—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Our final update for now, and resources going forward
Dear friends and neighbors,
By staying home and practicing social distancing, we slowed the spread of COVID-19 in our state. Last week, the governor announced a four-phased approach to reopening. Phase I started this week, and includes opening up some outdoor recreation and restarting certain types of businesses, like some construction, landscaping, auto sales, and curbside retail.
We support a data-driven and public health-oriented approach as we continue to loosen restrictions and reopen our state further. It’s been said that this will be like turning a dial, not flipping a switch. No one wants infection rates to start climbing so that we have to dial things back again.
That’s why we’re asking you to continue practicing physical distancing, keep washing your hands, and follow the guidelines for the different phases of reopening.
We’re all in this together, and until the development of an effective vaccine and effective treatment for COVID-19, or herd immunity, we all have to look out for each other as we begin our economic recovery.
What House Democrats are working on right now
Currently, issue-focused teams convened after the 2020 session concluded are working on everything from economic recovery, to food security, to bridging the digital divide so that all Washingtonians have access to broadband, and more.
By determining current gaps and needs across the state, these teams will provide our federal partners with recommendations for how to structure future stimulus packages to help more Washingtonians.
Both these teams and our current House committee chairs are taking the lead on the state’s response as it pertains to the Legislature’s role. This work will inform our caucus priorities in a potential special session and in the 2021 Legislative Session, so we can best support workers, small businesses, and communities struggling all across our state.
This is our last newsletter for a while – but we’re still here for you
During an election year, there are certain restrictions on our communications to prevent the use of state resources for election purposes. These restrictions include a freeze on e-newsletters such as this one, as well as updates to our legislative websites – meaning no new content can be added beginning May 11, 2020 until after the general election in November.
However, we are still able to respond to your emails or phone calls, so please continue to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.
COVID-19 resources
As we continue navigating these challenging times, the need for accurate, up-to-date information is important. The links below are trusted sources of COVID-19-related information for our community and state:
- Washington state’s official COVID-19 website
- Washington State Department of Health
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Thank you for helping to flatten the curve, and we’re looking forward to when we can see you out in the community once again.
Sincerely,
Speaker Laurie Jinkins Rep. Jake Fey
More steps forward in reopening our state
Dear friends and neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who participated in our telephone town hall. It was so nice to hear your voices and to have a dialogue about how to get through this viral pandemic.
One of the questions we got during the call came from Susan, a constituent concerned about local small business owners who may have been denied federal stimulus funding specifically because they had owned their businesses for less than a year.
We had legislative staff look further into that question, and it appears owning a business for less than a year does not disqualify that business from receiving help from the federal Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, businesses not eligible for PPP are listed in this Small Business Administration document, and owning a business for less than a year is not singled out. However, the PPP program left it up to banks to determine who they would work with to submit applications for the PPP loans, and this has resulted in some small businesses being unable to access the program. This is one of the issues state lawmakers are raising with Washington’s congressional delegation as we convey our state’s specific requests for further federal help.
This week, we’d like to talk about two new steps Washington state is taking to reopen, along with what’s next.
Restarting work on transportation projects
Construction work–including transportation projects here in the 27th District and across the state–was put on pause due to the global pandemic.
We’re happy to report that construction can restart as long as they meet the safety requirements outlined by Gov. Jay Inslee. The governor’s office has also created a list of Frequently Asked Questions on this topic.
This new order includes not only residential and commercial construction, but transportation work. It’s great news because without these safety measures, our summer construction season could have been lost.
Transportation projects funded in the new state budget are critically important for our economy–and our economic recovery. They mean jobs today for construction workers and engineers and jobs tomorrow as build a better, more sustainable transportation network.
Enjoying the outdoors, safely
During our telephone town hall, many of you had questions related to outdoor recreation. Why couldn’t you fish alone, hike, or golf? Enjoying the outdoors is a big reason people choose to live here in Washington state.
A new order by Gov. Inslee announces fishing, hiking, hunting, and golfing will be open again on May 5, as long as people maintain social distancing.
You can read the details for the partial reopening of outdoor recreation here.
What’s next?
There’s a lot happening every day during this global pandemic.
One of the issues we’re watching is the next step in Congress to fight COVID-19 and the economic damage it’s done.
Lawmakers and governors from both parties are advocating for the next round to include funding for state and local governments. It’s not a legal option, despite what some politicians and pundits have said, for any U.S. state to declare bankruptcy.
