Washington State Week

Tacoma News Tribune editorial board: “no question” Inslee must call special session (Tacoma News Tribune)

The Tacoma News Tribune editorial board called on Jay Inslee to convene an emergency session, recognizing the months long push by State Republicans for a special session to deal with the economic and political fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The editorial board slams Inslee’s decision to “go it alone” based on the flawed rational that the state can depend on “financial wherewithal” until the regular January session.

Pointing to a recent study by the Washington Research Council, the editorial board explains that “tough decisions have to be made now.” If Inslee calls the state legislature to meet this summer, “cuts could be as low as 2.9% and 9.4%.” However, if Inslee waits for the regular session, “spending cuts could go as deep as 28.2%.”
       
Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board calls for a special session  (Yakima Herald Republic)

Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board called on Jay Inslee to meet Republicans’ demand for a special session to address the state budget crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new editorial condemns Inslee’s position on waiting for Congress to decide “whether to offer coronavirus-related financial assistance to state and local governments” before calling a special session as a “bad decision.”

Pointing to an estimated budget shortfall of $8.8 billion through 2023, the article demands Inslee allow the state legislature to do their jobs. As state Sen. Curtis King of Yakima said “It’s time that this is no longer a one-man show. It’s time to bring in the Legislature to get their advice and their opinion.”
       
Nearly 60,000 Washingtonians still waiting for unemployment benefits (My Northwest)

The unemployment rate is dropping in Washington State, indicating a recovery from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unemployment rate has declined for five consecutive weeks. However, the number of Washingtonians filing for unemployment benefits remains at historic highs and many still have not received needed benefits weeks and even months following their job loss.

The Seattle Times points out that “nearly 60,000 workers who have filed for jobless benefits are still waiting for the state Employment Security Department (ESD) to resolve those claims.” That’s 60,000 Washingtonians unable to meet their daily expenses due to the state ESD’s stunning incompetence over the course of the pandemic.
       
Seattle City Council defunds the police team devoted to homeless population  (KOMO News)

The Seattle City Council’s recent vote to defund the Seattle Police Department (SPD) also means the elimination of the police force’s Navigation Team, the agency responsible for handling problems within Seattle’s growing homeless population.

City council members voted to cut funding for “city system navigators and site coordinators along with garbage clean-ups and bio-hazard pick-ups at the homeless camps.” Several city councilmembers referred to the team as “nothing more than homeless camp sweepers.” It’s unclear how the Seattle City Council proposes to handle homeless encampments in the wake of defunding the SPD’s Navigation Team.