Dear Friends,
Yesterday, Governor Inslee announced new requirements for commercial airports across Washington, and recommendations for airlines. This is the latest in a number of steps that Governor Inslee has taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic on a statewide level.
These new Commercial Service Airport Requirements are in place to ensure the health and safety of employees, passengers, and crewmembers working and traveling through our state’s airports. The new requirements will set a baseline requirement, making sure that all our commercial airports meet the necessary standards to keep everyone safe.
The guidance will require face coverings in the airport, signage and spacing for physical distancing, protective barriers between travelers and workers, sanitizer and disinfectant protocols, and that airport vendors and businesses follow state and county health agency requirements.
For more information on the new requirements, click here.
We must continue to take every necessary precaution to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, and Governor Inslee has continued to lead is in the right direction. These new requirements for air travel will make it much safer to travel through our airports.
Keep reading for more on this Fantastic Friday.
“Stay Safe, Stay Healthy”
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
Trivia!
Which single action can everyone living in the United State take today to help guide the distribution of $1.5 trillion to local communities for Medicare, Medicaid, and other important public services?
Committee Assembly Days
Throughout this week I have been attended a number of different committee meetings for the legislature’s Committee Assembly Days. Normally these would have been yesterday and today, but they’ve been moved to virtual meetings and will run through the end of the month.
On Monday, the Water Supply Task Force had a meeting to receive a number of updates on multiple studies that are currently underway. We are continuing forward to ensure that we protect our water sources, and that no Washingtonian has to worry about their water supply.
On Tuesday, the Public Safety Committee had a meeting led by Chairperson Roger Goodman. Police-community relations remain at the forefront of so many of our minds, and we continue to have productive conversations about the evolution of Washington police, and how we can best heal and move forward together.
Finally, on Wednesday, the Rural Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee held a meeting. We sat down over Zoom to share updates on our work, and to continue our collaboration to support our rural and agriculture communities as best we can.
Keeping People In Their Homes
On July 24, Governor Inslee extended the statewide eviction moratorium through October 15, providing additional security and stability to those who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Too many Washingtonians have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, and in these trying times it’s important that we do whatever we can to support our neighbors.
With the moratorium set to expire in just a few weeks, many in our communities may find themselves faced with incredible burdens as they try to pay off the months of rent that they had to defer.
There are so many people that remain out of work or economically impacted by COVID-19, and they need our support now more than ever. I remain committed to working to find an equitable solution to prevent anyone from losing their homes.
We must find a solution before October 15, and I’m confident that we will be able to help those in our communities who need us most.
Make Sure You Are Heard
Last night, a Judge in California ordered that the 2020 Census must continue through its original end date of October 31, and not the sped up timeline of September 30. While we wait for this important order to be finalized, please make sure to take ten minutes to fill out the Census and share widely with your family, friends, and neighbors!
Click here to fill out the 2020 Census.
We’re just over a month away from the most consequential election of our lifetimes. This November, it is so important that all of us cast a vote and do our part to shape our communities, and our country. Please register to vote, and vote as soon as you get your ballot!
Click here to check your voter registration status.
Already registered and looking for more actions to take? Join the 40th LD Dream Team–myself, Rep. Alex Ramel, and Sen. Liz Lovelett – tomorrow (Saturday) between 10:00 am – 1:00 pm for a virtual phone bank to get as many people voting as possible! We have some competitive races in Washington this year and need all hands on deck to elect our Democrats into office!
Click here to register for this virtual phone bank
Chris Reykdal’s Re-Election Campaign!
Next week on Tuesday, September 29th I am thrilled to be co-hosting a Zoom fundraiser to re-elect Chris Reykdal to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction! Chris has done a fantastic job since taking office in January of 2017, and it has been a pleasure working side by side with him to ensure that all of Washington’s students have access to quality education.
The fundraiser will run from 5:00 P.M. to 5:45 P.M. this coming Tuesday, and I hope to see you there! Find all the information you need to join us below.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by Carbon Washington for an important conversation about how we can make sure the climate is at the center of a strong recovery for Washington state. It was so wonderful joining my friend and colleague Rep. Sharon Shewmake, and I just want to thank everyone who joined us!
Endorsement Shoutouts!
Congressman Denny Heck
Since he first took office in 2013, Congressman Denny Heck has done a tremendous job representing the people of the 10th Congressional District, and has set a strong example that Washingtonians should be proud of.
Congressman Denny Heck
This year, he’s running to be our Lieutenant Governor, and he will bring strong values of transparency, fairness, and fighting for the most vulnerable among us to the office. I’m proud to endorse his campaign, and look forward to working with him in the future!
For more about his campaign, click here.
Community To Community
A few weeks ago, Community to Community (C2C) made their first political endorsement when they backed my reelection campaign. As the only Native American in the State Legislature, I fully understand how important it is for our underrepresented communities to have a voice. I’m proud to be that voice, and I’m honored to have C2C’s endorsement.
Rep. Lekanoff and C2C’s Rosalinda Guillen in 2018
In the sixteen years that C2C has been working for farmworker justice, they have never endorsed a single candidate for elected office until this year. Click here to listen to a podcast where C2C’s Rosalinda Guillen and Liz Darrow discuss the reasons for that, and why this year is different.
T’wina Nobles for 28th LD State Senate
T’wina Nobles brings nearly 15 years of experience in education as an instructor, PTA leader, and School Board member. She currently serves as the President and CEO of the Tacoma Urban League, and is running to represent the 28th LD in Washington’s State Senate.
I’m proud to endorse T’wina, and I know that she will bring an incredible, informed, and passionate voice to ongoing conversations in Olympia. She’ll bring with her decades of life experience, and a unique perspective that will be welcome as we move into 2021 and beyond.
To learn more about T’wina’s campaign, click here.
Ingrid Anderson for 5th LD State Senate
We’re just over a month away from the general election, and it’s important that we think seriously about who we want to represent us in Olympia, and the kinds of voices we want to shape the future of Washington State.
Ingrid Anderson has worked for years as a nurse at Overlake Hospital, always committing herself to the fundamental idea of helping others and giving back. I am proud to endorse her as she runs for the State Senate in the 5th LD, and I look forward to working alongside her as we continue to address so many important issues.
Ingrid Anderson
For more information about Ingrid’s campaign, click here.
Individual endorsements are an incredibly important part of my campaign. You can put your name next to mine and support my re-election by heading over to my website and filling out this form.
These endorsements mean so much to me – they show that this is a campaign focused on people, and I would be honored to have your name added along with mine.
Trivia Answer!
Filling out the Census!