Without help from the federal government, it may be impossible for states, including Washington state, to keep doctors, nurses, public health experts, firefighters, and police officers on the job.
We’re in close contact with members of our state’s Congressional delegation and will keep you updated on any new developments on this front.
Please call or email if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Sincerely,
Speaker Laurie Jinkins Rep. Jake Fey
Safely reopening our economy
Dear friends and neighbors,
On Tuesday evening, several thousand of you joined us for a telephone town hall – thank you! Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson were also on the line to help answer questions about the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
For those who were not able to join us, the audio recording of the event is available here.
Many of the questions were about how and when our economy will begin reopening. What we know is that reopening will be strategic and intentional. Think of it as turning a dial rather than flipping a switch.
The planning process is already underway, with discussions happening between the Governor’s Office and House and Senate lawmakers. Shortly before our town hall, the governor released a recovery plan for Washington.
We will continue to keep you informed as more specifics around timelines and businesses are announced. But the key to reopening our state is a sustained decline in COVID-19 infection rates, and that means staying home as much as possible and keeping up our social distancing measures.
Beware of scams and price gouging
The federal government has begun sending out stimulus payments to individuals and households, and that means scammers are trying to take advantage of people who are waiting for that direct deposit or check to show up. You may receive a phone call, text, or email asking for personal financial information, like your bank account number or social security number.
Here is what you need to know:
- The government will not ask you to pay anything upfront to get stimulus money.
- The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number.
If you spot a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission. The Washington State Office of the Attorney General also has consumer protection information and resources for reporting scams.
The Attorney General has also launched a “See It, Snap It, Send It” campaign to combat COVID-19 price gouging. Since March, the office has received over 400 price-gouging complaints.
Stay safe when disinfecting
State lawmakers increased funding in the current two-year budget for the Washington Poison Center (WAPC). The WAPC helps Washingtonians with information and advice about poisoning emergencies, toxic exposures, and drug overdoses through their 24/7 toll-free helpline (800-222-1222) and through safety programs and campaigns.
Recently, the WAPC reported that harmful or toxic exposures to household cleaning products is up 23% over this time last year. Many exposures are related to COVID-19 exposure concerns. Their advice for staying safe when disinfecting:
- Wear gloves and open windows and doors for ventilation when cleaning.
- Do not mix cleaning products, as mixing can create hazardous gases.
- Do not use cleaning products on food.
- Store cleaners, household chemicals, and other potentially harmful substances in their original containers. Keep these products up high and out of reach of young children.
- Supervise young children when using hand sanitizer, as ingestion could lead to alcohol poisoning. Store hand sanitizers up high and out of reach of children.
Looking ahead – and keeping in touch
The number of questions we received during our telephone town hall on Tuesday was far greater than we could get through on the hour-long call. Look for responses to some of these questions in upcoming e-newsletters.
We’re all in this together. Our offices are still here to serve you as we get through this challenging time. We look forward to when we can have in-person meetings again, but in the meantime please call us or send us an email with your questions, comments, or concerns.
Sincerely,
Speaker Laurie Jinkins Rep. Jake Fey
Legislative update–and a personal invitation to our telephone town hall next week
Dear friends and neighbors,
Thank you for staying home and staying healthy during this pandemic.
We know many of you have questions about what’s happening, and what’s next when it comes to this crisis. To help answer your questions, we’re hosting a telephone town hall (with special guests – see below!).
This update also includes information about protecting seniors and your mental health.
Join us: Telephone town hall on COVID-19
The 27th District town hall is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21.
You should receive a phone call on your landline at 6 p.m. If you only have a cell phone, or otherwise want to join, please sign up here.
To help answer your COVID-19 health questions, Department of Health Secretary John Wiesman will be joining us.
And for expertise on the economic side of this problem, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson will also be on the line.
We hope you can take the time to join us!
Reminder: Please take the census!
Every person counts, and every person needs to be counted.
The census helps determine how much federal funding our state receives for critical services people and families in Tacoma and across the state rely on, including public health, transportation, and education.
Visit 2020census.gov to learn more or take the census, which is quick and easy this year, with more options on how you can take it.
Protecting seniors
People age 60 and above are especially vulnerable to serious complications of COVID-19, and have a higher risk of dying from it. It’s important to do all we can to protect seniors.
Gov. Jay Inslee recently issued a proclamation to protect high-risk workers, including those aged 65 and up or anyone with pre-existing conditions that make them more vulnerable.
