Budget continues focus on basics with investment in human services
SEATTLE, WA – September 20, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor McGinn today announced new investments in human services as part of his 2013-14 Proposed Budget, including an expansion of a City program providing child care to low- and moderate-income families and increased assistance to homeless families with children. McGinn’s budget also includes an increase in funding for human services providers to cover the costs of inflation.
“Our children deserve a high-quality, nurturing environment to learn and prepare for success,” said McGinn. “This new funding will also help more adults find and keep a good job.”
McGinn’s budget will help 75 children receive child care through the City’s Child Care Assistance Program, serving low and moderate income families. The City provides a voucher covering between 25% and 70% of the cost of care, and families can choose from more than 129 licensed family child care centers and homes. Families have to live in Seattle, have a job or be enrolled in job training, and meet income requirements. The $500,000 in new funding will reduce the waiting list for this program by 23%.
The proposed budget includes $980,000 in funding to expand services to help homeless families with children find stable housing. These services will help families that are waiting to enter shelter by providing them with stabilization and wrap around case management services as well as emergency vouchers for up to 80 families that have just become homeless. The City will also increase its outreach and services to families living in their cars.
For the first time since 2009, the budget will include funding for inflationary increases in the contracts Seattle maintains with community service providers who deliver services to those in need on behalf of the City. Inflationary increases will give community service providers more flexibility to respond to increases in their own internal costs and maintain service levels. The inflationary increase would go to those contracts supported by the City’s General Fund. The cost is $2.7 million over the next two years.
McGinn will announce the complete details of his 2013-14 Proposed Budget on September 24.
Contact:
Aaron Pickus (206) 684-4000
