Dear neighbors,
I’m happy to report good news on a number of fronts.
This e-newsletter has updates on our war against the covid virus, my work on developing a better economy in timber and farm country, and helping small businesses recover from this pandemic.
Turning the corner on this pandemic
Every day brings more progress to beat covid and return to normal. We can’t declare victory today—but we can see the end from here.
Gov. Jay Inslee moved the entire state to Phase 3, with more capacity at restaurants and masked spectators allowed back into football and baseball games.
Our greatest weapon against the virus? Vaccines. More than 2 million people in our state already have the shots, with more people getting vaccinated every day. Now, teachers, school staff, and other frontline workers are getting immunized so schools can reopen.
President Joe Biden announced a national goal of opening up vaccinations to all adults starting May 1. If we keep this pace, we’ll reach that goal.
Vaccinations are the key to reopening our local businesses, getting everybody back to work, and returning to normal.
We’ll still need to wear masks and be careful until this is truly beat. But please sign up to get the shot. There are often leftover vaccinations at the end of the day, and you might get called for a last-minute shot so those don’t go to waste.
Check out the Phase Finder tool to see if you’re eligible for the vaccine. For a list of vaccine locations across Washington state, click here. More information about the next vaccine phases is also available in English at this link and in Spanish (en Español) at this link.
It feels like a weight is lifting off all of our shoulders after a long, dark year, and I look forward to seeing all of you in person again. Please stay safe and get the shot!
Building up rural Washington
The best way to create jobs in timber and farm country is to build better infrastructure.
I introduced House Bill 1333 to help get that job done. It lets rural counties use a part of the sales tax (0.09 percent) for the construction of public facilities and for economic development.
Many counties have issued bonds against this revenue stream to build projects that otherwise would be impossible.
Rural counties can use this funding for things like broadband infrastructure, transportation projects, and economic development offices. I know that broadband is a particular need right now, and there’s more legislation moving to help bring fast internet to more areas of the 24th District and the rest of Washington state.
The rural development tax was set to expire. This legislation extends the program until the year 2054, which will give counties the ability to plan and issue more bonds to build a better future and create local jobs.
Helping small businesses recover
Participating in your democracy
I hope you’ve had a chance to get informed and involved this year.
We worked hard to create more options for people to participate during the Legislature’s first remote session.
You’re invited to our town hall!
At 6 p.m. on Monday, March 22, we’re hosting a telephone town hall for the people of the 24th District.
Shortly before 6 p.m., a random cross-section of district constituents will be telephoned and invited to participate in the town hall. All you have to do is pick up the phone and stay on the line.
If you have a cell phone or don’t get a call at 6 p.m., you can participate by dialing the toll-free number 877-229-8493 and using the ID code 116281.
I’ve always enjoyed these town halls and hope to hear your voice on Monday.
If you have questions or comments about the town hall or anything else, please get in touch!