There’s also a new and comprehensive resource page for seniors, which you can find here.
Your well-being is important
This crisis has put tremendous stress on families, whether you’re working from home, furloughed, laid-off, or a student trying to figure out how to continue your education.
It’s critical that you take care of your own and your family’s mental health and well-being.
Please check out our state’s new page for resources on this issue.
COVID-19’s effect on our state’s economy and budget
Please click on the photo above, or on this link, to watch Austin Jenkins’ recent interview with Speaker Laurie Jinkins on TVW’s “Inside Olympia” program. She discusses what re-opening the state might look like, and whether a special legislative session is likely this year to deal with the impacts to our state budget.
Stay in touch
Your questions, ideas, and comments are important to us.
Please continue to keep in touch by email and phone–and we’ll keep giving you the latest information every week.
Stay safe,
Speaker Laurie Jinkins Rep. Jake Fey
It’s working: Flattening the curve together
Dear friends and neighbors,
Since our last e-newsletter to you, our state has taken several more steps to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and “flatten the curve.” This includes the governor’s extension of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order through May 4, and an extension on school closures through the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
We recognize that while these measures will help save more lives and protect our first responders and health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic, they also place additional burdens on families and businesses.
That’s why we want to ensure you have the following information about additional steps to help unemployed workers and small businesses, and resources for families with school-age children. If you experience problems with the websites or contacts below, please let us know so we can be aware of the problems and help facilitate getting them solved.
Also, we will be hosting a telephone town hall for constituents on Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00 PM. Secretary of Health John Wiesman and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson will join us on the call to answer your questions. More details to come.
Unemployment assistance: Applying and info
The Employment Security Department (ESD) has been receiving record numbers of new claims for unemployment insurance. Many people have questions about the recent federal stimulus package and the expansions to eligibility and available benefits. We’ve heard from many of you about long wait times or inability to get through on ESD’s toll-free number, and we know this is frustrating for you.
Because ESD is experiencing extremely high volumes of calls and emails, the best way to find out more information is to visit online resources like the ones listed below. Please do not call their toll-free numbers first. Instead:
- Visit their website at esd.wa.gov. There you can sign up for their action alerts to receive the most recent information possible about these benefits, view their Frequently Asked Questions for Workers and for Businesses and use their checklist before applying for benefits.
- Watch this video tutorial on how to create an account with ESD and apply for unemployment benefits.
Again, please use online resources for information. Calls to the toll-free lines need to be reserved for individuals who have unusual needs for assistance with their claims.
Here is some additional info from ESD about implementation of the federal stimulus programs included in the CARES Act:
While we are still receiving final guidance from US Department of Labor, we are already upgrading our technology systems to be able to begin accepting applications that will deliver the three main elements from the new law, including:
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – expands benefits to those directly impacted by COVID-19 who are not otherwise eligible for Unemployment Insurance in Washington State. This will be available until December 26, 2020 and is retroactive to February 2, 2020
- Pandemic Unemployment Compensation – increases the weekly benefit amount by $600 increase for all unemployment assistance recipients (including those already on Unemployment Insurance or participating in SharedWork). It runs until July 25, 2020 and is retroactive to March 29, 2020.
- Pandemic Emergency Compensation – adds 13 additional weeks of benefits on top of the standard 26 weeks (if needed). It runs until December 26, 2020 and is retroactive to March 29, 2020.
Help for small businesses
This week, Gov. Inslee announced additional steps to help small businesses mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19:
- The Working Washington Small Business Grant, through the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund and administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce with the help of county economic development organizations. The grants will provide up to $10,000 for small businesses under 10 employees. Businesses can use this money to pay for rent, utility bills, supplies, inventory and other operating expenses. To apply for an emergency grant, visit coronavirus.wa.gov.
- Business resiliency assistance, through the Washington State Department of Commerce by partnering with organizations that serve economically disadvantaged communities across the state.
- Forgivable loans, through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small businesses, non-profits, independent contractors or self-employed individuals in need of financial help may be eligible for a forgivable loan from the SBA. Beginning last Friday, local banks began taking SBA applications and issuing forgivable loans. For more information go to sba.gov.
Update on school closures and resources for families
On Monday, Gov. Inslee and Superintendent of Public Schools Chris Reykdal announced that all schools will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-20 school year in order to continue flattening the curve in our state.
We know this news is difficult as well as disappointing to students, families, teachers, and staff. Tacoma Public Schools maintains a dedicated web page with school closure info and resources.
