Last week’s updates from Gov. Jay Inslee

Inflation Reduction Act is a win for Washingtonians

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower energy costs, create more jobs, increase manufacturing, lower prescription and healthcare costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

With provisions that reduce energy costs and emissions, create more domestic manufacturing and good-paying jobs, and make health care more affordable, the historic Inflation Reduction Act will deliver for families all across the nation. President Biden signed the act into law on Tuesday.

The law includes the most consequential suite of national climate actions to date. It puts America on track to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, and paves the way for new clean energy infrastructure, new clean energy jobs, and energy security and independence. The investments will help “supercharge” state efforts to combat climate change. Gov. Jay Inslee spoke with the Washington Post and other news outlets about how the legislation will significantly bolster Washington’s efforts to help more people purchase electric vehicles, make energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes and appliances, and more.

The law is also the most important piece of federal health care legislation since the establishment of the Affordable Care Act. It will lower the cost of numerous prescription drugs, including medications treating cancer, diabetes and other health conditions where too often people have had to pay too much out of pocket.

“We can choose to build a future where everybody has an even shot. That’s the America I believe in. And today, we’ve come a step closer to making that America real,” Biden said. 

“Clean energy and transportation. Well-paying jobs. Investments in cleaner air and efficient buildings for communities,” Inslee said. “Washington and other states have led the way. This will now bring billions in investments and jobs to Washington and our whole country. Finally the federal government is joining in taking action on climate.”

Read more from the White House about how the Inflation Reduction Act delivers for Washington.

Commerce awards $3.3 million in tourism relief grants; opens applications for new Working Washington grants

Graphic courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

The Washington State Department of Commerce recently awarded $3.3 million to support events that have been on hold in the past due to COVID-19. The tourism relief grants will help mitigate the financial impacts of the pandemic on festivals, civic and holiday celebrations, cultural and heritage events, music festivals, and street and arts fairs throughout Washington. Such events contribute significantly to the vibrancy, diversity and economic vitality of local communities.

The awarded grants were a collaboration with Washington Festivals and Events Association, ArtsWA, and Commerce. All told, 284 applicants in 36 of the state’s 39 counties were awarded grants.

The next round of Commerce’s Working Washington Grants is now open as well. This round of grants is for the hospitality, fitness and personal services, science, arts, and heritage, sectors, including those that operate live entertainment venues. Earlier rounds of the Working Washington Grants program have helped more than 11,700 businesses rebuild and recover from pandemic impacts.

Learn more and apply here.

Department of Health takes broad action against monkeypox virus (MPV)

Graphic courtesy of Washington State Dept. of Health.

As of August 19, 2022, there are approximately 14,115 cases of monkeypox (MPV) in the U.S. and 314 cases in Washington. Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee issued Directive 22-18 to expand upon the Department of Health’s (DOH) ongoing efforts to prevent and control the spread of MPV. 

The directive orders DOH to take a broad range of actions, including:

• Conducting comprehensive public outreach and education within appropriate communities
• Prioritizing equitable distribution of existing treatments
• Supporting provider education to ensure MPV vaccine is maximized
• Monitoring case counts and demographic data
• Convening a series of roundtables with key stakeholders and legislators
• Working with and supporting local health jurisdictions
• Maintaining adequate testing capacity and addressing identified reporting gaps

Learn more about MPV and how to protect against infection and spread.

Call 1-833-829-HELP if you have questions about MPV risk factors, vaccines, testing or treatment.

As Washington temperatures climb, updated energy program helps people buy A/Cs

Graphic courtesy of ready.gov/heat.

Washingtonians have experienced new record high temperatures in recent years, spurring new urgency helping people keep cool.

The Department of Commerce’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program last year started offering assistance to low-income households who want to purchase air-conditioners or need help paying utility bills for cooling appliances. The program, which was originally designed to help people keep their homes warm, has now helped more than 1,000 residents purchase A/C units. Watch here to learn more about Commerce’s efforts to help more people stay cool, or read more here.

The Department of Health is also promoting tips for staying cool:

• Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless you’re sure your body has a high tolerance for heat
• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar
• Eat more frequently but make sure meals are balanced and light
• Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle

Learn more hot weather safety here.

News you might have missed:

‘State to contract Empire Health Foundation to coordinate relocation assessments, services for Camp Hope residents’

Through the governor’s Rights of Way initiative, Washington’s Department of Commerce awarded more than $500,000 to the Empire Health Foundation to help relocate people experiencing homelessness at Camp Hope in Spokane. The initiative includes partnerships with other local jurisdictions and nonprofits to help residents living in other sites along I-5 in the Puget Sound area.

‘A summer full of fish and chips on our highways’

This summer on our state’s highways, you may come across a fish passage barrier removal or chip seal project. The chip seal applies a special protective surface to existing pavement. Protecting road surfaces and improving traveler safety. Summertime is the best time for these projects, just like fish and chips are best in the summer too.

Ecology’s responds to sunken vessel threatening sensitive areas in the San Juan Islands

The state Department of Ecology along with federal and local partners continue cleaning up leaking waste from a sunken fishing vessel on the west side of San Juan Island on Aug. 13. Leaking diesel from the vessel threatens ecosystems along that side of the island. Ecology is providing regular updates on the effort on its website.