Showing posts with label governor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label governor. Show all posts

Gov. Inslee says pandemic ‘turning point’ could see mask requirements lifted soon

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Gov. Inslee, summer 2020
Gov. Jay Inslee welcomed declines in COVID hospitalizations this week as evidence the state is at a turning point in the pandemic. 

COVID-19 hospitalizations and case counts remain high, but Inslee on Wednesday said the trends indicate we are at a turning point in the pandemic that could result in mask requirements being relaxed.

Inslee announced a series of actions that will be lifted February 18, 2022. 

Washington National Guard service members will begin to wind down deployment to hospitals; hospitals will be able to resume non-urgent procedures; and outdoor mask requirements at large events with more than 500 attendees will also end.

Conversations are also being had about when and how to safely change indoor mask requirements. Inslee said he would announce a decision next week.

"For the millions of Washingtonians who have quietly been doing all the right things these past two years to protect themselves, their families and their communities, thank you. You have helped save lives. We will continue to move forward carefully and cautiously, together," Inslee said.


Read more...

Inslee issues emergency order on non-urgent health care services

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Gov. Jay Inslee
Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency order to temporarily restrict non-urgent health care services, procedures and surgeries that are performed in hospitals as part of a package of measures taken to address the current COVID-related state of crisis in hospitals.

The emergency order also prohibits all hospitals from utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) other than according to a conventional capacity strategy.

This emergency order is effective at 12:01 on Monday, January 17, 2022 and will remain in effect until 11:59 pm on February 17 unless rescinded sooner.

Proclamation 20-24.3



Read more...

Inslee provides support to hospitals to fight Omicron variant


With COVID-19 cases rising due to the transmissibility of the Omicron variant, hospitals are seeing a dramatic increase in COVID hospitalizations. The health care staffing shortages have led hospitals to be at or over their capacity to treat patients. 

Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the state will be taking a number of actions to help alleviate the staffing crisis in hospitals.

The governor was joined for the virtual press conference by Umair Shah, MD, MPH, secretary, Washington State Department of Health and General Bret Daugherty, Washington State Military Department.

The governor announced a variety of tools to help support hospitals including, deploying the Washington State National Guard, putting a pause on non-urgent medical procedures, additional efforts to discharge patients into long-term care facilities and additional resources for healthcare workers.

Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page.



Read more...

Inslee statement on COVID booster expanded eligibility

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Boosters advised for adults who received
 Pfizer or Moderna more than 6 months ago;
 Johnson and Johnson more than 2 months ago
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today as the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup confirmed actions taken yesterday by FDA and CDC to recommend boosters for all adults who received their initial course of COVID- 19 vaccine six or more months ago.

“The COVID vaccines continue to amaze me as a scientific success. The vaccine is the path out of the pandemic. 
"I encourage everyone five years and older to get vaccinated – whether you are a child or adult getting their first vaccinate or a 50-year-old getting a booster, we can protect each other with this important step,” Inslee said. 

"As we head into winter, we want to make sure to have as much protection against COVID as we can. We are seeing surging cases in other parts of the country, and we want to do what we can to prevent ourselves entering another COVID wave. 
"Now that boosters are available to all adults, we hope everyone will take advantage of them. Protect yourself, your loved ones, your coworkers and your friends."

READ: Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup letter to Inslee and other governors.

Washington Vaccine Locator tool or contact your local pharmacy.



Read more...

Inslee-led coalition of governments commits to slashing carbon emissions

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee
GLASGOW, Scotland – A coalition of 68 state, regional and city governments led by Gov. Jay Inslee today affirmed their urgent commitment to addressing the climate crisis by signing a range of emissions-slashing actions ahead of 2030. 

This is part of a global call from local and regional governments in recognition of the increased impacts of climate change and their critical role in addressing it.

