Supporting small businesses and workers, vaccine information

January 29, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The remote legislative session continues moving along even though we are doing things differently this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In our Community and Economic Development Committee, I’ve been pleased with the legislature’s and the public’s ability to adapt to this temporary environment. We’ve heard public testimony from folks across our state whose voices we wouldn’t have heard if they had to travel for many hours to share their thoughts and concerns in our committee meetings.

I wanted to send you a quick update on action we took to support small businesses and the workers who have been hit hardest by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, and to share with you the latest news about COVID-19 vaccine distribution and availability.

In my next update I’ll share more information about our community and economic recovery efforts. I care deeply about making sure Washington recovers strongly and that our state remains the best place for small businesses and workers.

Thanks for taking the time to read this update,

 

 

Unemployment Insurance relief for businesses and workers

My office receives emails and calls on many different issues daily but this year, of course, the coronavirus and its consequences have taken center stage. We have heard from many small business owners who are facing unprecedented hikes (up to 500 percent in some cases!) in their Unemployment Insurance premium tax bills, and from struggling workers whose unemployment benefits are just not enough to support their families.

The urgency of this matter could not be overstated. We had to do something, and we had to do it right away. So the first week of session, the chairs of the labor committees in both chambers introduced bipartisan identical bills (SB 5061 / HB 1098) to bring relief for both businesses and workers.

The Senate passed its bill on Wednesday evening on a 42-7 vote and we passed it off the House Floor on Friday on an 89-9 vote. It’s now on the governor’s desk who is expected to enact it into law soon.

Business-owners will breathe more easily seeing the reductions in their UI tax bills due in April, and the state’s hardest-hit lowest-wage workers will see a 5 percent raise in their unemployment benefits. This means people who make between $21,000 and $27,800 annually will receive a larger share of their weekly wages in benefits.

For the details and information on how the bill will better prepare our state for the next health emergency, as well as rebuild Washington’s Unemployment Insurance trust fund, please go here.

We are committed to getting everyone in our state vaccinated, but it will take time.

  • I know it is extremely frustrating that most people in our community cannot get an appointment right away, and that many others must wait until the state moves to future phases.
  • There will be broad public announcements when we are ready to start the next phase, including efforts to reach out to hard-to-reach and traditionally underserved communities. Thank you for your patience as we work to get millions of people across the state vaccinated
  • I hope and expect that the new federal administration will improve vaccine accessibility and distribution efforts both in our state, and around the country.

What is the plan for distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccines in Washington?

  • Vaccines are being administered in phases.  As of 1/18/21, we are currently in Phase 1B-Tier 1.
  • This visual timeline shows phase 1a and phase 1b and the estimated dates for each.

When and where can I get vaccinated?

  • Visit the Phase Finder website and fill out a questionnaire to determine what Phase you qualify for.  You can choose to be notified when your Phase is activated.  The notification will also include information about where you can receive the vaccine locally.
  • Contact your healthcare provider to find out when and where you can receive the vaccine, or check out vaccine locations near you.

Will I be charged for the vaccine?

  • The vaccine will be fully covered by the federal government without cost-sharing. This means you should not receive a bill for the vaccine or related services from the provider. This applies to people who are covered by private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and for those who do not have insurance. Providers are prohibited from charging patients who do not have coverage and/or cannot pay for administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • You should not be charged for an office visit if you only receive the vaccine. If other services are performed along with the administration of the vaccine, it may be billed as an office visit. Seek clarification from your provider beforehand and from your insurance company if you are charged an office visit fee.