King County celebrates refugee resettlement efforts in the region
Today, King County Deputy Executive April Putney, alongside the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the City of Redmond celebrated the short-term refugee resettlement program for individuals and families coming to the region and the nearly 800 new neighbors who benefitted from the program. Read more.
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KCIA food drive benefits Georgetown Food Bank
Cross-posted from Plane Talk
King County International Airport (KCIA) employees participated in the third annual Fly Washington Passport Food Program this fall, collecting 462 pounds of food, nearly 200 pounds more than last year.
KCIA’s food drive benefits the Georgetown Foodbank. Last year, airports in Washington state donated more than 7,500 pounds of food to local area food banks. Each airport collects food donations from October through mid-November. The airport that collects the most gets the trophy for that year. Read more.
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Terry White retiring from King County Metro after more than 35 years
King County Executive Dow Constantine recently announced the retirement of Terry White, King County Metro General Manager, and the nomination of Metro Deputy General Manager Michelle Allison to lead the agency after White’s retirement at the end of the year.
“On behalf of the people of King County, I want to thank Terry White for over 35 years of exemplary service, and especially for leading Metro through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Executive Constantine. White joined Metro in 1987 as a customer service specialist and held 13 positions prior to becoming General Manager. Read more.
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Spend your FSA money
Do you have money left in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? To check the balance of your Health Care or Day Care FSA, go to Navia Benefits and sign in to your account. Expenses must be incurred by Dec. 31, 2022, and submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2023. Please see details below.
Health Care FSAs
- The Health Care FSA allows you to carry over Up to $570 of unused funds from your 2022 Health Care FSA can be carried over into next year. You do not have to be enrolled in an FSA next year to access these funds. Any other remaining funds are forfeited.
- You can use your Health Care FSA funds to pay for a variety of medical, dental, and vision expenses for you, your spouse or eligible domestic partner, and your dependents.
- Health Care FSA funds can be used to pay for orthodontia, laser eye surgery, eyeglasses, and over-the-counter medications and supplies, including menstrual care products. They can also be used for eligible ergonomic office equipment when you obtain a letter of medical necessity from your doctor.
- See the complete list of Health Care FSA Eligible & Ineligible Expenses. You can also shop online at the FSA Store.
Day Care FSAs
- The Day Care FSA does NOT have a carryover feature. All unused funds are forfeited.
- Use your Day Care FSA to pay for day care or dependent care expenses for your child under age 13, disabled spouse, or dependent parent so you can work or attend school full-time.
- Day Care FSA funds can also be used to pay an eligible family members to watch your children, as long as the family member is not your tax dependent (your spouse, the parent of the child, your dependent, or your child under the age of 19).
- Online or virtual day cares and camps are not eligible for reimbursement with Day Care FSAs, according to IRS regulations.
- See the complete list of Day Care FSA Eligible & Ineligible Expenses.
If you have questions about your FSA benefits, contact Navia at 425-452-3500 or Navia Benefits.
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Seattle Symphony Holiday discounts for December 2022
It’s time to experience the Joy, Cheer and Magic of the Holiday Season. Gather your friends and family and join us at Benaroya Hall for beautiful holiday music and great entertainment.
Seasonal events for December include Holiday Pops, Handel’s Messiah, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
Use promo code HOLIDAY23 for 20% off tickets and no handling fees. View upcoming performances and purchase tickets at www.seattlesymphony.org/concerttickets.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
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How to help prevent illness and protect those who are most vulnerable
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
Public Health has reported four deaths from complications of the flu in King County, two children and two adults. This is shaping up to be a bad flu season; the positivity rate for flu tests is much higher at this early point in the flu season than we’ve seen in many years, and the volume of cases is increasing rapidly. Everyone six-months-old and older should get a flu shot every year. Find a flu shot clinic near you.
- Get your flu shot and updated COVID-19 booster now. There’s no vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV). However, getting vaccinated for other respiratory viruses – COVID-19 and the flu — will help keep you safer and help protect our fragile healthcare system. It is safe to get both flu and COVID vaccines at the same time if the individual is due for them.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when in indoor public spaces.
- If you feel sick – even if you test negative for COVID-19 – stay home. This is particularly important if you’re going to be around young children, older adults, pregnant people, or people who have underlying medical conditions.
Read more on Public Health Insider.
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Safety video: Consider your route
Our top priority is your safety and security at work, and we are continuing to partner with law enforcement, community, and other governments to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment in and around our facilities.
Here’s another tip to help you stay safe. Consider your route when going from A to B and use common sense. Avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages, alleyways, and shortcuts. Stick to well-lit areas. Be alert when walking between buildings and stay aware of your surroundings.
Check out the video and watch for additional videos with safety tips this year.
For more information on employee safety programs and resources, check out the Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Homepage (employee access only).
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World Aids Day
Every year, on Dec. 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. Four decades into the HIV response, inequalities still persist for the most basic services like testing, treatment, and even more so for new technologies.
King County is committed to radically reducing new HIV infections through diagnosing, treating, preventing, and responding quickly to HIV outbreaks. Learn more about Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative through Public Health – Seattle & King County.
Individuals can do their part by staying up to date on their preventive HIV screenings through their Primary Care Provider. As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan.
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Holiday resources for employee financial well being
As we enter the holiday season, many employees will travel, cook, spend time with family, or all of the above. Given the stress the holidays can have on relationships and finances, My Secure Advantage (MSA) has provided financial well being resources to help you keep the holiday spirit joyful and festive.
Read Relationships & Money: Common Problems & Solutions and Building a Holiday Budget on the MSA blog.
Learn more about the MSA financial wellness benefit you get as a King County employee.
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Annual Cybersecurity Training required for all King County employees
Cybersecurity Training is an important safeguard that protects King County systems, and the number of employees who complete training each year impacts our insurance rates.
When your training is assigned, you will receive an email from kc-knowbe4@kingcounty.gov with a direct link to your required training modules. If you can’t find the email, check your Junk folder or login with your work email here.
All employees must complete annual Cybersecurity Training by Dec. 31, 2022 unless your agency has specified a different deadline. Thank you for doing your part to protect King County. Read more.
Employee News 