Additional helpful links include:
- School Closures Q&A
- COVID-19 in Schools: A Parent Guide (English) (Spanish)
- Guidance for School Districts
- Information about school meals
- Resources for continuous learning during school closures
- Special Education Guidance for COVID-19
What we’re doing in Washington to promote social distancing appears to be working. That’s why we support these additional measures like extending the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order and keeping schools closed through the end of this school year.
We were the state with the first reported COVID-19 death, but we are also leading the way on slowing the spread of this virus.
There’s no simple, easy answer to handle a crisis like this. This challenge impacts us all, some harder than others. We will get through this. And when it’s over, we’ll rebuild our economy and institutions to be stronger than before.
Sincerely,
Speaker Laurie Jinkins Rep. Jake Fey
Help is on the way
Dear friends and neighbors,
Before the end of the 2020 session, the COVID-19 pandemic was just hitting Washington state. We voted to spend $200 million to fight the virus.
But this battle isn’t over, and there’s more to be done.
This week, we’d like to update you about three pieces of breaking news:
• What the new federal plan will mean to us here in Washington state
• Expanded unemployment benefits
• Options and aid for small businesses
This e-newsletter is also a chance to tell you about the state’s new transportation budget, written by Rep. Fey and signed by Gov. Jay Inslee this week.
New funding in our state
The latest relief package passed by Congress is a huge boost to state and local programs.
It won’t fix every problem, and there may be additional actions that lawmakers in Congress—and in Olympia—need to take before this is over.
For now, the new federal funding is a good first step toward winning a long war against this virus.
Here’s the estimated breakdown of funding coming to Washington state:
- State Coronavirus Relief Fund—$1.624 billion for state government and $1.329 billion for local governments for a total of $2.953 billion, which goes directly to our state and local public health systems, personal protective equipment, human services, and more;
- Child Care Development Block Grant—$58.2 million toward helping childcare providers during this unprecedented crisis;
- Community Services Block Grant—$11.8 million for local community-based organizations providing social services and emergency assistance to those with the highest need;
- Low-income heating assistance program—$11.1 million to offer help to those who need assistance paying their utility bills; and
- Education Stabilization Fund—$56.6 million, along with $216.9 million for elementary and secondary education to help schools purchase technology to support online learning, plan and coordinate school closures, and other emergency needs due to COVID-19
Help for workers, businesses, and families
The state unemployment insurance system has become more flexible during this COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the biggest things to know about:
- More people are eligible for assistance today, including the self-employed, part-time workers and people in the gig economy — please check the state unemployment page for workers and sign up for alerts for the latest news;
- Benefits will increase by $600 per week through the end of July;
- An additional 13 weeks of eligibility are added; and
- Job search requirements are relaxed and now optional, as the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order makes it hard for people to look for work.
For businesses, there are also changes to help get through this crisis:
- Reduced tax impacts for businesses who utilize state unemployment insurance programs;
- Relaxed penalties and fees for employers and workers who miss key deadlines due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
- SharedWork allows businesses to reduce worker hours without having to lay them off, with the option of reducing hours by 10 percent to 50 percent while having Unemployment Insurance provide partial wage replacement for those reduced hours.
Help for families coming from the CARES Act includes a $1,200 per person check for those making under $75,000 a year and $2,400 for a married couple who file jointly earning $150,000 or less. There’s an additional $500 per child.
For small businesses, the Small Business Administration offers small business guidance and loan assistance online on the SBA website for COVID-19 response. There are also several programs and other relief options that can help during this difficult time:
- The Paycheck Protection Program: This provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance: A loan advance that provides up to $10,000 in economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
Special Enrollment Period for Washington Healthplanfinder Extended to May 8
Responding to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is giving families more time to find the right plan for them if they find themselves suddenly uninsured due to a change in status, such as losing a job that provided health insurance coverage. Originally this special enrollment period was set to end on April 8, but is now extended another month. If you or a loved one is in sudden need of coverage, please visit WaHealthPlanFinder.org.
A transportation budget that keeps Washington moving
With the governor’s assistance, we produced a good transportation budget that successfully dealt with the impacts of Initiative 976, which reduced revenue by almost half a billion dollars. That budget (House Bill 2322 by Rep. Fey) passed the House 96-1 and the Senate 48-0.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have bigger consequences than Initiative 976. Right now, the projects funded by the new budget are on pause.
