Latest from Lekanoff | University guidance, emergency broadband, climate commitment act

This week, we honor and remember our missing sisters on National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. A huge thank you to the Washington State Women’s Commission for hosting the No More Stolen Sisters panel discussion. It was an honor to join Patricia Whitefoot, President of the National Indian Education Association, Abigail Echo-Hawk, Director, Urban Indian Health Institute and Executive Vice President, Seattle Indian Health Board, and Commissioner Vicki Lowe of the Women’s Commission and American Indian Health Commission. If you missed our discussion, you can watch the video here. 

Town Hall Recap 

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at our 40th LD Town Hall. We appreciated the opportunity to share a legislative session recap and to discuss some of the policies you all care most about. We discussed our experiences navigating a virtual legislative session and passing historic bills that address the unprecedented public health crisis, economic recession, racial justice, and climate change. If you miss the Town Hall, you can watch it here.  

COVID-19 Updates

This week, Governor Inslee announced a two-week pause on county movement in the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery phased reopening plan. For the past several weeks, epidemiologists have been following the state’s fourth COVID-19 wave. The decision was made in consultation with the Department of Health and reflects current data suggesting Washington’s fourth wave has hit a plateau. Under the pause, every county will remain in its current phase and will be re-evaluated at the end of two weeks.

Governor Inslee also approved an update to guidance documents for spectator events and religious and faith based organizations that allows facilities to increase capacity by adding sections for vaccinated attendees. The change, which is effective immediately, outlines guidelines for vaccinated sections at sporting events, graduations, religious services and other similar activities.  You can find additional information here. 

These efforts are not requiring you get the vaccine, but it is highly encouraged that you do as we work collectively to keep our community safe and our economy re-opening. The more people who get their vaccines, the quicker we can return to some semblance of normal. I got my first shot last week!     

Use the Vaccine Locator to find out where you can get the vaccine near you at VaccineLocator.doh.wa.gov or call 1-800-525-0127.

Updated Guidance from Universities

This week, Western Washington University joined the University of Washington, Washington State University, and other public and private universities across the state and nation in requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students, faculty, and staff before returning to campus in the Fall. Read President Sabah Randhawa’s full message about vaccine requirements here. 

Emergency Broadband Assistance 

The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) announced this week that as

of May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can apply in three ways: 

1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.  
2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.  
3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to: Emergency Broadband Support Center / P.O. Box 7081 / London, KY 40742 

Constituent Corner: Climate Commitment Act

As many of you know, Senator Liz Lovelett and I worked long and hard over the last year to put forward the Washington STRONG Act. While at the end of the day this bill did not pass, I am pleased that the Legislature took bold action to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions by passing the Climate Commitment Act. This bill, which establishes a market based, economy wide cap and trade program, will help Washington meet our statutory goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

When it came time to consider this bill, leadership turned to the expertise of the 40th LD. We were able to incorporate parts of Washington STRONG, strengthen our commitment to equity and environmental justice, protect our rural and vulnerable communities, and ensure tribal consultation. The funds generated from this program will allow us to invest in critical projects for transportation, infrastructure, climate resiliency, and protection of natural resources.  

Thank you all for taking to the time to read this week’s Fantastic Friday, and for taking an interest in our state legislature.

Please feel free to reach out to me using the information below, with any questions, inquiries, or concerns you may have.

I am here for you!