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We’ve made it to phase 3!
Today I am happy to share some exciting updates with you! After a few weeks of uncertainty, Governor Inslee recently announced that the entire state of Washington will be eligible to open up to phase 3 beginning on Monday, March 22. So, what does phase 3 include? It means that:
- Sports stadiums will be able to allow fans at 25% capacity
- Restaurants, businesses and gyms can open up to 50% capacity
- A maximum of 400 people can attend outdoor activities
While we don’t know what Phase 4 will look like and when that will be an option, this new phase will evaluate counties independently every three weeks. These assessments will occur on Mondays with any possible changes taking effect the following Friday. The first evaluation is scheduled for April 12. To learn more about how counties will be measured, click here.
A lot of work has gone into convincing the governor to make this move. I cosponsored SB 5114 way back in January. It would have immediately moved the entire state to Phase II. Senate Republicans continued the effort with the release of the Open Safe- Open Now plan for Phase 3 and 4 earlier this month.
Not only am I encouraged to see many similarities between the governor’s plan and ours, I am also glad to see that he implemented this new plan on a county basis rather than a regional basis. This is fully in alignment with the letter I sent last spring proposing we use counties as the benchmark for evaluating progress. Many legislators and county officials joined me in signing this letter and it is nice to see the governor has come to the same conclusion. You can find a copy of that letter at this link.
I do want to recognize, however, that it wasn’t just elected officials that made this happen. So many of you have been strong advocates for this action. I am thankful and appreciative of all our collective efforts. Lets keep progressing together!
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It’s time to get our kids back in the classroom
Another subject Governor Inslee and I agree on involves our students and getting them back to in-person learning. Education is our state’s paramount duty and we are doing a disservice to students and parents across the state by not getting our kids back in the classroom where they belong.
Senator John Braun introduced SB5037 at the beginning of the year to establish clear standards schools must meet to reopen their doors. Unfortunately, this bill did not receive a hearing.
This session, Senate Republicans have made reopening schools a top priority. This isn’t just about learning (which is vital), our students are suffering. Suicide and mental health issues are only increasing. Students need social interaction with their peers. It is vitally important for their development and wellbeing. The governor’s announcement last week leads me to believe he has come to that same realization. He said:
“After one year of closure of our schools, the time has come for every child in the state of Washington to have access to on-site instruction. I have reviewed the medical evidence regarding the condition of our students, both from a Covid transmission standpoint and from a mental health standpoint. In the recent days there is now, unfortunately, undeniably, a mental healthcare crisis in our state regarding our youth.”
Just this week, the governor issued an emergency proclamation requiring some in-person learning for K-12 public school students. Click here to read more.
Remembering Nina Fournier
While most of the updates in this newsletter have been positive, I have one bit of sad news to share. Nina Fournier of Puyallup tragically died March 7 after an individual crashed into her car going almost 100 mph on Canyon Rd. This senseless tragedy hits our community hard as Nina leaves behind two young children and a loving boyfriend.
While an investigation is currently underway, it is believed drugs were a factor. Illegal drug use and addiction are plagues upon our state and we simply are not doing enough to prevent drug use and rehabilitate those who have become addicted. The legislature must act this session to correct the recent Supreme Court decision that basically legalized possession of illegal drugs and we must provide more resources to our preventive and rehabilitative efforts.
My thoughts and prayers are with Nina’s family as they cope with this devastating loss.
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Join us this Saturday for a 25th LD town hall
I invite you to join me and Representatives Chambers and Jacobsen for our virtual town hall this Saturday, March 20, at 11 a.m. We will share a legislative update and answer your questions. Click on the link below for more details and to register for this event. I Hope to see you there!
25th LD town hall information
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (253) 840-4523 or by email at Chris.Gildon@leg.wa.gov. Now, more than ever, it is vital that you are connected with the decisions being made by lawmakers.
It is an honor serving you!
 Chris Gildon
Senator, 25th LD
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