When the crisis is over and construction resumes, there’s a lot to be happy about in the new transportation budget, including full funding for the green transportation efforts originally put in motion in 2019. That blueprint is designed to help move Washington state toward cleaner, more sustainable ways to move people and goods throughout our state.
Please take the census!
It’s important for Washington state, the 27th District–and your family–that you fill out the 2020 census.
Every person counts, and every person needs to be counted.
The census also helps determine how much funding we receive to help the people of Washington state.
For the first time, you can take the census online, by mail or by phone.
Visit 2020census.gov to learn more or take the census, which is quick and easy this year.
Staying in touch
With so much happening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will try to keep you informed with regular updates, especially when they may help your family or business.
Please stay in touch–and stay safe out there!
Sincerely,
Speaker Laurie Jinkins Rep. Jake Fey
Unity and resiliency: Protecting our community from COVID-19
Dear friends and neighbors,
Last month, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington. Since then, he has implemented a series of emergency responses to slow the spread of the virus, including a statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars, recreation facilities and gatherings of over 50 people.
On Monday, the governor announced a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, which requires Washingtonians to stay at home unless they are pursuing an essential activity like grocery shopping, going to the doctor, or working in an essential business.
We stand shoulder to shoulder with the governor in support of “Stay Home, Stay Healthy.” This is a bold but necessary step to help slow the spread of this potentially deadly virus in our communities. By being part of a concerted effort to slow transmission, we can help our hospitals maintain capacity to treat everyone facing complications from COVID-19. Slowing the rate of infections helps “flatten the curve” – saving lives.
What has the Legislature done to respond to COVID-19 in our state?
On March 17, the governor signed HB 2965, a bill that devotes $200 million to COVID-19 response. It passed both the House and Senate unanimously.
Of the $200 million, $175 million is dedicated to help to slow the spread of the virus and to treat those infected. The remaining $25 million is for assistance to businesses forced to temporarily lay off employees as a result of the outbreak.
As of last week, $75 million of those funds is already on its way to where it is greatly needed: $20 million to the state Department of Health for public health, $10 million to the University of Washington for testing, $20 million for hospital capacity, $23 million for housing needs, and $2 million for rural hospitals.
Moving forward, both of us will continue advocating at the state, local, and federal level for funding to focus on the core areas of public health response, hospital capacity, basic needs (housing and food), and economic resiliency.
COVID-19 resources and information
The House Democrats website has a page dedicated to COVID-19 resources for individuals & families, workers, and employers. All links are to trusted sources (state, local and federal government agencies) that are updated regularly with the most current information.
There’s also a page of emergency assistance programs and resources to get and give help to those in need during this unprecedented time.
The state also has a central hub online for COVID-19 response and information.
Some other helpful links:
What’s open and closed in our state
Latest information about COVID-19 cases here in Pierce County
COVID-19 fact sheets in multiple languages
Get health care coverage now through April 8th at the Washington Health Benefit Exchange
Report COVID-19-related price-gouging or scams
Opportunities to donate or volunteer
Do you have or do you know of a source for things like N95 masks, disposable gloves, or hand sanitizer to donate to hospitals or first reponders who are on the front lines of this pandemic in our state? For bulk donations, contact the state Department of Enterprise Services at this page.
You can also send an email to: SEOC122@mil.wa.gov.
In our community, Pierce County has partnered with United Way as their volunteer coordination agency for volunteer opportunities to help with COVID-19 response. More info can be found here.
The state Department of Health is supporting enrollment and activation of emergency volunteer health practitioners to respond to the ongoing crisis. Learn more here.
We are facing the biggest public health crisis in more than a century. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the health and economic impacts caused by the spread of COVID-19. But this is also a time of unity and resiliency for the people of Tacoma and across the state.
We WILL get through this. Together, we will flatten the curve, limit the spread, and do everything we can to help our neighbors, co-workers, and community members.
Sincerely,
Speaker Laurie Jinkins Rep. Jake Fey
COVID-19/Coronavirus Update – Pierce County
Dear friends and neighbors,
We want to help pass along the information that Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has shared with the public regarding COVID-19 or Coronavirus. First, the response to Coronavirus in Pierce county is evolving. Currently, there are 14 cases of COVID-19 in the county. The health department has a few ways to stay updated on the department’s response and the status of Coronavirus locally.