At a press event with other leaders on Sunday, Inslee announced an executive order to fully electrify Washington state's public fleets and transition to a 100% zero-emission light duty fleet by 2035, as well as 100% zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty state fleets by 2040.

"Together with the rest of the leaders here and those everywhere else today who are committed to this fight, we will lead the charge on decarbonizing the transportation sector," Inslee said.

Convening at COP26, governments from the Under2 Coalition, U.S. Climate Alliance and C40 acknowledged the need to move beyond lofty goals and focus on immediate actions to reach them in order to keep global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees. This means taking measures across all sectors to drive down emissions and protect biodiversity.

The range of actions announced Sunday covers:
  • Inter-governmental cooperation and planning
  • Built environment
  • Clean transportation
  • Energy
  • Environmental justice
  • Nature-based solutions
  • Waste
  • Agriculture

"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to effectively mitigate climate change. The actions we take in the next five years will determine the fate of our species. I’m proud to stand with this global coalition of governors and mayors to go beyond pledges," Inslee said. 
"Together, we are charting a path to make tangible, meaningful progress to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and get to net-zero by 2050. Now is the time for leaders to buckle down and get it done.”

Among today’s commitments are pledges to require 100% of new car sales be zero-emission vehicles beginning 2035 and 100% zero-carbon energy by 2045, as well as ensuring 100% net zero operating emissions from new building construction from 2030. 

Other commitments include conserving at least 30% of land and coastal waters by 2030 and ensuring that at least 40% of expenditures benefit overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.

A recent United Nations report showed that with current emissions projections, the world should be prepared for a temperature rise of about 2.7°C by the end of the century. 

The consequences of this rise would be catastrophic, and again underline the need for short-term – as well as long term – commitments. Although today’s pledges are an important step, it is clear that more needs to be done at all levels to ensure genuine progress on climate change.

Read the governor's full executive order here.



Read more...

Inslee issues two proclamations for facial coverings, vaccine requirements

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee
Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday updated and extended two emergency proclamations that expand the vaccine requirement and the statewide face covering requirement. 


The governor made the announcement at a press conference earlier this week.

"It has been a long pandemic, and our students and teachers have borne their own unique burdens throughout,” Inslee said at the announcement. 
“This virus is increasingly impacting young people, and those under the age of 12 still can’t get the vaccine for themselves. 
"We won’t gamble with the health of our children, our educators and school staff, nor the health of the communities they serve.”

Proclamation 20-25 is amended to adopt the most recent face covering order issued by the Secretary of Health, Order 20-03.4. Under this order, every person in Washington must wear a face covering when they are in a place that is generally accessible to any person from outside their household, subject to specific exceptions and exemptions.
 
Proclamation 21-14 (Vaccination Requirement) is expanded to include all employees, on-site contractors and on-site volunteers at all public and private K-12 schools, public and private 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education, and early learning and child care programs serving children from multiple households.

The statewide mask requirement goes into effect on Monday, August 23, 2021. Amendment to Proclamation 21-14 (Vaccination Requirement) is effective immediately.



Read more...

Inslee announces educator vaccination requirement and statewide indoor mask mandate

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Inslee announces educator vaccination requirement at press conference
Photo courtesy Governor's office

Today, Governor Inslee announced vaccination requirements for educators and child care workers and expanded the mask requirement across the state.

Educator vaccine requirement

K -12 educators, school staff, coaches, bus drivers, school volunteers and others working in school facilities will have until October 18, 2021 to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment. 

The requirement includes public, private and charter schools, and comes as schools across the state prepare to return for the 2021–2022 school year amid rapidly increasing case and hospitalization numbers. This does not impact students, regardless of age.

“It has been a long pandemic, and our students and teachers have borne their own unique burdens throughout,” Inslee said. “This virus is increasingly impacting young people, and those under the age of 12 still can’t get the vaccine for themselves. We won’t gamble with the health of our children, our educators and school staff, nor the health of the communities they serve.”
“As our school buildings reopen this fall for in-person learning, vaccination of our school employees will be a key mitigation measure to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and families,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. “Our ability to maintain continued in-person learning without major COVID-related disruptions will depend on low virus transmission within our schools. I appreciate the governor’s leadership in taking this important step in the fight against the spread of this virus.”

