Dear friends and neighbors,

What this quarantine is putting us through hasn’t been easy, but our efforts to stay home are working.  This May 7 Seattle Times story, with data from the CDC, shows that we’ve slowed the spread of the virus significantly more than most other states in the nation.

We’ve come this far because people in this state overwhelmingly acted responsibly—we followed the public health orders and we stayed home when we could. People sacrificed a lot to get us to this point, and we don’t want to go back now. Continuing to follow the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is critical to reopening our state safely and getting everyone back to work as soon as possible.

The Safe Start Plan

Thanks to the great job we’re doing, the state has begun to gradually open following the governor’s data-driven four-phased approach.

Phase 1 began on May 5^th. In this phase, we will continue to stay home and limit trips to only essential travel. Some outdoor recreation, including state parks and hiking, have been opened, as well as drive-in religious services.

Every 3 weeks, the Governor’s office and Cabinet will evaluate public health data to determine if we are ready to advance to the next phase. This data includes health care system readiness, testing capacity, contact tracing ability, and risk to vulnerable populations. Over the course of the four phases, our goal is to balance our public health and economic needs.

The metrics and steps in this plan are crucial components to reopening Washington safely, slowly, and thoughtfully. Following the guidelines in the Safe Start plan will help prevent both another peak in COVID-19 infection rates and a further extension of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Read more about what each phase includes.

Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Veterans

This year, counties are expanding the Senior Citizen and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption based on legislation we passed in 2019.

Under this new law, in an effort to keep seniors in their own homes, more seniors and veterans with disabilities on fixed incomes are eligible for a property tax exemption. I want to ensure eligible constituents take advantage of it.

Click here for more information.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

Congress passed relief packages to help state and local programs in these difficult times. While they won’t fix every problem, they are positive steps to continue fighting this virus. Here’s the estimated breakdown of funding for our state:

State Coronavirus Relief Fund—$2.953 billion for state and local public health systems. Child Care Development Block Grant—$58.2 million to help childcare providers. 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 help those who need assistance paying their utility bills. Education Stabilization Fund—$273.5 million to help schools support online learning, plan and coordinate school closures, and other emergency needs.

Court Operations

Another consequence of COVID-19 is an increased demand on legal aid for recently displaced workers, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, and low-income people affected by the crisis. Learn more about resources to help. Please note, the Washington state Supreme Court has suspended all jury trials until July 6, 2020 in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. For full information about court closures and modifications,click here.

Election Year Restrictions

I want to let you know that this is the last e-newsletter you will receive from me until after the November election is certified. That’s because during an election year, there are certain restrictions to prevent the use of state resources for election purposes. Among those restrictions are a freeze on legislators’ websites and on mass communications, such as e-newsletters.

Because my website will be static, meaning no new content can be added or updated during the freeze, I’ve made sure a lot of useful information is up for you to peruse. For example:

I have a new tab dedicated to COVID-19 resources that includes links to health care sites, resources for children and families as well as for businesses and workers, and even local resources, like cities and school districts within our district.

You will also be able to read the digital copy of the COVID-19 Resource Guide my seatmates and I mailed in April, in case you did not receive it.

As the legislative session was winding down, in early March, the spread of the coronavirus was swelling and demanding attention from everybody, including lawmakers. Many of us did not send out our customary session wrap newsletters because, with the situation constantly changing, we felt it was more important to get information on COVID-19 to you as quickly as we were receiving it. But we did get a lot done this session and I believe you should have the option to read about it, so I prepared this comprehensive report that compiles some of the most significant legislation passed this year.

Keep in Touch

While I won’t be able to reach out to you over the next few months, I don’t want to stop hearing from you. I’m still your state representative and my office will still be working. Israel, my Legislative Assistant, and I will continue answering your questions, providing you with information and helping you out in any way we can when you reach out to us either by phone or email. So don’t be a stranger and let me know how you’re doing. My best to you and yours,