Inslee Extends: Ban on state indoor dining, gym closures, theaters pushed to Jan. 11

Gov. Jay Inslee extended the statewide ban on indoor dining and the closure of gyms and fitness centers through Jan. 11, which moves the restrictions back to at least Jan. 11. Washington's case and hospitalization numbers have leveled off since Inslee's closure orders, but are higher than at any point before November.

Moratorium Eviction Prolonged

Last Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee formally issued an extension of the eviction moratorium, extending all existing provisions and making adjustments to provide additional support for landlords and property owners. The governor initially announced the extension last week. The eviction moratorium is extended through March 31.

Proclamation 20-19.5 extends state rental assistance programs to incorporate the newly approved federal funding for rental assistance. Furthermore, the stated goal of these rental assistance programs is modified to provide a path for landlords, property owners, and property managers to initiate an application for rental assistance. The proclamation also clarifies that landlords and property owners may communicate with tenants in support of their applications for rental assistance.

2021 - 2023 Budget Proposal

Gov. Inslee announced the details of his 2021-2023 biennial budget proposal in December, which included significant funding for public health, economic supports for workers and businesses, and other services that Washingtonians need to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19.

"We must invest in the relief, recovery and resilience of Washington," Inslee said at a press conference. "We cannot cut the things that we need most during a pandemic. In my proposed operating, capital and transportation budgets, I am investing in the people of our state."

Highlights of Inslee's budget proposals would:

• Continue an aggressive response to the ongoing pandemic and build more capacity for tackling future public health crises.
• Rebuild the state's economy and continue efforts to support households, students, workers and businesses impacted by the pandemic.
• Address racial and economic inequity.
• Protect previous investments in areas such as education, childcare and early learning, climate action, behavioral health reform, combating homelessness and access to health care.