Friends, neighbors –
Week 2 of session has come and gone – and it’s been amazing to see so many of our neighbors across the state participating in remote testimony. We’ve had nurses sharing their thoughts from outside the hospital on a lunch break, teachers offering thoughtful feedback from their cars on their way to drop off kiddos at childcare, neighbors calling in on landlines from their living room. How wonderful to see so many new faces jumping into the legislative process this session!
This past week has been a newsworthy one in other ways, too: COVID-19 response is underway – including vaccine distribution and a relief package. Keep reading for updates on both fronts.
OUR STATE’S COVID-19 RESPONSE
Together, the Senate and House unveiled a $2.2 billion COVID-19 relief package yesterday – centered around getting aid to Washingtonians as quickly as possible.
Highlights of the package include:
- $618 million for vaccine administration, contact tracing and testing (includes emphasis on helping school districts reopen safely).
- $668 million for schools as they resume in-person learning plus dedicated funding to help students catch up from learning loss during the pandemic.
- $365 million for rental assistance to help tenants and landlords impacted by the pandemic.
- $240 million for more than 12,000 small business assistance grants (administered through the state Department of Commerce).
Click here or on the image below to read more about it.
Click here!
VACCINE DISTRIBUTION IN WASHINGTON
Successful vaccine distribution is not only about keeping our neighbors healthy – it’s about getting our small businesses and our economy open and running again. We must make sure that folks most at risk, and those on the front lines of caring for our community, are able to access the vaccine as quickly as possible.
Our caucus budget team has had ongoing meetings with the Department of Health to make sure a lack of resources won’t inhibit distribution or administration of the vaccine.
As of yesterday, the state is vaccinating approximately 15,000 Washingtonians per day. The hope is to reach and exceed 45,000 vaccinations per day, so that we can get back to the things we all dearly miss – hugging our loved ones, meeting up with friends at our favorite coffee shop, sharing office spaces with our colleagues. The sooner folks are physically protected by the vaccine, the sooner we can rebuild our thriving economy. You can track vaccine distribution here.
Hybrid floor session in the Washington State Senate, Jan. 13, 2021.
Keep in touch
We are all eager to hear from you about your priorities. I hope you’ll follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so you can see what we’re up to. And please feel free to reach out anytime at 360-786-7650 or Emily.Randall@leg.wa.gov. The more we hear from you, the better our work in Olympia can reflect our shared values and goals.
All my best,
