COVID-19 Updates
Healthy Washington Reopening
Yesterday, Gov. Inslee announced that Washington is moving toward a statewide June 30 reopening date! In addition, all counties will move to Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan effective May 18 until June 30. That means most indoor activities will be permitted to operate at 50% capacity until June 30 when most public spaces will return to full capacity.
The full reopening could happen earlier than June 30 if 70% or more of Washingtonians over the age of 16 initiate vaccination. Washington has administered over six million doses of vaccine so far, and 56% of Washingtonians have initiated vaccination.
This recent announcement does not mean that Washington’s state of emergency will lift on June 30. It also does not guarantee a full reopening if the state’s COVID-19 data changes. If the statewide ICU capacity reaches 90% at any point, activities will be rolled back again. Learn more.
K-12 Schools Fall Update
Yesterday, the state’s Department of Health (DOH) released guidance for the 2021 summer school session and upcoming 2021-2022 school year. Under the updated guidance, schools must plan to provide full time in-person education for all interested students for the 2021-2022 school year with a number of mitigation efforts in effect, including requirements for facial coverings, physical distancing and ventilation. Find additional information.
Vaccination Incentives
Effective immediately, additional activities will be allowed with fewer restrictions and increased capacity for groups of fully vaccinated people.
Spectator events, such as indoor and outdoor sports, will no longer have limits on the number of vaccinated attendees. Small cruise ships with less than 250 passengers may sail if the full crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated. This guidance also applies to conferences, live performances, weddings and funeral receptions.
Vaccine Eligibility
Recently, the the Pfizer vaccine has been approved as safe and effective for youth aged 12 to 15! Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices affirmed that decision. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, which is comprised of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions. Find additional information.
More and more local locations are opening up with walk-in appointments, but for help finding an appointment, use the Washington State Department of Health Vaccine Locator or call 1-800-525-0127, then press #. Language assistance is available.
Aid to Lower Health Insurance Costs
Health coverage purchased on Washington Healthplanfinder became much more affordable this month as the Washington Health Benefit Exchange rolled out new savings to help with the costs of individual health insurance. Under the new American Rescue Plan Act, over half a million people statewide will find more savings on their health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, making it easier to get covered and stay covered.
The opportunity to sign up or switch plans ends August 15, 2021 and the Exchange is encouraging uninsured, recently unemployed, and anyone purchasing individual insurance to take advantage of this opportunity. Find out if you qualify by checking options on WAhealthplanfinder.org.
Federal Rental Assistance
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the White House American Rescue Plan Implementation Team and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced the allocation of an additional $21.6 billion for emergency rental assistance. These new funds will help prevent evictions and ensure basic housing security for millions of Americans impacted by the affordable housing challenges exacerbated by COVID-19. In addition to this financial support, Treasury issued updated, strengthened guidance to expedite funds to renters and target those most severely in need of assistance. Learn more about the additional financial support and guidance.
Frontline Worker Bills Signed into Law
This week, Governor Inslee signed into law five bills that will help support and protect our frontline workers.
- Senate Bill 5172 establishes a three-year phase-in period for the new requirement that agricultural employers pay overtime to their employees.
- Senate Bill 5115 will help protect high-risk frontline workers by ensuring that they know when they’ve had a potential exposure to an infectious disease and make it easier for frontline workers to receive workers’ compensation if they’re infected on the job.
- Senate Bill 5190 addresses conditions specific to healthcare employees, allowing them to use unemployment insurance benefits if they leave work to quarantine during a public health emergency and have clear access to workers compensation if they are exposed to the infectious or contagious disease that is subject to the public health emergency.
- House Bill 1097 protects workers who raise health and safety concerns on the job from retaliation.
- Senate Bill 5396 helps address the shortage of seasonal and annual farmworker housing by extending an existing sales-and-use tax exemption.
Learn more about these bills in this recent article in The Stand.
Visiting Orcas Island
This week, I visited Orcas Island for a roundtable with community leaders to discuss 2021 legislative session. I met with San Juan County staff to discuss local updates and how we can continue to support the county in their work in addressing climate change, natural resource management, and vessel traffic. In addition, I joined Jeanne Beck, Director of Stewardship and Project Manager of OPAL Community Land Trust, and County Councilmember Cindy Wolf to tour the successful April’s Grove project, which provides 45 affordable rental townhomes in Eastsound. I am continuously proud of the work OPAL is doing to bring affordable housing to the Orcas Island community and look forward to seeing their work continue to grow. Finally, I shared remarks at the ceremony to honor the Red Road to DC Totem Pole Journey and the House of Tears carvers on the traditional village site of the Lhaq’temish people on Madrona Point, Orcas Island. Learn more in this recent article in the San Juan Islander. |
In the News
At the end of last month, the governor signed into law House Bill 1356, my bill to no longer allow the derogatory use of Native Americans as mascots in public schools. Already this new law is making a difference! Read about the changes happening in the Spokane region in this recent article from KUOW.
After young members of the Spokane Tribe shared concerns, the Spokane Tribe chose to not endorse any school’s request to keep their mascots. Schools are now required to request the permission of a tribe to use Native American imagery due to a new state law. – via KUOW
I look forward to meeting with leaders from the Spokane School District later today to learn more about their implementation process. Community education and outreach is key as we learn and heal together.
North Central High School in Spokane is retiring its ‘Indians’ mascot. PHOTO CREDIT: REBECCA WHITE / SPOKANE PUBLIC RADIO
Thank you all for taking to the time to read this week’s Fantastic Friday, and for taking an interest in our progress at the House of Representatives.
Please feel free to reach out to me using the information below, with any questions, inquiries, or concerns you may have.
I am here for you!
All best wishes,
Rep. Debra Lekanoff