As with state employees and private healthcare workers, there will be no test out option. Unions may bargain with school districts to negotiate time off to receive the vaccine or recover from symptoms of the vaccine. Just like the state worker mandate, there are limited exceptions under law which employees may apply for, including legitimate medical reasons and sincerely held religious beliefs. Individuals who refuse to get vaccinated will be subject to dismissal.

Higher education and childcare/early learning

Inslee also announced a vaccine requirement for employees in Washington’s higher education institutions, as well as for most childcare and early learning providers who serve children from multiple households.

Education staff, faculty and contractors are required to be fully vaccinated by October 18, consistent with the state worker vaccination requirement timeline.

Childcare providers affected by the requirement include the following groups
  • Licensed, certified and contracted early learning and childcare programs
  • License-exempt early learning, childcare and youth-development programs
  • Contractors (coaches, volunteers, trainers, etc.)

Not included in this mandate are providers delivering FFN (family, friends and neighbors) care.

Statewide mask mandate

The governor also announced that the existing statewide mask mandate will be expanded to once again include vaccinated individuals in indoor settings effective Monday, August 23.

The expansion comes after Washington recently broke the previous record for COVID hospitalizations set in December. Every county in the state currently falls within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) substantial or high transmission, and each of the state’s 35 local health officers recently recommended all individuals wear masks indoors.

“In Washington we continue to see an increase of cases, hospitalizations,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “Vaccines are safe and effective, but they take time to work. As our vaccination efforts continue, we are asking the public to take additional protections to help slow the spread of COVID in communities. Wearing a mask helps to protect yourself and each other.”

The mask mandate will apply to most all public places across the state, including restaurants, grocery stores, malls and public-facing offices, regardless of vaccination status.

There will be limited exceptions when face coverings won’t be required, such as office spaces not easily accessible to the public where individuals are vaccinated, and when working alone indoors or in a vehicle with no public face-to-face interaction. Small, private indoor gatherings where all attendees are vaccinated are also exempt.

“We have seen over the last year how widespread masking also saves lives by reducing infection,” Inslee said. “I know this will frustrate some vaccinated folks who thought they wouldn’t have to do this anymore. There are not enough people vaccinated. The result is the explosive growth of a much more infectious strain, the Delta variant, and its increasingly concerns impacts on people of all ages.”

While not required, the Department of Health strongly recommends individuals also wear masks in crowded outdoor settings, such as outdoor concerts, fairs and farmers markets.



Read more...

King County, State of Washington and City of Seattle announce vaccination requirement for most employees, private health care and long-term care workers

Monday, August 9, 2021

l-r Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, KC Executive Dow Constantine, Gov. Jay Inslee, interpreter, and KC Public Health Office Jeffrey Duchin (Office of the Governor photo)

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced King County will now require all employees to be fully vaccinated, effective October 18, 2021. 

To meet this requirement, employees must have received their second shot of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or first shot of a Johnson and Johnson vaccine, by October 4, 2021, and provide verified proof of vaccination. The requirement will apply to employees in the Executive branch, including the Assessor, Elections, and Sheriff's Office.

"A healthy King County depends on every eligible resident getting vaccinated. With the Delta variant surging, it is high time for everyone to do their part to protect one another, our children and our economy,” said Executive Constantine. 

“Joining with the state and the City of Seattle, we’re helping close the vaccination gaps in our community and our workforce, to get everyone across the finish line and move our community forward into recovery.”

Gov. Jay Inslee announced a requirement for most state workers, and on-site contractors and volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18, 2021 to be fully vaccinated.

