fire alarm panel, HVAC upgrades, the Chautauqua playground, security systems, and more.

Vote Yes to continue providing a high-quality educational experience for Vashon students.