- Coronavirus webpage: tpchd.org/coronavirus
- Alerts sent to your email: tpchd.org/notify
Additionally, Anthony L-T Chen, the Director of Health at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has recently recorded a video giving good context to COVID-19, how to keep yourself safe, and what steps the health department may take.
DOH recommendations & resources
As this situation continues to rapidly unfold you can track the latest developments at the Department of Health Coronavirus website, and continue protecting yourself and your family by following these recommendations:
You can also check out and share this DOH fact sheet, which is available in eleven languages.
Additionally, you can follow the DOH links below for information on home quarantine and testing protocols:
The Department of Health also has recommendations on who should quarantine at home.
If you have a cough and a fever
Stay home and away from people for 7 days or until 72 hours after your fever and symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.
- If you have had a test and actually been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- If you have NOT had a COVID-19 test, but have had close contact with someone who has had been tested and diagnosed with COVID-19.
- If you have NOT been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. You may have COVID-19 or any number of other respiratory diseases circulating in our communities and should still quarantine at home.
If you feel fine:
- BUT you have had close contact with a sick person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Please monitor your health for fever, cough, and shortness of breath during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the sick person with Coronavirus. You shouldn’t go to work or school and should avoid public places for 14 days.
- BUT your kid or someone else in your household has a cough and a fever but has NOT been tested for COVID-19. The sick person needs to stay home until their fever and symptoms have been gone for 72 hours. You and the rest of the household can continue to go to work and school as long as you feel well. There are many potential respiratory diseases that can cause cough and a fever.
- BUT a friend of a friend of yours has Coronavirus. You can continue to go to work and school if you feel well. The chances that you’ve been infected are fairly low if you have not been around someone with COVID-19.
- BUT you are worried about your older or medically fragile friends and relatives. Practice social distancing. Avoid shaking hands, high fives, and hugs, stand 6 feet or more away from others. Work from home if you can and wash your hands frequently.
Resources for businesses and workers
The Governor’s office created a site with a list of resources that compiles comprehensive information on how several agencies can help those impacted by COVID-19:
- Financial assistance from the Department of Revenue.
- Export assistance from the Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration.
- Employer and worker assistance from the Employment Security Department
- Insurance assistance from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
We encourage you to take a look at that site if you, someone in your household or in your place of work is sick, or just to be prepared in case you need to access any of these resources in the near future.
Knowing what steps to take ahead of time to help your own circumstances can save you hours of frustration trying to figure out what you’re supposed to do at the last minute.
Remember to have compassion
This is an evolving situation that requires care and compassion. Remember, a virus doesn’t discriminate, and neither should we. In times of disease outbreak, stigmas can be attached to specific communities or people. If you see harassment, speak up and help us combat stigmatizing these communities. People experiencing sickness deserve our support, not prejudice. Please help us fight this virus with heart and compassion.
Nigel Turner, Director of Communicable Disease at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said it best when he told House lawmakers last week: “Disinformation spreads faster than any virus.” We hope this e-newsletter provides useful and timely information to our 27th District constituents.
Sincerely,
Speaker Laurie Jinkins Rep. Jake Fey
An update on the novel coronavirus/COVID-19
Dear friends and neighbors,
Washington state is experiencing an increase in cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including several deaths. It is anticipated that the virus will continue to spread. As your legislator, and someone who’s spent my career in public health, I want to make sure you have the facts and understand the basics on how to stay healthy.
First, health officials are working rapidly to identify and test people who may have been exposed. Public health officials in our state have experience responding to pandemics and are working with state and county health officials to share information, deploy resources, and respond at maximum capacity. I know our local Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is mobilized to respond to this evolving situation.
Second, currently the risk to the general public is low due to the unlikelihood of exposure to the virus. Risk of exposure is elevated for healthcare workers, people who have had close contact with persons with COVID-19, and travelers returning from affected international locations (China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, Japan, and Hong Kong).
Third, understand how to best protect yourself and your family, and what to do if you think you may have been exposed. The graphic below is from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, and I find it simple and helpful:
You can also call the Washington State Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127 and press #.
Stay up to date through the DOH website and social media channels below:
Website: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WADeptHealth
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WADeptHealth
How Can I be Prepared?
What the Legislature is doing to respond to COVID-19:
In the House, Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Schmick, Chair and Ranking Member of the Health Care & Wellness Committee respectively, have offered a bipartisan bill to transfer $50 million to get state agencies and local governments the necessary funding to respond to COVID-19. It will also give the Department of Social and Health Services funding to increase nursing staff to help address this growing need. We’ll continue to work with DOH, DSHS, and other state agencies to identify what the Legislature can do to ensure the necessary resources are available to respond to this outbreak.
