Olympia weekly report 20200419

GOP leaders propose a plan to reopen state economy

Washington state Republican lawmakers are leading the way for reopening Washington’s economy amid COVID-19 with a new plan, released on Friday. In the more immediate term, Republicans call for the reopening of low-risk industries – including private construction, auto dealers and solo landscapers. The 16-point plan focuses on helping small businesses reopen, including cutting Business & Occupation (B&O) taxes, implementing a sales-tax holiday for retail stores, and postponing inflation-adjusted minimum-wage hikes scheduled for 2021.

Inslee must produce a plan to reopen state economy

The Washington Policy Center’s Paul Guppy argues Jay Inslee must inform the public of a plan for re-opening Washington State’s economy so that families and business owners prepare for the future. As the reported new cases continue to moderate and public officials revise the number of predicted COVID-19 deaths downward, now is the time to “start planning gradual steps to let people go back to work, consistent with standards of public health.” A first key step should be allowing construction work to progress – Inslee continues to deny recognition of private-sector construction as an “essential service.”

Thousands protest Inslee's shutdown.  KIRO news item 
       
Republicans demand alternatives to early release of prison inmates

Jay Inslee plans to release over 1,100 inmates in the state prison system early due to COVID-19. In response, all members of the Washington State Senate Republican Caucus are demanding reconsideration. Republicans expressed concerns over Inslee suspending all notification of victim requirements. Republicans also noted that alternative measures could be taken for the safety of inmates and Department of Corrections employees, including placing inmates on work release or moving them to less-crowded facilities.
       
Inslee must clarify ban on non-urgent medical procedure orders

Republican State Sen. Randi Becker (Eatonville) is asking Jay Inslee to clarify his order halting non-urgent medical and dental procedures during COVID-19. Becker points out that many primary care and dental clinics have shut down, interpreting the order as a ban on conducting routine appointments. Becker argues the unclear order places people in danger – suspicious lumps or moles must be examined by a doctor in a timely manner.