Friends:
The last time the Legislature was in session, the coronavirus was spreading rapidly across Washington state and the country. We adjourned just as several public health and safety proclamations were issued by the governor to slow the spread of the virus.
It’s been an up-and-down battle ever since as our state and our country fight the virus. Unfortunately, we’re now in the so-called “third wave” with cases increasing rapidly and grim warnings about the holiday season coming from public health experts.
It is imperative that we continue to follow the advice of public health officials and follow the governor’s proclamations. The governor recently extended the current restrictions on indoor dining, gyms, and social gatherings to January 4. I know this isn’t ideal, especially during holiday season. But limiting these activities has proven to be one of the most effective ways of slowing the spread.
Please continue to wear your mask, avoid social gatherings, and wash your hands frequently.
2021 Session
We’re less than one month away from the start of the 2021 legislative session. As I mentioned in my last email update, the upcoming session will look quite a bit different. Lawmakers will be conducting our business almost exclusively in virtual settings.
Lawmakers and legislative staff have been working since March in anticipation of a possible virtual session. It simply isn’t safe for lawmakers and staff to gather in-person while case numbers continue to rise and ICU beds are nearing capacity.
Melissa Santos with Crosscut has a great story outlining what the upcoming session will look like in an all virtual setting.
Our committee meetings and floor debates will be done with Zoom video conferencing. Like before, TVW will broadcast all floor debates, committee meetings, press conferences, and other legislative events on their broadcast channel and internet livestreams.
The Capitol Campus is closed to the general public and guests until further notice. This means those looking to participate in the legislative process will need to do so virtually. The logistical details are being finalized. I will send another update once those are in place. More information will also be posted to the legislative website once available.
If there are any positive outcomes as a result of this new legislative structure, giving the general public more opportunities to testify remotely is certainly one of them. For many residents, taking a half or full day to come to Olympia to testify on a bill for just a few minutes isn’t feasible. And there’s no guarantee they will be called up to testify even if they make the long drive. It is my hope that remote testimony becomes a permanent element of the legislative process even when the public health crisis subsides.
These decisions are being made with public health and safety in mind. I know there will be some bumps along the way, but we have a great team eager to meet the challenges ahead. Lawmakers will be ready to do the people’s business in January.
2021 Session Agenda
Economic relief for small businesses, unemployed workers, renters, and landlords will be one of the highest priorities. With the complete failure of Congress to pass adequate relief measures, it’s up to state and local governments to step in to help their residents through these difficult times.
Police reform and accountability will also be a top priority next session, along with making continued progress on climate change. I will be introducing bills to increase police accountability and protect our environment.
More on those topics in the next update.
Meeting with me
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, I am taking my constituent meetings over the phone and using video conferencing tools as opposed to the traditional in-person format.
I am holding and scheduling virtual meetings now, so please do feel free to reach out and request a meeting if you would like one. My office is working to expand contact options for those with limited internet access. Stay tuned for more details on that.
Sincerely,
Jesse Salomon
State Senator
32nd Legislative District
