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Inslee signs $2.2 billion COVID relief bill

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.

Karen Johnson tapped to lead newly-created state Office of Equity

On Thursday, Inslee named Karen A. Johnson, PhD, director of the newly created state Office of Equity. The Office of Equity, established by the Legislature, was signed into law by Inslee in April of 2020. The office will work with agencies to increase access to equitable opportunities in order to bridge opportunity gaps and reduce disparities. The office will also work with communities to develop the state’s five-year equity plan.

Johnson is currently the equity and inclusion administrator for the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), where she works to incorporate equity, diversity, inclusion and respect (EDI-R) into DOC policy and practices. She also represents DOC on the statewide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.

Johnson’s career includes working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, serving in roles ranging from regional equal employment opportunity (EEO) program manager to chief administrative officer of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. She then served as the director for Tri-Love Ministries in Seattle, working to ensure equitable access to resources and services for Black children and their families in King County before transitioning to local and state government work.

“Karen brings extensive experience working to transform local and state government systems to more equitably serve Washingtonians,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “She has oriented her entire career around helping disadvantaged communities and instituting lasting systemic and institutional change for generations to come. I have every confidence that she will be an excellent, effective director. I am looking forward to working with her collaboratively to ensure that our state is one that supports all Washingtonians. The Office of Equity is an exciting opportunity to reframe how state government works.”

Johnson has served as adjunct faculty at The Evergreen State College, teaching courses in dismantling racism and identifying bias in public service settings for the master of public administration program.

She holds both a PhD and Master of Public Administration from Old Dominion University, and earned her bachelor of science from Utica College of Syracuse University. She has also earned a Certified Diversity Executive certification.

The appointment is effective March 8.

Read the full news release here.

Inslee announces expanded COVID testing for school districts

On Tuesday, the governor announced the Department of Health, in partnership with the nonprofit Health Commons Project, would be expanding the state's COVID testing programs for schools as more districts begin to return to the classroom. The announcement will add about 50 school districts to the 13 that were previously implementing testing strategies with help from the state.

Districts decide how to implement testing strategies and who is eligible for the voluntary tests. The state has also published a "Learn to Return" playbook to help school districts plan for safe reopening and monitoring of COVID activity.

On Thursday, Inslee continued to encourage getting more students back in the classroom by visiting Firgrove Elementary School in the Puyallup School District. 

Inslee toured the school with educators, administrators and local elected officials to see for himself how the state's COVID-19 safety requirements for returning to the classroom are being implemented. He previously toured Elk Ridge Elementary in Buckley, and had a virtual meeting with students, educators and administrators at Wenatchee High School.

"I continue to be impressed by the growing number of districts progressing in a safe return to in-person learning. Educators and students are committed to making this work," Inslee said.

Governor, Mrs. Inslee receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

The governor and his wife, Trudi Inslee, each received their second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Sea Mar Olympia Medical Clinic on Friday. They received their first dose four weeks ago.

The vaccine is safe and effective against COVID-19, and ultimately will help Washington state move beyond the pandemic.

Information on vaccine eligibility phases and vaccine providers in the state can be found on the Department of Health website.