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Inslee pauses movement in Healthy Washington phased reopening plan

Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday announced regions would not move backward in the Healthy Washington phased reopening plan, and that the pause would last at least several weeks.

All eight regions have been in Phase 2 since Feb. 14, which allows for more activities including indoor dining at 25% capacity. Future phases are still being discussed by state leaders in partnership with stakeholders in local government, business and labor.

Inslee said he is optimistic about current trends in COVID-19 activity, particularly the steady decrease in cases and hospitalizations since the pandemic's third wave peaked toward the end of 2020. These trends coincide with progress in another important front in the battle against COVID-19: More than 1.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Washington state.

Residents can continue to keep each other safe and healthy by using facial coverings, distancing, and practicing basic good hygiene, like hand-washing and covering coughs and sneezes.

Inslee hears from Spokane educators and students about return to class

On Tuesday, Inslee traveled to Spokane and toured Stevens Elementary School, where more students have returned to in-person learning in recent weeks.

The Spokane School District is one of more than 1,400 schools in the state that have returned at least one grade to in-person learning in safe environments under the state's COVID-19 protocols. That represents more than half of the 2,360 schools in the state.

Inslee toured four classrooms, asking students and educators questions about their experience returning to school. Later, the governor led a roundtable discussion with local leaders in Spokane government, health and education on campus reopenings and more on the community's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inslee's visit follows last week's announcement that the state was expanding on-site COVID testing resources to more school districts.

Legislative Update: Environmental measures, worker protections and racial justice make advances

Governor-request bills on climate, racial justice, worker protections and public health worked their way through the state House this past week. Legislation establishing a clean fuel standard has moved out of the Rules Committee and could be considered on the House floor at any time.

The Rules Committee also approved legislation to establish an office of independent investigations into police use of force, as well as legislation that would provide increased protections for workers. Legislation that would establish a regional approach to public health is currently in the Rules Committee as well.

On Thursday, the House voted overwhelmingly to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday. That bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

In the Senate, the Ways and Means Committee is considering two pieces of governor-request legislation. The first, SB 5149 sponsored by Sen. June Robinson, would establish a permanent and reliable funding source for public health systems. The second is the Climate Commitment Act, sponsored by Sen. Reuven Carlyle, which would reduce emissions through a cap and invest system with a focus on mitigating the unequal impact of the climate crisis.

The House and Senate have until March 9 to pass most legislation from its house of origin. The 105-day legislative session is set to run through the end of April.