The requirement applies to state workers, regardless of teleworking status. This applies to executive cabinet agencies, but the governor encouraged all others such as higher education, local governments, the legislative branch, other statewide elected officials and organizations in the private sector to do the same.

It does not apply to employees who report to the state’s independently elected officials such as the secretary of state or the commissioner of public lands.

“It is the mission of public servants and those providing health care to serve our fellow Washingtonians. These workers live in every community in our state, working together and with the public every day to deliver services,” Inslee said. 

“We have a duty to protect them from the virus, they have the right to be protected, and the communities they serve and live in deserve protection as well.”

The governor made the announcement at a press conference on Monday at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle. He was joined by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Kaiser Permanente Washington President Susan Mullaney, Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah, and Seattle-King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeffrey Duchin.

The new requirement includes well-defined exemptions to the vaccine. Individuals with legitimate medical reasons or sincerely held religious reasons will be exempt. The exemptions do not include personal or philosophical objections.

Prior to the governor’s announcement, Kaiser Permanente WA mandated that it would be requiring all its employees to be vaccinated.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said that "Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. City of Seattle employees must be fully vaccinated by 10/18 to help us reopen safely while protecting employees and public. We will evaluate plans based on science plus King County Public Health guidance."

The announcement comes as Washington is experiencing a severe increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations in every county, due to the Delta variant, with the overwhelming majority of cases and hospitalizations being among unvaccinated Washingtonians.



Read more...

Inslee addresses Biden, Harris on challenges of worsening wildfires

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Western governors brief Biden and Harris on wildfire challenges

The White House

Gov. Jay Inslee joined a bipartisan group of seven Western governors to address President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the challenges states face from increasing wildfires.

Wildfires in Washington to date have burned four times more acreage than normal for this point in the calendar year. Inslee talked about the state's need for additional aerial assets in fighting wildfires; challenges with getting dozers to fire lines; the need to train more firefighters; and fuel supply issues.

"The thing I worry most about is if, for some reason, the Congress did not follow your leadership in this reconciliation and infrastructure bills that allowed you to realize your vision of creating millions of jobs while fighting climate change," Inslee said. 
"That’s my biggest worry right now. Because the fact of the matter is there is nothing in human intervention against these fires while climate continues to ravage our forest."

A transcript of the public portion of the meeting can be found at the White House website. Video of the meeting can be found on the White House YouTube page.

After the meeting, the governor recorded a video wrapping up what was discussed.


Read more...

Governor authorizes emergency drought declaration for most of the state - but not central Puget Sound

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the state Department of Ecology to issue an emergency drought declaration for most of the state Wednesday.

A historically dry spring and summer, followed by a record-breaking heat wave, have affected water supplies across Washington. 

The only areas excluded from the emergency declaration are Seattle, Tacoma and Everett, which are expected to have sufficient water storage to meet residential and commercial needs through the summer, and to maintain adequate water levels in nearby rivers to protect fish.

A drought emergency means water supply is projected to be below 75% of average, and there is a risk of undue hardship to water users and uses. A formal drought declaration authorizes Ecology to take certain measures for the purpose of providing emergency drought relief:
  • Expedite processing for emergency drought permits
  • Process temporary transfers of water rights
  • Provide funding assistance for public entities
  • Hold public education workshops

The governor also amended the state's partial burn ban to now also suspend the statutory truck driver hour limitations, to address the interruption in fuel distribution to firefighters. 

It will also allow the National and State Guard to assist firefighters. The governor also declared an emergency in 18 counties due to heat damage to roads and infrastructure. This will trigger Comprehensive Emergency Management Plans and allow for local coordination to assist in addressing the damage in an expedited manner.

The impacts of the drought and extreme heat have been worsened by climate change, according to researchers.

"Our state and its 7.6 million residents are under attack from climate change; it touches every part of our lives right now. It is menacing our world and our way of life in ways that demand and compel our full attention right now," Inslee said. 
"It’s a wave that is breaking on us right now and that’s why you could easily call this the summer of climate change."

