Olympia weekly report

The first three items are about Gub Inslee's edicts.  The underlying question is why we are letting him make edicts as if they are law?  Do we really have no regard for their own freedom?

Inslee retracts controversial reopening requirement for restaurants

Jay Inslee retracted his highly controversial requirement that restaurants log the name, address, and phone number of all their customers when they reopen. He is now asking customers to provide personal information voluntarily. Inslee received national attention for his shocking invasion of Washingtonians’ privacy. The widespread pushback against this invasion of basic rights led him to rethink this rule.

Inslee: Phase 2 starting on June 1 not likely

Governor Inslee’s reopening strategy remains ambiguous weeks after first announcing a phased approach. Based on a projected three-week buffer between each phase, Washington state would enter into Phase 2 on June 1. Phase 2 would allow “expanded outdoor recreation, additional construction, manufacturing, domestic services, limited in-store retail shopping, real estate sales, professional services, nail salons, barbers, pet grooming, and restaurants” to reopen. According to Inslee, that will not likely happen. Inslee said, “It cannot be set in stone, and the reason is the virus is the one that will ultimately determine when it’s safe for us to move to Phase 2.” The harm to small businesses and our economy as a whole continues.

Inslee’s decision to stop elective surgeries result in medical staff furloughs

Major hospitals in the Seattle area must furlough employees due to large financial hits brought about by Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 policies. The Tacoma-based medical system, MultiCare, will furlough approximately 6,000 employees for 17 days. Overlake Medical Center had to furlough 150 employees. UW Medicine announced a “projected $500 million financial loss over the next few months.” Major losses in revenue are due to Inslee’s decision to stop elective surgeries (resulting in a 30-40% reduction in revenue at Overlake Medical Center). And, losses brought about by medically necessary missed visits, scans, tests, and operations that never occurred.

Superintendent Reykdal denies funding to 780 families

Washington state superintendent of schools Chris Reykdal will cut off state funding for families who are dealing with school closures by sending their children to public, state-approved, and fully accredited online schools. Reykdal’s decision will impact 780 children across the state who enrolled in online schools since the COVID-19 shutdowns occurred. According to the Washington Policy Center, state law provides “students who transfer to a public online school will not lose their state funding.” Yet, Reykdal indicated transfer students will not receive funding. Instead, their funding will be sent to their old school districts.