Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s an honor to once again represent you in the 11th District! Have a question or concern for me? My contact information can be found below, and I welcome your input. In addition, now that the election year activity restrictions are lifted, you’ll be hearing from me more, with regular updates on my work for you, our district, and our state.
Last week, committees in the state House of Representatives met to prepare for the 2021 legislative session, which begins January 11. Every year we schedule Committee Assembly Days where we all convene in Olympia to hold work sessions in every committee and get updates from agencies or discuss pressing issues. This year, due to the pandemic, we did it remotely. You can watch all of our committee meetings on the TVW website.
Click on the committee name to watch their Committee Assembly Day work sessions: Appropriations; Capital Budget; Civil Rights & Judiciary; College & Workforce Development; Commerce & Gaming; Consumer Protection & Business; Education; Environment & Energy; Finance; Health Care & Wellness; Housing, Community Development & Veterans; Human Services & Early Learning; Innovation, Technology & Economic Development; Labor & Workplace Standards; Local Government; Public Safety; Rural Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources; State Government & Tribal Relations; and Transportation.
New Financial Support for Families and Businesses
Last month, the Governor announced new restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 in Washington and across the country, and recently extended those restrictions through January 4. While we know these updated guidelines and restrictions will increase hardship for families, workers and businesses that are already suffering, it is a necessary step to prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed and to save the lives of our fellow Washingtonians. We must all do our part to slow this virus down.
Those struggling the most are the ones most impacted by the stay home and restricted operating orders we have all had to follow to stop this virus from overrunning our state. Fortunately, in addition to new restrictions, the Governor recently announced additional financial support funds for families and businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The new economic supports amount to $185 million, including:
While we know this new funding will not fully solve the burden that so many small businesses and families are shouldering, it will help many get through a difficult period as we continue working with our congressional counterparts to secure additional support. It will help ensure small business that our communities rely on have some support, while also helping to keep people housed and out of the cold during this winter season. Learn more about available assistance for businesses. |
Now your phone can help stop the spread of COVID-19!
The state of Washington recently unveiled a new statewide COVID-19 exposure tool for iPhone and Android users called WA Notify. The tool is free to use, anonymous, and protects your privacy. It works by alerting you whenever you are around another WA Notify user who later tests positive for COVID-19. BUT—you have to take a few manual steps to turn on the notification system on your phone.
Were you one of the 700,000 Washingtonians to activate WA Notify in the first 24 hours it was available? If so, THANK YOU!
If not, join today as another tool to help stop the spread and protect yourself and your community. It’s a small step, but one that will play a big role along with mask wearing, handwashing, and staying home as much as possible.
Source: WA State Department of Health
The Upcoming 2021 Legislative Session
As we look toward the 2021 Session, we know the main focus of our work will be on sustainable and equitable economic recovery and maintaining vital social services for our vulnerable communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a very heavy toll on the people, businesses, and economy in Washington state. Although we’ve seen improvements in the revenue forecast, we know there are difficult challenges ahead. Without additional resources, Washington lawmakers are faced with the challenge of balancing the state budget without hurting the very communities most severely affected by the pandemic. While cuts to social safety net programs would help address the budget shortfall, it is vital that we protect the work the Legislature has done since the Great Recession to invest in the most vulnerable in our state.
Rather than cutting vital services, we must find a balanced approach that offers real solutions for a sustainable recovery, including using the “Rainy Day Fund” and discussing new revenue options. As a part of the House budget team, I’ve been a part of this ongoing work, and look forward to continuing that work into the 2021 session and finding bipartisan and equitable solutions that help everyone struggling in Washington state right now.
Legislative Youth Advisory Council
This year, I am once again setting up the 11th LD Youth Advisory Council. In previous years, the council, which consists of multiple students from around the 11th District, has served to advise me and my fellow 11th District legislators on issues of public policy that affect our youth. This includes early learning, higher education, K-12 education, environmental protection, voter participation, behavioral health care, and much more. Our youth are the future of our state, and by including them in policy conversations we can not only encourage civic participation, but also consider fresh perspectives on public policy.
This year will also see the addition of adult mentors. If you or someone you know are interested in participating, whether as a council member or mentor, please reach out to my office. The first 11th LD Youth Advisory Council meeting will likely be held later this month.
Share your priorities around COVID response/recovery for the upcoming legislative session
Our democracy is strongest when everyone has the ability to participate, so I’m seeking your input on the most critical issue facing the Legislature in the 2021 session – the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here or on the button to let me know what will best help you and your communities. Thank you and I look forward to your responses! |
- Washington state’s official COVID-19 website
- Washington House Democrats’ COVID-19 resource page
- Washington State Department of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sincerely,
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Rep. Steve Bergquist