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King County Council Passes Legislation to Support First Responders and Essential Workers

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Metropolitan King County
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King County Council Passes Legislation to Support First Responders and Essential Workers

Summary

Today, the King County Council unanimously passed legislation appropriating $2.2 million in funding to provide emergency childcare for first responders and other essential workers who live or work in King County. The ordinance was co-sponsored by von Reichbauer.

Story

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Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer poses with law enforcement personnel in a file photo taken before the COVID-19 outbreak. 

“Our first responders have been working tirelessly to keep us safe, healthy and provide essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “The last thing they should be worried about during this crisis is finding and paying for childcare for their children.”

Today, the King County Council unanimously passed legislation appropriating $2.2 million in funding to provide emergency childcare for first responders and other essential workers who live or work in King County. The ordinance was co-sponsored by von Reichbauer.

These workers include medical professionals and support staff, first responders, childcare providers who are providing emergency care, grocery and pharmacy workers and transit employees. The legislation ensures these essential workers will have access to safe, consistent and uninterrupted care. The County will collaborate with Child Care Resources to identify providers and match families with vacant slots.

In supporting this legislation, King County will leverage the City of Seattle’s emergency childcare approach through partnerships with childcare providers across King County to offer care for the children of essential workers who live or work in King County outside of the City of Seattle.

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