Legislative Update: Recent Bills Introduced, Good News on SHB 1083, and COVID-19 Vaccine Locations

February 6, 2021

Greetings, friends and neighbors.

This year has been tough for all of us, which is why I have concentrated on sponsoring legislation during the first month of the 2021 Legislative Session that provides vital services to the 33rd Legislative District and protects our community’s health and safety.

Here are the most recent bills that I have introduced.

  • HB 1337 – Concerning accessory dwelling units.
  • HB 1365 – Procuring and supporting appropriate computers and devices for public school students and instructional staff.
  • HB 1450 – Procuring, and supporting the use of, appropriate computers and devices for public school students and instructional staff by levying a tax on wireless devices.
  • HB 1454 – Concerning illegal, unlicensed childcare.
  • HB 1460 – Closing the digital divide by establishing excise taxes on telecommunications services to fund the expansion of the universal service programs in Washington.

Good news on SHB 1083!

Last week, Substitute House Bill 1083 (previously House Bill 1083) made it out of the Housing, Human Services & Veterans Committee with a 7 to 1 vote. The bill helps mobile and manufactured homeowners whose community is closing down gain low-barrier access to cash assistance from a fund they have already paid from the Washington State Department of Commerce Assistance Program.

Previously, the bill would have given 100% assistance up to $7.5K to single-section homeowners and $12K for multi-section homeowners with no required proof of relocation. Now, single-section homeowners would be eligible for up to $10K in assistance and $16K for multi-section homeowners.

If you’re able to, tune in next week to TVW as the Appropriations Committee has scheduled a public hearing and executive session on Feb. 8 and 9 at 3:30 p.m. Only one more step away from being voted on the floor!

Securing $2.2 Billion in COVID Relief Funds

This week my colleagues and I voted to provide $2.2 billion in COVID relief funds to assist Washington families and businesses who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These funds will ease the financial hardship of struggling renters and landlords, small restaurants and neighborhood businesses, school districts, uninsured and underinsured individuals, and Black and Brown communities, which have been disproportionately hurt during the pandemic.

Here is what is included in the package:

  • BOOSTING PUBLIC HEALTH: $618 million for a state Department of Health fund for vaccine administration, contact tracing, and testing.
  • KEEPING PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES AND FED: $365 million for rental assistance and foreclosure assistance and for small landlords to stay on top of their mortgages. The plan also includes $52 million for food and cash assistance and TANF extension.
  • INVESTING IN SMALL BUSINESSES: $240 million to fund grants for small businesses and non-profits to maintain operations and help with reopening.
  • GETTING STUDENTS CAUGHT UP: $714 million for schools to address learning loss, keep teachers on the payroll, and get ready to bring kids back to the classroom when it’s safe to do so. The plan also includes $50 million for grants for child-care providers.
  • SUPPORTING ALL WASHINGTONIANS: $70 million for long-term care and developmental disabilities programs and $6 million for health care for underinsured and uninsured individuals. The plan also includes $65 million for immigrant relief assistance and $5 million for grants to provide emergency financial aid for undocumented college students.

A Quick Update from MIA GREGERSON: Remote testimony, committees, and HB 1212

In this video update, I talk about my impressions on how the virtual session is going, the ability to provide testimony remotely, the committees I’m serving on, and my legislation (HB 1212), Right to Repair.

COVID-19 Vaccine Locations

Are you ready to get vaccinated?

Head over to the Washington State Department of Health website to see where the nearest vaccine location is near you. To assess your eligibility for Phase 1A or 1B to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Phase Finder web form. If you are eligible, please print or copy the confirmation page and share it with your vaccine provider. 

Mark your calendars!

Join me and the rest of the 33rd Legislative Team for a live telephone town hall on Wednesday, Mar. 24th, at 7 p.m. 

Sen. Karen Keiser, Rep. Tina Orwall, and I will share our thoughts on our legislative priorities and answer your questions on the issues you care about.

You can submit your questions ahead of time here, or submit them live during the event by leaving a question in the comment section.

If you are unable to join us then, please don’t hesitate to email me with your questions or concerns. To stay up-to-date on the issues I’m working on, visit my legislative website or follow my official Facebook page.

Warm Regards,