The health and economic challenges facing our state in the coming months are enormous, but we must be ready to rise to the challenge at every level of government. This week in the Washington State Senate, we created a bipartisan select committee to help guide the Legislature’s long-term economic response to the coronavirus pandemic.
While this special committee is focused on bigger, long-term recovery solutions, we continue to also work on the short-term economic reopening plan. I am glad to be part of a bipartisan group of local leaders working with the governor’s office and public health officials to create a reopening plan for Spokane that is safe for everyone and accelerated ahead of other parts of the state based on our low local case numbers. And, for now, I urge everyone to be diligent about social distancing as we work our way toward Phase 2 of the reopening plan.
Storytime from the Tower
Navigating our way through this challenging time is tough for us all. That’s why I was so happy to focus a few minutes of my time reading one of our family’s favorite books for the Spokesman Review’s ‘Storytime from the Tower’ series. “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Shertle offers a timely lesson about cooperation and teamwork that we all can learn from.
Resource newsletter sent to neighbors
You may have recently received a mailing from our Spokane legislative delegation. It offers a quick guide to some of the key resources available during this crisis. You can view an electronic version here. As we’ve seen, news about this pandemic changes rapidly and the state’s portal — coronavirus.wa.gov — is the best place to get the latest information.
Last newsletter until November
Due to ethics rules, no official mass communications are allowed starting May 11 in an election year. So this will be my last e-newsletter until November. Please continue to reach out with any questions or comments at Andy.Billig@leg.wa.gov.
Stay safe and healthy. We will get through this by working together and supporting each other.
Onward!
Andy