Update: added information about central Puget Sound.

Read more...

Governor issues final utility moratorium extension

Monday, July 5, 2021

Gov. Inslee issues extension on
utility moratorium
Gov. Jay Inslee this week issued an extension of the utility moratorium proclamation, which will now expire on September 30, 2021. 

This will be the final extension of the proclamation and the extension will align with the end date of the tenancy preservation bridge (21-09) to give Washingtonians struggling with housing payments time to prepare and seek assistance before both proclamations expire.

"Utilities and housing are inextricably linked," Inslee said. "Our priority is to keep Washingtonians safe and housed, and give them a glide path to long-term stability."

The Office of the Governor will work closely with utilities on how they can continue to support customers once the moratorium expires. 

Utilities are encouraged to:
  • Continue to make good faith efforts to reach customers with past-due accounts, including partnering with community organizations, and provide information about their various assistance options.
  • Help customers identify utility, local, state and federal financial assistance programs they may be eligible for.
  • Offer extended payment plans of 12 months or longer.
  • Waive disconnection, reconnection, site visit and late fees accrued during the disconnection moratorium, if customers sign up for payment assistance.
  • Refrain from reporting overdue accounts to credit bureaus or placing liens on customers with overdue accounts for at least 180 days.

In addition to outreach from utilities, customers should contact their utility to learn about programs and financial resources that can help with unpaid utility bills and prevent disconnections. 

Residents with past-due energy and water balances are encouraged to call their utility providers as soon as possible to set up a payment or assistance plan. Customers can look up their utility information here or call 2-1-1.

Customers seeking language assistance can contact the UTC Consumer Protection Help Line for interpretation services: 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or consumer@utc.wa.gov

Read the full proclamation here.



Read more...

King county (and the rest of the state) get a two-week reprieve on Phases

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

King county will remain in Phase III for two weeks and then be reevaluated.

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a two-week pause on movement in the Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan. 

Under the pause, every county will remain in its current phase. At the end of two weeks, each county will be re-evaluated.

The decision was made in consultation with the Department of Health, and reflects current data suggesting Washington’s fourth wave has hit a plateau.

“We are at the intersection of progress and failure, and we cannot veer from the path of progress,” Inslee said Tuesday. 
“Our economy is beginning to show early signs of growth thanks to some of our great legislative victories and we know vaccines are the ticket to further reopening  —  if we adhere to public health until enough people are vaccinated.”

For the past several weeks, epidemiologists have been following the state’s fourth COVID-19 wave, which now appears to be leveling out. The fourth wave has been less severe and case counts and mortalities have not been tied in rates of increase as they have in the past.

The changes in data throughout the fourth wave have been attributed to increasing vaccination rates, shortening hospital stays and lessening the severity of the illness. The state’s early vaccine prioritization has also been tied to improved data and decreasing mortality rates in the state’s most vulnerable populations.

Vaccines are now available to all Washingtonians 16 and up. To find an appointment, visit VaccineLocator.doh.wa.gov - or go to the UW vaccination clinic at the Shoreline Center. 

Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page.


Read more...

Gov. Inslee signs bill to put statue of Billy Frank Jr. in U.S. Capitol

Thursday, April 15, 2021


Gov. Jay Inslee signed HB 1372 today, which will place a statue of tribal leader Billy Frank Jr. in the National Statuary Hall. 

Inslee was joined by members of Frank’s family, tribal and community members, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and Rep. Debra Lekanoff when he signed the bill in a ceremony at Wa He Lut Indian School in Olympia.

“Billy Frank Jr.’s legacy should inspire Washingtonians to have open discussions about our place in the world, both what we take from the earth and what we give back. And it reaffirms certain truths as old as the Nisqually Tribe itself: That the environment is not just a resource; it is our home, and we must protect it,” Inslee said.

Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page

Information about Billy Frank, Jr HERE



Read more...

Inslee signs commutations following court decision on simple drug possession

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Gov. Inslee
file photo pre-pandemic
Gov. Jay Inslee has signed commutations for 13 individuals convicted of drug possession charges under a law that was recently struck down by the Washington State Supreme Court. Those individuals have been released from Department of Corrections custody.

More commutations are expected in response to petitions from incarcerated individuals, with the governor planning to sign at least two more today. 

Last week, Inslee offered unconditional commutations to individuals remaining in Department of Corrections (DOC) custody solely on simple drug possession convictions.

In February, the court struck down a portion of state law that makes simple drug possession a crime. A majority of justices said the law was unconstitutional because it did not require prosecutors prove a suspect knowingly or intentionally possessed contraband. 

The court’s decision essentially invalidated the statute that was the basis for the criminal convictions and related sentences for numerous individuals, including many in DOC custody in state prisons solely for these now-invalidated drug possession convictions.

While prosecutors and the courts have worked to vacate the convictions of individuals convicted and sentenced under this now-invalidated drug possession statute, the governor has endeavored to use his clemency authority to expeditiously facilitate a more immediate release for other individuals in custody solely on these convictions.



Read more...

Governor: State moves to Phase 3 March 22; Phase 1B, Tier 2 eligible for vaccine March 17

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Gov. Inslee
On Thursday, the governor announced that every group prioritized in Phase 1B, Tier 2 will be eligible for their COVID vaccine starting Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

This includes workers in agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, firefighters and law enforcement, among others. Phase 1B, Tier 2 also includes people over the age of 16 who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high-risk.

The state will continue to ensure those eligible in earlier phases who have not yet been administered doses have space to be vaccinated, even as more people become eligible.

You can find out more about who is eligible and how to make an appointment on the Department of Health's website.

Phase 1B Tier 2 adds High-risk critical workers who work in certain congregate settings: 
  • Agriculture
  • fishing vessel crews 
  • food processing
  • grocery stores
  • corrections; prisons, jails or detention centers
  • public transit
  • remaining first responders  
  • People 16 years or older who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness.

Effective March 22, the entire state will enter Phase 3.

Sports guidance will change in Phase 3 to allow in-person spectators at events for the first time in a year. Spectators will be allowed to attend outdoor venues with permanent seating with capacity capped at 25%. 

The change affects both professional and high school sports, as well as motorsports, rodeos, and other outdoor spectator events. Social distancing and facial covering are still required.

Read more about the Phase 3 announcement here.



Read more...

Inslee signs $2.2 billion COVID relief bill

Saturday, February 20, 2021


Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday signed House Bill 1368, which appropriates $2.2 billion in federal funding that has been allocated to states in response to the ongoing COVID emergency. The legislation takes effect immediately.

“Our focus this year is relief, recovery and resilience, and this legislation will help us make tremendous progress in all of those areas. Washingtonians have been exemplary in helping limit the spread of COVID-19, but it has not come without its economic and emotional costs,” Inslee said. 
“The process of getting to a post-pandemic era has already begun, and we will come out of this stronger because of legislation like what I am signing today.”

In December, Inslee asked the Legislature to act early on COVID relief legislation, and the Legislature responded with HB 1368, which addresses a host of needs facing Washingtonians right now.

The bill provides:
  • $714 million in assistance for K-12 schools
  • $618 million for public health’s response to COVID, including testing, investigation and contact tracing; and funding for vaccination efforts
  • $365 million for emergency eviction, rental and utility assistance
  • $240 million for business assistance grants
  • $50 million for child care
  • $26 million for food banks and other food programs
  • $91 million for income assistance, including $65 million for relief for the state’s immigrant population
The House legislation was sponsored by Rep. Timm Ormsby. Sen. Christine Rolfes sponsored companion legislation in the Senate.

