Children’s fund proponents turn in signatures

Advocates of a property tax that would raise money for early-child learning, abuse prevention, treatment and other programs have submitted more than 12,600 signatures in support of placing the levy on the November ballot. Supporters of the initiative, which is called the Spokane Children’s Investment Fund Levy for Families and Youth, collected 771 sheets of signatures that they turned in to the city clerk’s office on Thursday. The issue needs 8,334 valid signatures to earn a public vote. The Spokane City Council will vote on July 12 if it will place the idea on the ballot, ask the county election’s office to validate signatures first or declare it illegal. The council usually orders a review by the election’s office when asked to consider an initiative. The tax, which would raise $5 million annually, would cost the owner of a $100,000 property $35 a year.