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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A lot has happened since my last update, so I want to bring you up to speed on some of the big things going on in the Legislature. But first, I want to thank you again for placing your trust in me and allowing me to serve you. Please continue to reach out to me to offer your input and feedback as this session moves forward.
COVID Relief Bill Passes House
The top priority coming into the 2021 legislative session was passing real relief to help ease the impact of the ongoing coronavirus shutdown and restrictions. Lawmakers from both sides have presented their ideas to help individuals and businesses throughout the state.
Republicans have introduced numerous bills that would provide real relief to those who need it the most, including House Bill 1334, sponsored by Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn. This bill would provide immediate financial support to struggling businesses and families, expand vaccine administration, and help safely reopen schools sooner. However, this bill has not received a hearing. Instead, Democrats quickly advanced their own legislation without any input from the minority. Click here for a side-by-side comparison of the two plans.
On Monday night, the Democrat bill passed out of the House with a 61-36 vote. This bill does some good things, but unfortunately, it falls short. Republicans offered six strong amendments that would have improved the bill and offered more immediate relief to the people and small businesses who need it the most.
These amendments would have helped safely reopen schools, helped kids that have fallen behind due to remote learning, given more assistance to child care providers, provided more rental and utility assistance, and supported small businesses. However, only one of our amendments was accepted.
This bill could have done so much more, but instead many Washingtonians will have to continue waiting for the relief they so desperately need.
Unemployment Tax Cut Bill Falls Short
In a much similar fashion, the majority side also passed legislation last week that offers some relief to our business community. Yet, this bill also falls short. Senate Bill 5061 passed both chambers of the Legislature last week and now awaits the governor’s signature. This legislation would save employers nearly $1 billion in unemployment taxes this year, raise the minimum weekly jobless benefit, and provide benefits to some workers who quit for health reasons.
However, once again, Republicans offered several amendments that would have done even more to help these businesses that need it so badly. While the bill does provide significant tax relief for businesses facing unemployment insurance tax increases, it does not guarantee that they won’t be held accountable for having to lay off workers because of the governor’s shutdown orders.
My fellow Republicans and I will continue to push for more relief for Washington businesses.
High School Graduation Waiver
The House also passed a bill last week that would waive some graduation requirements for students during a state of emergency (House Bill 1121). Obviously, this bill is needed in times like this, when so many students have had their schooling interrupted because of the pandemic.
Republicans offered several amendments that would have ensured accountability from school districts who use the waiver. However, our attempts to improve the bill were again refused. While the bill does some good, like the other two mentioned previously, it also falls short.
COVID Vaccines for Teachers
Speaking of our students, I’m also co-sponsoring House Bill 1420, which would ensure that critical school employees receive priority for the COVID-19 vaccine. I’m supporting this bill because we need to do everything possible to get our kids back to school and to a more normal way of life.
The harm being done to our children might not show up in the coronavirus statistics, but the negative effects are very real. The isolation our kids are experiencing must be weighed against the safety concerns. We can find the proper balance. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Getting our kids back to school could happen sooner if teachers receive higher priority with the vaccine.
House Bill 1119 Gets Hearing in Appropriations
I am happy to report that the bill I’m sponsoring, House Bill 1119, did receive a hearing in Appropriations this week. This bill would encourage the use of open source course materials at our four-year colleges, as well as informing students of the prices of textbooks before they register for courses. It’s scheduled to be voted on in committee later this week to determine whether it makes it to the full House for a vote.
Please Stay In Touch
I want to remind you of the many ways you can keep up with the work of the Legislature. Here are some links that will help:
My legislative website | Here you will find my contact information, bio, news releases, email updates, videos, opinion pieces, bills, and other information.
The Capitol Buzz | A weekday roundup of online news stories. Click on the link to subscribe.
The Current | An online legislative publication from the Washington House Republicans. Click on the link to subscribe.
TVW | The state’s own version of C-SPAN, TVW broadcasts floor and committee action live online.
The Ledger| A legislative news aggregator.
Legislature’s website | Here you can see bill reports, committee agendas, and information about upcoming activities in the Legislature.
State agencies | You can find a list of all state agencies, boards, and commissions here.
Tracking a bill?|Click the link to find information on specific bills. In addition, when you visit my website you can easily view the legislation I’m sponsoring or co-sponsoring by clicking “Sponsored Bills.”
Thank You!
As this session moves forward, please continue to reach out to me. I do plan on holding some virtual town hall meetings in the coming weeks. I will keep you informed of dates and times, and meeting info in future updates. I’m honored to represent you in the 25th District and I’m sincerely grateful for your support. My door is always open so please continue to contact me.
In service,
Sincerely,
Cyndy Jacobsen
