Rep. Mike Steele
OLYMPIA - Life as we know it has seemingly shut down overnight as the coronavirus pandemic changes our lives in unprecedented ways. I’d like to thank all the people taking the Stay Home, Stay Healthy directive seriously. Health experts from across the country agree that it’s critically important that you stay home, limit your time shopping to just the essentials, and observe social distancing rules.
Here’s why these guidelines are important: We must do all we can to stem the contagion, have more time to find medical treatments, and ultimately get people back to work and businesses reopened. For the sake of our loved ones, and those with pre-existing health conditions, let’s all look out for each other by following the governor’s instructions.
How you can help
In this time of rapid changes, people across the state are facing significant challenges including loss of pay, employment and business closures. Amid the crisis, our communities and state continue to find new ways to help. If you are looking to channel your worry and anxiety into actions that can assist your neighbors and community, here’s a list of things you can do:
You can give locally to the Community Foundation of North Central Washington. To help, donate here: https://cfncw.org/
• Chelan Valley Hope provides assistance, advocacy, and referral service to under-resourced families and individuals throughout the Greater Chelan Valley. To donate, click: https://chelanvalleyhope.org/donate/
• Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council* helps meet the needs and interests of the economically disadvantaged. To learn more, click here: http://www.cdcac.org/
• The Okanogan County Community Action Council* helps individuals
• Some *Meals on Wheels programs may need help, while others cannot process new volunteers because of the coronavirus or have temporarily adjusted their delivery methods. Check with your local program to find out if you can help or donate here: http://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/americaletsdolunch/faqs
• Give blood if you can. Blood banks nationwide need donations.
Governor partially vetoes the 2020 supplemental operating budget
I’m sure his decision was not an easy one. However, in light of the deepening impact of the coronavirus pandemic to our state’s budget and future tax revenues, this difficult but necessary step was the right way to go forward.
In the weeks and months to come, winning the economic fight against COVID-19 will require all of us to cooperate and work together. State agencies must do their best to create efficiencies and make necessary cutbacks to ensure the state has adequate fiscal resources to continue critical services.
Essential businesses
Several days ago, the governor modified his Stay home, Stay Healthy:
*State-provided resources, information and help
Listed below are three state-provided webpages with information on healthcare, unemployment, and even small business loans. As always, if you need additional assistance call my office. I’m happy to help.
Washington State Department of Health has information about symptoms, testing, confirmed cases and fatalities across the state involving the virus. Click here: doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus, to learn more.
Washington State House Republicans have a webpage: houserepublicans.wa.gov/2020/03/16/coronavirus/, that is updated daily with a comprehensive list of information and resources.
Let’s all look out for each other
The problems created by the coronavirus are immense and often unseen but by working together we can overcome even the most difficult situations. Let’s all do our part to protect ourselves and others by making smart and safe choices in the days ahead. Rest assured, we will get through this and come back stronger than ever!
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