March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is “‘Providing Healing, Promoting Hope’, to honor the caregivers and frontline workers who have provided essential services during the pandemic and to honor the generations of women before them, in every culture, who worked as healers.” This timely theme calls to mind how women have contributed heavily to the healing professions, attending to the physical, mental and spiritual health of their families, patients and communities throughout history.
 |
|
Among the inspiring leaders in the medical field is Maria Eliza Mahoney who, in 1879, graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston as the first person of color graduate nurse in the United States. Following in Mahoney’s footsteps, Anne Foy Baker gathered with eleven other Black women nurses in her Seattle home to form the Mary Mahoney Registered Nurses Club in 1949. |
The purpose of the Club was to promote the personal and professional development of members and it continues today providing scholarships to students of African heritage who are enrolled in nursing school.
Learn more about the Club here:
New Mask Rules
 As COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline statewide, many, but not all, mask mandates are ending. Here are the rules effective Saturday, March 12th:
- The statewide and King County indoor mask mandates are lifted. You can be in public places, such as restaurants, grocery stores, gyms, places of worship and theaters without wearing a mask. (Outdoor mask mandates have already been lifted.)
- School districts and childcare settings can choose to have students, teachers, and visitors wear masks even after the statewide mandate lifts so check your school for their rules
- The US Transportation Security Administration has extended its directive for mask use on public transportation through April 18. This means masks will continue to be required on buses, light rail and airplanes for over a month more
Read more about the end of King County’s indoor mask mandate:
You can always choose to wear a mask when and where you want to protect your health, especially if you are unvaccinated or immunocompromised. Public Health – Seattle & King County has provided a helpful article to help families think through some of the options and next steps, but its tips can apply to all of us. Read it here:
Big state investments in transportation
 Last month I testified in support of the Move Ahead Washington transportation package that passed yesterday
Last night the Washington State Legislature adjourned its 2022 session, but before the clock struck midnight they passed a historic set of transportation investments that will benefit the entire state. I’m happy to report that many of the Eastside’s top priorities were included in this $17 billion 16-year transportation package. Some of the highlights:
-
$380 million for I-405/SR 167 corridor improvements, part of which will support the completion of Sound Transit’s bus rapid transit line from Bellevue to Lynnwood on I-405
-
Over $30 million in Eastside trail investments to help fill gaps and make connections to communities
-
$3 billion for transit investments to provide much-needed support for robust and frequent transit across our state, including here in King County. For too long Washington state has lagged behind other states in directly funding transit, which places too much burden on local governments. I applaud the State legislature for stepping up on transit funding
Read The Seattle Times coverage (subscription required) here:
It’s time to spring forward!
 As the days continue to lengthen and the weather warms, it’s time to shift our clocks forward at 2AM on Sunday, March 13. Read more about what this means for transit riders this weekend on the Metro Matters Blog:
District 3 & 6 town hall: Tuesday, March 20
I’m co-hosting an in-person Town Hall with the County Council’s newest member Sarah Perry. Please join us at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (17550 NE 67th Ct, Redmond) on Tuesday, March 20th at 6:30. We’ll talk about some of the big issues at the County and hear from you.
I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the community in person.
Last week to take the District 6 survey
I want to know what you think about the big issues facing King County and the Puget Sound region, such as COVID recovery, housing, climate, transit, and law enforcement.
Before it closes next week, please take my King County Council District 6 survey and share your priorities for 2022:
Spread the word!
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
|
