 Dear Neighbor,
As we continue focusing on saving lives during the COVID-19 crisis, we also need to look to the future on how life will resume afterward. We do not want to come out of this crisis economically devastated. The key to a strong recovery is limiting the damage done now. It is vital that we do all we can now to “flatten the curve” as they say, and to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Making reasonable economic decisions right now, in conjunction with life-saving measures, is not putting money before people. It is recognizing that our economy has human impacts, particularly on the most vulnerable who depend on services the state budget provides. You are counting on us as lawmakers to keep an eye on the big picture throughout this crisis.
Budget cuts
Last week, Governor Inslee cut $445 million in spending over the next three years due to the economic fallout of the coronavirus outbreak. While I commend the governor for his fiscal responsibility and agree that these cuts were necessary, I am disappointed that items I fought for were cut from this supplemental budget. They included adding a full-body scanner to the Monroe Correctional Complex and an additional scanner at the Purdy Women’s Facility to increase contraband and drug detection. Our district also lost funding for an elk fencing project to provide safety for the students of the Concrete School District. I am hopeful these items will be restored in future years when the coronavirus is behind us.
Fighting coronavirus in our state correctional facilities
Earlier this session, I sponsored Senate Bill 6063, which will be another tool in our fight against coronavirus. This legislation, which was recently signed into law, will guarantee that prison inmates get the medical care they need while incarcerated at a Washington correctional facility. It will also establish minimum qualifications for the job of prison medical director – a recent issue at the Monroe Correctional Complex. Additionally, SB 6063 will set criteria for transferring a patient to a health-care facility for medical assistance, standardize policies and procedures for offsite medical use and general medical practices.
When people are convicted of felonies in our state, they should expect prison time, but not serious health issues or even death due to a lack of necessary medical care while they are confined. Offenders deserve an appropriate and humane level of medical care while they are in state custody, medical supervisors deserve proper training, and taxpayers deserve to be protected from financial inefficiency and liability.
COVID-19 Resources
I know that in these uncertain times, you are being inundated with information on coronavirus. Unfortunately, some of this information may not be correct. That’s why, in an effort to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information to keep you and your loved ones physically, mentally and financially healthy, I have put together the following resources.
Federal resources
For the latest COVID – 19 information from the federal government regarding statistics, disease prevention, mental health and small business resources, visit the following websites:
State resources
For the latest information from our state regarding child welfare, tax relief, unemployment benefits, executive orders, health care information, scams and K-12 guidance, please visit the following websites:
- Washington state’s official coronavirus website – coronavirus.wa.gov
- Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families – dcyf.wa.gov
- Washington State Department of Revenue – dor.wa.gov
- Washington State Department of Health – doh.wa.gov
- Washington State Employment Security – esd.wa.gov
- Washington State Health Care Authority - hca.wa.gov
- Washington State Governor Jay Inslee – governor.wa.gov
- Washington State Office of Attorney General – atg.wa.gov
- Washington Office of Superintendent of Instruction – k12.wa.us
The state's Department of Revenue, Department of Financial Institutions, and Employment Security Department have created web pages focused on business relief, benefits available for workers, and unemployment assistance.
As always, it is a pleasure and an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
 
|