We are all in this together. Please make sure to follow the health department recommendations to keep yourself healthy and stay informed of what’s happening in our community. I’ll keep you updated on the status of our efforts in the Legislature to respond.
Sincerely,
Cutoff week and town hall reminder
Dear friends and neighbors,
It’s a busy week at the state capitol! Yesterday, February 19, was “House of Origin cutoff.” That’s the final date for bills to be voted out of their chamber of origin if they are continuing to move forward this session. There is one exception to this cutoff: any legislation necessary to implement the state budget.
We’ve passed a lot of great bills here in the House, addressing housing and homelessness, health care, climate change, and more. This newsletter features a couple of great bills that made it through cutoff, and you can find out about many more at the town hall meeting I’m hosting this coming Saturday, February 22, with Rep. Jake Fey and Sen. Jeannie Darneille. Join us from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Eastside Community Center, 1721 E. 56th Street, Tacoma. (Sign-in begins at 9:30 a.m.)
Your ideas and feedback are always welcome. Please reach out anytime. It’s an honor to serve as your representative.
Sincerely,
Honoring our promise to Washington’s students
Last year, the Legislature passed the Workforce Education Investment Act, which makes public college tuition-free for families making up to $50,000/year and provides partial financial aid for other low- and middle-income students. This investment fully funds the Washington College Grant (formerly the State Need Grant), meaning every student who qualifies for the grant will receive it.
But there’s more. It also funds the Guided Pathways programs at our community and technical colleges, like Tacoma Community College. Guided Pathways is a highly successful effort that helps ensure students who enroll at our state’s public two-year institutions have a clearly defined path to successfully complete a degree or certificate, preparing them for the great jobs our economy is creating.
And there’s even more! The Workforce Education Investment Act also expands enrollment in high-demand fields like nursing, engineering and computer science. Thanks to this investment, Tacoma Community College was able to increase compensation for nursing educators, enabling them to retain high-quality faculty to train students for high demand, good-paying health care jobs.
As the parent of a college student, I’m thrilled our state has expanded access to college and apprenticeships for thousands of Washingtonians in this way.
So, that was last year. What did we do this year?
The Workforce Education Investment is working so well across the state that we have more students wanting to go to school or go back to school than we expected. That’s why the House and Senate passed a bill to simplify and improve the way we collect the funding for these programs, making it easier for businesses to comply, and keeping our promise to Washington’s students.
The governor signed the bill into law on February 10.
Connecting students with environmental education
In my opening day speech, I called on my fellow lawmakers to be the leaders our state, our country, and our planet need to protect our future before it’s too late.
Children and students are particularly worried about the challenges facing our planet, feeling lost and unsure about what they can do to secure their future in the face of unsustainable practices and climate change. These young leaders are imploring politicians to do more, and it’s time we listen.
That’s why I’m excited about House Bill 2811, which was voted off the House floor last week. It brings climate science, global and local environmental impacts, and localized, project-based learning into the classrooms of Washington state.
This bill helps set up a new curriculum for students to learn about how the environment impacts them, their health, and what opportunities there are after high school to pursue jobs in sustainability, renewable energy, climate justice, conservation, and engineering.
Coming on the heels of our nation-leading 100 percent clean electricity bill last year, this legislation connects students directly to their environment and educates them to be part of the solution, which includes transitioning to a clean energy economy.
I’m also happy we passed House Bill 2311, which aligns our state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets with the latest climate science. These targets haven’t been updated since 2008, even though our scientific knowledge about climate change has evolved since then. This bill will help us make better environmental policy decisions based on vetted information.
Local arts organization receives state award
One of the highlights of my week is being able to present the award for Washington State Organization of the Year to Tacoma’s own Hilltop Artists in a ceremony today at the Governor’s Mansion.
This award is an annual honor chosen by the state Lieutenant Governor and the Association of Washington Generals. It recognizes an organization that “…has made a significant and sustained positive impact in the state.”
Since Hilltop Artists is based right here in the 27th Legislative District, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office has invited me to present the award to them, and I am honored to oblige.
Congratulations to Hilltop Artists, who provide arts education and support services to hundreds of at-risk youth each year in our community, including in their year-round programs at Jason Lee Middle School and Wilson High School.
One last reminder:
