The following is a release from the office of King County Executive Dow Constantine:

King County Executive Dow Constantine thanked the Legislature for passing House Bill 2263, which grants new voter-approved sales tax authority to King County to create a fund that provides local services, including access to arts and culture, increasing capacity for mental-health treatment, and expanding affordable-housing options.

“Supporting arts, heritage, and culture strengthens our region’s economy. Arts and culture help make King County a vibrant, desirable place to live – which helps attract and retain the talented workforce that high-paying, innovative companies must have to compete in the global market,” Constantine said. “This program would also expand opportunities for children in lower-income communities to experience visual and performing arts.”

If King County voters approve a seven-year, 0.1 percent sales tax, it would support cultural organizations providing programming or experiences for the public. The primary purpose of the organization receiving funding must be the advancement or preservation of science or technology, the visual or performing arts, zoology, botany, anthropology, heritage, or natural history. The funding must be used for a public benefit that generally relates to increasing access, outreach, and opportunities to the public.