COVID-19 Update: Planning for Economic Recovery

Your Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

As we move into our third week of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, we are all feeling how difficult it is to confine ourselves to our homes and stay isolated from loved ones. However there is some good news: a new analysis from UW’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation significantly reduces their projected estimate of deaths in Washington State from COVID-19, a strong indication that our actions to limit the spread of the virus are working.

This is a positive sign—and it’s also a reason to stay committed to social distancing. If we let up now, there’s a possibility that case numbers could quickly rebound. It’s critical that we double down on our social distancing efforts now so we don’t extend the life of the pandemic.

As the stay at home order continues, leaders from all levels of government are working on ways to provide relief to struggling businesses. Today, I introduced legislation that would create the Coronavirus Recovery Economic (CuRE) Task Force: a work group made of up government, business, and industry leaders that will identify ways to jump-start the economy after the stay at home order is lifted. In addition, the Governor just announced $5 million in small business grants through Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants, and the federal government is considering an additional Phase 4 coronavirus package to provide more relief for families and businesses.

Thank you for continuing to do your best to preserve the health of those who are the most at-risk in our communities. I hope you all find ways to enjoy the warmth and sunshine even as we keep our distance from each other.

Stay safe,

Reagan Dunn Vice Chair King County Council

Dunn Legislation Invites Business Leaders to Help Plan for Economic Recovery

When our region emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to already have a game plan in motion for how King County can be a partner in rebuilding our crippled economy. That’s why today, I introduced a motion to create a work group of business, government, and industry leaders to consult on how King County can best support economic recovery across the region. The motion will be heard in the Committee of the Whole on April 21st.

Project CARE: How to help your local hospital

I stopped by St. Elizabeth Hospital with Enumclaw Mayor Jan Molinaro to see how we can support our healthcare workers as they serve on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19. Watch to see how you can help too!

Washington Schools Closed for the Remainder of the School Year

Gov. Jay Inslee announced during a Monday afternoon press conference that the closure of schools to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will be extended through the end of the school year. Distance learning will continue, and seniors in good standing can still expect to receive their diplomas this year.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has put together a comprehensive list of guidance and resources to help families, schools, and communities navigate the extended closure. You can find these resources at the OSPI website.  

The Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant Program

Yesterday the state launched a new grant program especially targeted to small businesses struggling amidst the COVID-19 shutdown. The Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program will provide a limited number of grants of up to $10,000 for businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

To learn more or apply for the grant, visit the Washington Department of Commerce website.