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News from Olympia, with Senator Rolfes

26 Feb 2021 1:54 PM | Douglass MacKenzie


Senator Christine Rolfes

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are about one-third of the way through the 2021 legislative session and continue to focus on helping households and businesses survive and recover during this difficult time. I know the fastest, shortest path to getting our state back open is to contain the pandemic. I also know people need help immediately. Last week Gov. Inslee signed a $2.2 billion measure (HB 1368) to expand testing and vaccine distribution, provide support to schools, make grants available for small businesses, and meet basic needs with rental and food assistance.

We are working to get this relief distributed quickly and this newsletter will focus on ways people can find help. You can also call 211 or click here to find information about a wide range of assistance programs. I have also listed a number of local resources here on my website. As always, if you have questions or feedback, please email Christine.Rolfes@leg.wa.gov or call (360) 786-7644.

Available resources

The last year has been difficult for everyone here in Kitsap, and I want to share a list of resources that are currently available or will be available soon for those in need of relief:

  • VACCINATIONS: We have invested an additional $618 million to boost testing, contact tracing, and to quickly distribute vaccines as soon as they become available. Visit the Kitsap Public Health District’s website for the latest information on vaccine distribution and where vaccines are being given, or call 1-800-525-0127. We are still in Phase 1B-Tier 1 and those eligible include all people 65 years or older and all people 50 years or older living in multigenerational households. Check your eligibility status here.
  • HOUSING: We have added $365 million for emergency eviction, rental and utility assistance. People seeking help can contact 2-1-1 or call Kitsap Community Resources at 360-473-2035 for more information.
  • BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: Another $240 million will be coming online soon to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic. The grants are expected to be available in late March and information will be available at the state Department of Commerce website here. In addition, we approved HB 1095 to exempt businesses from paying B&O taxes on emergency assistance grants from the state or federal government. This will provide up to $210 million in tax relief for Washington businesses impacted by the pandemic.
  • FREE WI-FI HOT SPOTS: Free high-speed internet hotspots are available throughout Kitsap County to provide internet connections to anyone in need, thanks to Kitsap Public Utility District’sDrive-In Wi-Fi.
  • CHILDCARE: The relief package included an additional $50 million for licensed childcare providers to help keep these critical businesses open. In the coming weeks, the state Department of Children, Youth & Families will have updated grant information.
  • IMMIGRANT ASSISTANCE: The bill signed last week sets aside about $60 million for the state’s immigrant relief fund. People can find out more information and sign up for alerts on when the new grants will be available here for working Washingtonians who are not eligible for either unemployment insurance or stimulus payments.

Strengthening our consumer protection laws

This week the Senate passed a major overhaul of our state’s consumer protection laws. Senate Bill 5025, which I sponsored, represents a significant advance in consumer protections for Washingtonians and gives the Attorney General the authority to properly penalize businesses who attempt to scam or defraud our residents. The new laws will especially help older adults and other vulnerable groups, who are disproportionately impacted by fraudulent activities.

Update on employment security breach

I wanted to share an update on a recent security breach that may have impacted people who filed unemployment benefits claims last year. As you may have heard, the Washington State Auditor was recently made aware of a data security incident involving a third-party provider. This week the Auditor’s office will begin notifying people whose unemployment benefits claims information may have been affected. The notifications will be sent by e-mail during the next two weeks to people who filed an unemployment insurance claim in 2020. The e-mail will contain information about identity theft protection and an individual code for 12 months of free credit monitoring and instructions on how to enroll and request assistance. You can also visit https://sao.wa.gov/breach2021/ for updated information.

 

Sen. Christine Rolfes
State Senator, 23rd Legislative District

Executive Assistant 
Linda Owens: Linda.Owens@leg.wa.gov

Legislative Assistant 
Haylee Anderson: Haylee.Anderson@leg.wa.gov

Website
senatedemocrats.wa.gov/Rolfes

Email
 Christine.Rolfes@leg.wa.gov

Phone
Direct: 360.786.7644 | Toll free: 800.562.6000 | TTY: 800.833.6388

Olympia Office 
303 Cherberg Building | PO Box 40423 | Olympia, WA 98504

Committees
Ways & Means (Chair)
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks 

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