Dear Friends,
For many of us, today looks remarkably different than how we imagine the day after a holiday. Our stomachs and fridges might be full, but there are certainly empty chairs and loved ones only seen through screens.
It’s disappointing to miss traditions for a year, but it is so incredibly important that we slow the spread of COVID-19. I want to say that this year I am incredibly thankful for all of you! We have all made tremendous sacrifices to help our communities and our country, doing our part to stay safe, stay healthy, and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Thank you to everyone who did their part in reducing their contact with people outside their homes and limited their Thanksgiving celebrations.
Beyond that, I want to thank you all for your continued support and faith in me as your Representative for the 40th LD. It is my absolute pleasure to get up each day and work on your behalf – and I can’t wait for the legislative session to begin in 2021!
We have all been through a lot this year, and we must continue to do our part to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19. Holidays are usually the time to see our loved ones, to relax, and to take a step away from everything going on in the world. This year does not have to be different! Just instead of seeing our loved ones in person, we’ve had to enjoy their company over Zoom and Facetime instead.
We will get through the COVID-19 pandemic, and we will do it by putting our communities first. Sacrifices have to be made, and I am so proud of the work we have done! Keep it up, Washington, and keep reading for my thoughts on Native American Heritage Day, and an update from Governor Inslee.
“Stay Safe, Stay Healthy”
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
Native American Heritage Day!
For more than 10 years we have honored the day following Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day, and it has always been a time for love and reflection that I hold very near to my heart.
We should all take a moment today to honor the countless generations that have come before us and called this place home – it is because of them that Native and Alaska Native tribes continue to grow and reclaim our pasts, celebrating our culture and looking to the future.
Today I want to thank all of the incredible Native and Alaska Native people – my friends and family – who have taught and guided me throughout my life. You have helped me accomplish so much in my life, and I am eternally grateful for all of the support and love I continue to receive.
Native American Heritage Day is just a single day out of Native American Heritage Month, and if you want to read some more about all the ways that Native culture is being honored and celebrated this month, click here.
COVID-19 Relief Funding
Earlier this week, Governor Inslee announced additional financial support for families and businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As case rates continue to rise in Washington State and across the country, new social restrictions have been put in place to help curb further infections – click here to read about the new measures Governor Inslee put in place last week.
While the Governor instituted additional statewide restrictions, he has also allocated new economic support that amounts to $135 million, which includes:
- $70 million in business support grants;
- $30 million for the recovery loan program;
- $20 million for rental assistance; and
- $15 million for energy bills for low-income households.
The business support grants will be allocated first to businesses most impacted by both COVID-19 and the most recent measures taken to address public safety.
You can find additional information in the press release below and online here, and you can find more information about available business assistance here.
Thank you to Governor Inslee and his staff for working so diligently to support Washingtonian businesses, and to mitigate the effects of these necessary precautions we all must take to protect our communities from COVID-19.