“Local communities have done their part to keep us all safe during this pandemic. This bill is just one step the Legislature will take this year to support those who are struggling most in our state," said Ormsby, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. 
"As we approach the budgeting process, we are keeping our focus on investments that equitably address the needs in struggling communities and help families and small businesses get through this current stage of the pandemic.”

Read the full bill here

Rep. Gerry Pollet D-46 signed on to the bill.


Read more...

Five regions advance to Phase 2 on Valentine's Day

Friday, February 12, 2021


Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday that five new regions have met the metric requirements to progress to Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington reopening plan, starting this weekend. The West and Puget Sound regions have maintained their metric requirements to stay in Phase 2.

The new regions progressing to Phase 2 are:
  • North (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island)
  • North Central (Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Grant)
  • Northwest (Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason)
  • East (Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Garfield)
  • Southwest (Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Skamania, Clark, Klickitat)

The only region not moving to Phase 2 is the South Central region – which includes Ellensburg, Yakima, the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla.

Additionally, the governor announced Thursday evening that the five regions progressing will be able to do so starting Sunday, Feb. 14. The holiday weekend provides a large portion of a restaurant's yearly revenue, and by moving up the region's reopening date will allow dining establishments to benefit.



Read more...

500,000 total COVID-19 doses administered in state

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced progress toward the state’s goal of administering 45,000 vaccine doses a day. As of Monday, the state’s current seven-day rolling average was 23,960 doses administered.

The governor also announced a record number of COVID-19 vaccines administered in a 24-hour period, with around 40,000 doses reported as of Monday. Washington also officially passed 500,000 vaccine doses administered and reported.

Inslee and Secretary of Health Dr. Umair A. Shah issued the vaccination goal last Monday at a press conference. 

On Thursday, the state reported the previous week’s average being 16,000 doses a day. Today’s numbers mark an 8,000 increase in the average number of COVID vaccines going into Washington residents’ arms across the state every day.

“We have taken action, we expanded our distribution and infrastructure and it is working,” Inslee said Monday. 
“We still have a long way to go, but if Washingtonians have proven anything throughout this pandemic, it is that we are up to the task. We have taken action, and we will continue to improve until we meet and exceed our goals.”

Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page.



Read more...

Gov. Inslee sworn in for third term with virtual address

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee delivered the 2021 inaugural address online Wednesday as he began his historic third term as governor of the state of Washington. 

Prior to the address, the governor and Washington’s eight other newly-elected and re-elected officials were sworn in to office by Chief Justice Steven González.

The governor delivered the address via video, a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and new security concerns.

In the speech, the governor said that now is a time for “relief, recovery and resilience.”

Watch the address and read the full transcript on the governor's Medium page.



Read more...

Governor discusses legislative budget priorities

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Gov. Jay Inslee
Gov. Jay Inslee took questions and addressed his priorities for the 2021 legislative session at the Associated Press' annual Legislative Preview Day Thursday, January 7, 2021.

"Our priorities are right, fair and just, unequivocally rising to the challenges we face. Because my agenda is focused on three things: Relief, recovery and resilience," Inslee said. 

"Relief for the here-and-now; a recovery plan to turn the corner; and resilience for our long-term economic health."

Inslee’s 2021-23 budget proposals would:
  • Continue an aggressive response to the ongoing pandemic and build more capacity for tackling future public health crises.
  • Rebuild the state’s economy and continue efforts to support households, students, workers and businesses impacted by the pandemic.
  • Protect previous investments in areas such as education, childcare and early learning, climate action, behavioral health reform, combating homelessness and access to health care.

Inslee also discussed his historic package of equity legislation, which focuses on reforming independent investigations of police use of force, supporting immigrant workers impacted by the pandemic, further advancing equity-focused policies for state agency operations and $365 million total for equity-related agenda items.

More on the governor's proposals to address climate change, fix the state's regressive tax system and more can be found here.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP