Next, King County
Proposition Number 1,
Harborview Medical Center Health
and Safety Improvement Bonds.
If approved by the voters.
King County Proposition 1
would authorize the county
to issue up to $1,740,000,000
of general obligation bonds
to provide funds
for public health, safety,
and seismic improvements
to Harborview Medical Center
facilities.
The bonds would last
no longer than 20 years
and would be paid for
through annual property taxes
unless paid
from other sources.
The annual property taxes
per household
necessary to repay the bonds
will depend upon
interest rates,
the timing of the issues,
and amount of the bonds issued,
and changes
in property values.
In addition
to seismic improvements,
renovation,
and new construction,
the bonds would cover
increased capacity
for substance abuse disorder
and mental health treatment.
All voters in King County
can vote on King County
Proposition Number 1.
Just about all of us in King County
have had a family member,
friend, or their own life
touched by caregivers like me
at Harborview Medical Center.
Operated by UW Medicine,
Harborview is the state's only
Level 1 adult and pediatric
trauma and burn center.
This bond improves safety
for patients
and for caregivers like me.
It expands
behavioral health programs.
It reflects
Harborview's commitment
to provide care
for vulnerable populations.
And it funds critical
seismic upgrades.
Harborview is at the center
of medical crises,
whether a global pandemic,
mass casualty event,
or natural disaster.
increasing flexible bed capacity,
modernizing infection control,
expanding emergency services,
and stabilizing
existing buildings are essential.
The bond expands psychiatric
and behavioral health services
in a new facility,
including respite beds for
substance dependence recovery --
a lower cost,
effective alternative
to emergency care.
These investments
will not only serve
already vulnerable populations,
but also help all individuals
receive treatment
to prevent a crisis.
This bond will create
over 7,700 family wage jobs
and is broadly supported,
including by
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW,
care providers and nurses,
the MLK County Labor Council,
Building and Construction Trades,
King County Executive Constantine,
and all nine County Councilmembers,
Democrats, businesses, and more.