Friends and neighbors,
COVID-19 has changed a lot about our daily lives. Though we are prioritizing the health and well-being of our neighbors, especially those at greater risk, I know this is hard. Major life events are being postponed, people are unable to work, and 2020 is drastically different than we imagined back in January. As we work to protect our friends and neighbors, and find a way to get the economy moving again, I want to make sure you have all the resources available to help you navigate these tough times.
COVID-19 Resource Page
I have an updated webpage that consolidates national, state, and local resources for our region. It also includes information about the Governor’s plan to reopen Washington. Here is that link. If you have any questions about these resources, other resources, or the state response to this crisis, please email me at Lisa.Callan@leg.wa.gov, and my team and I will work to find answers for you.
We all want our communities to get back to work. We must do this is a thoughtful and measured way that is informed by science. Here is the Governor’s plan for reopening Washington.
Tips for Accessing Unemployment Benefits
The Employment Security Department (ESD) is experiencing extraordinarily high volumes of our neighbors seeking much-needed unemployment benefits. ESD is working hard to expand capacity and update technology, but their web pages are loading slowly, and call wait times are long. I understand how frustrating this can be. Here are a few tips for minimizing delays and successfully applying for benefits.
Be assured that everyone who is eligible will get their money – it will not run out – and will be paid retroactively to the date of eligibility.
Prepare: Carefully read the instructions, watch ESD’s training videos, and use ESD’s checklist to help gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays.
Try the website first: Though it is loading slowly, it is still the quickest option for applying for benefits, answering questions, and getting basic information. If you have a problem that can only be solved over the phone, please keep trying. Thousands of people are getting through to ESD by phone every day.
Timing: Try to apply during off-peak hours, generally 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Use a laptop or desktop if you can, and only try reloading twice in 10 minutes. If you don’t get through after that, wait two hours before trying again. As frustrating as this may be, it will help prevent the website from getting bogged down even further.
Keep in touch: Subscribe to receive email updates from ESD about their COVID-19 response.
Find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Youth Mental Health During Social Distancing
It is mental health awareness month. In our region, we know the impacts mental and behavioral health struggles can have on our youth. Though social distancing practices are one of the best ways to slow down the spread of infectious diseases, like COVID-19, stress and lack of human interaction can have negative impacts on our behavioral health. Our students may be feeling isolated during the school closures, we need to help them overcome these challenges.
OSPI has resources for parents and caregivers who are worried about their children and teens during this difficult time. This web page has great information about mental health and safety, coping with anxiety, and recognizing warning signs in young people.
Face Mask Challenge
Don’t forget a face mask when you’re out and about! Just remember to continue physical distancing and washing your hands. The Department of Health also recommends washing cloth face masks after each use.
Many of our friends and neighbors are working hard to sew cloth face masks for organizations that need them most, like nursing homes, shelters, food banks, grocery stores, restaurants, and more. I’ve been so encouraged by their commitment. You can join them by participating in the Lieutenant Governor’s Washington Mask Challenge! Learn more about how you can make and donate cloth masks here.
Election Year Restrictions
During an election year, there are certain restrictions on my communications to prevent the use of state resources for election purposes. These restrictions is a freeze on communications, meaning no new content can be added, sent or posted beginning May 11, 2020 until after the general election in November. If you have questions or comments about legislative issues, please feel free to continue to contact me. The best way to get in touch is by email, Lisa.Callan@leg.wa.gov.
We’re certainly living through an extraordinarily difficult time. I have said it before, I see our communities stepping up every day, through neighbors helping each other, leaders who are working to respond to the crisis in every aspect, and advocates fighting for those in need.
We are all affected by this and I know there is still much work to do. I am committed to doing it. My job is to fight for you, our communities, and everyone who needs help getting through this. I’m here to support you both here in east and south King County and in Olympia. I honored and humbled to serve you each and every day.
As always, if you have any questions, thoughts, ideas, or concerns, I’m all ears. Let’s connect. If you didn’t get a copy of our newsletter about the 2020 session, you can find that here.
Thank you, stay healthy, and stay safe.
Rep. Lisa Callan,
