Tag Archives: COVID-19

Joint statement on governor’s vaccination mandate for state employees and health care workers

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee recently announced that most state workers in Washington, as well as private health care and long-term care employees, will be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination by Oct. 18, or lose their jobs.

10th District lawmakers Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Whidbey Island, and Rep. Greg Gilday, R-Camano, issued the following joint statement on the governor’s announcement:

“Governor Inslee’s vaccine mandate for state employees is yet another example of the imperative need for emergency powers reform. Throughout the pandemic, the governor has made these decisions without the consultation of the very people he serves. The public deserves a voice in the process. That’s the role of the Legislature. Currently, Washington state ranks near the bottom in terms of the governmental balance of power. It’s time the majority party agrees to call a special session to address this critical issue.

“Personally, after consulting with our families and doctors, we both made the choice to be vaccinated. While we encourage others to consider getting vaccinated, it is a personal health care decision. Masking and vaccination should not be mandated by the heavy hand of government. The government should respect those with concerns and focus on education and incentives rather than mandates.”

Muzzall pushes back on premature release of nearly 1000 inmates

State Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, is pushing back on a proposal to prematurely release nearly 1,000 inmates from state prisons due to the COVID-19 virus.

Gov. Jay Inslee and state Department of Corrections officials devised the plan after the state Supreme Court ordered action to prevent outbreaks of the virus among those in state custody. However, Muzzall points out that the high court did not specify or mandate such an extreme action, which he believes would endanger communities and inmates alike.

“I’ve had some reservations about decisions the governor has made responding to various aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak, but this move is just foolish,” Muzzall said. “I believe the state has options for limiting the exposure for those incarcerated that stops far short of releasing them before they’ve served their debt to society.”

While plans for the release are still being developed, Muzzall said there are considerations that need to be addressed by the administration.

“We need to ensure that victims of crimes are notified that their perpetrators are being released in a timely manner. We owe that to them,” Muzzall said. “I honestly don’t think this move is fair or compassionate to anyone. We are setting these folks up for failure. They won’t have the support network. They aren’t getting housing, or jobs, or medical care. In reality, there is a higher likelihood of them contracting COVID-19 outside than in state custody.”

Muzzall is demanding that the state ensure a responsible plan is adopted prior to any premature release of inmates, but is also urging the governor to reconsider the release altogether.

“The Supreme Court did not order him to do this. It’s an extreme response that just doesn’t make sense,” said Muzzall. “We have resources and ways to do what the court is asking without putting our communities at further risk.”

COVID-19 – Resources for our Community

Dear Friends,

I’m back home in district now that the legislative session has concluded. I’ll be sure to send an update on our work in Olympia later, but I’d like to focus this newsletter on resources and assurances on what’s happening with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) response in our state. This new virus is posing a serious threat to the daily routines, physical and economic health of communities around our state. Please be patient and do your part to prevent the spread to vulnerable members of our community.

In the final days of session, the Legislature approved House Bill 2965, which provides $175 million in emergency funding from the rainy-day fund (like our savings account) for the COVID-19 response at the state level. Any unused funds will go back to that account. Those funds will be used to support our fellow Washingtonians affected by the virus, including expanded unemployment benefits for workers and nursing home payments.

While government is stepping in to provide the resources from what it’s taken, it’s up to us to be good neighbors and take care of one another. We have an obligation to come together during this time. In so doing, we’ll weather the storm and be stronger on the other side. One of the recent executive orders from the governor has prohibited dining in, but restaurants are still able to provide take-out orders. In an industry with low-margins, closures for a couple weeks could be devastating, so there’s an opportunity to support our neighbors. It’s also a good chance to check in on those that might need help with getting groceries, planning for childcare, or are dealing with anxiety from the turmoil we face. We’re stronger together, and we’ll beat this together

Below are links to resources that you may find useful.

You can find additional resources and updates by visiting the governor’s COVID-19 website. Click here for details.

Please, take care and don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions you may have. Our Senate offices will be closed for a while as the facilities department does a deep clean, so it may take us some time to get back to you. Email will be the best way to get in contact. It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Ron Muzzall,

Your 10th District State Senator