New Discover Pass free days honor Indigenous people, Black history, and mental health.
OLYMPIA - Nov. 10, 2021 - Washington State Parks has designated the free days in 2022 when visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park at state parks and on recreation lands managed by Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
In 2022, the Discover Pass free days are:
Job Opening Vader Deputy Clerk:
The City of Vader is now hiring for a Deputy Clerk, part-time at 28 hours per week. The position does not provide healthcare but does offer vacation, holiday and sick leave. For more information please go to the city website at www.vaderwa.org. Applications are also available upon request via email at vadercity@centurylink.net or by calling 360-295-3222.
Inslee defends his authority to make changes to the long-term care premiums
By The HERALD and staff reports
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement last Thursday on his authority to make changes to the long-term care premiums set to begin collections on January 1.
Below is the governor's statement.
"There seems to be some inaccurate reporting and misinformation about the Legislature's long-term care bill, which under the law requires employers to withhold money from employee wages.
Inslee releases salmon recovery proposals
Gov. Jay Inslee announced his salmon recovery proposals for the 2022 legislative session, which will bolster Washington's leadership in protecting and restoring salmon across the state.
The governor put forward a $187 million investment in a salmon strategy that will:
Inslee announces climate package for 2022
Gov. Jay Inslee announced his climate proposals for the 2022 legislative session, which will bolster Washington's leadership in clean energy and economic growth. The action took place Monday morning.
The governor put forward a $626 million investment in a climate strategy that will:
Decarbonize the building sector
Successfully implement the Climate Commitment Act
Invest more in clean transportation.
Build the clean energy future in Washington.
"We have made good progress in our state, but it is not enough, and we must do more. Now is the time to act boldly and quickly ...
Inslee on discovery Omicron variant cases in Washington
Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement Saturday after public health officials confirmed three cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus in Washington state.
"We knew this day was inevitable, but the good news is we have more tools at our disposal to fight the virus than at any previous point in the pandemic, and we must continue to protect ourselves and our communities.
"There is still much to learn about this variant as scientists around the world continue to study it. It remains as important as ever to get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask and be safe. We cannot yield an inch to this virus.
"Be vigilant for any symptoms - such as fever or fatigue - and mask up in public settings. We all have the power to keep our communities safe."
FEMA Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Unit Coming to Western Washington
Gov. Jay Inslee in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health, the King County Executive's Office, Public Health - Seattle & King County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Washington State Emergency Management Division, and King County Emergency Management, announced today that FEMA is preparing to send a mobile vaccination unit to several western Washington communities to ensure life-saving COVID-19 vaccines are given out to the public quickly and equitably.
Gov. Jay Inslee amended the vaccination requirement proclamation 21-14 to address potentially life-threatening circumstances in 24/7 facilities."24/7 facilities" provide care to individuals, and include, but are not limited to, acute care, long-term care, corrections, rehabilitation and behavioral health in-patient facilities. The action took place last Wednesday.
The amendment allows these facilities to use the services of contractors whose full vaccination status has not been verified in very narrow and limited circumstances. Those circumstances are emergent events or conditions that are unanticipated, discrete, temporary, and likely to result in death or serious bodily harm if the contractors' prompt actions are not taken.
Examples of such emergent events and conditions include, but are not limited to, fires, floods, or other natural disasters, inoperable security door and camera controls, and riot or hostage situations.
The amendment also requires that facility leadership must first make reasonable efforts to engage contractors whose vaccination status is verified, and must, within a reasonable time of the event, document that the circumstances met this narrow and limited exception. In addition, any such response by an unverified contractor must be limited to the duration and scope necessary to address the emergent event.
Inslee statement on COVID booster expanded eligibility
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement Saturday as the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup confirmed actions taken by FDA and CDC to recommend boosters for all adults who received their initial course of COVID- 19 vaccine six or more months ago.
"The COVID vaccines continue to amaze me as a scientific success. The vaccine is the path out of the pandemic. I encourage everyone five years and older to get vaccinated - whether you are a child or adult getting their first vaccinate or a 50-year-old getting a booster, we can protect each other with this important step," Inslee said. "As we head into winter, we want to make sure to have as much protection against COVID as we can. We are seeing surging cases in other parts of the country, and we want to do what we can to prevent ourselves entering another COVID wave. Now that boosters are available to all adults, we hope everyone will take advantage of them. Protect yourself, your loved ones, your coworkers and your friends."
Support of High-Speed Rail Corridor with Oregon & B.C.
As part of the Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference, Inslee along with Gov. Kate Brown and Premier John Horgan, signed a memorandum of understanding to establish ultra-high-speed transportation as a priority in the region. The action took place last Tuesday (Nov. 16).
"The Cascadia Innovation Corridor reflects our shared belief that regional challenges and opportunities require regional solutions," Inslee said. "We know that exchanging ideas and entrepreneurship across borders will build our economies and improve our quality of life in Washington state, British Columbia, and Oregon. We intend to do just that with the memorandum of understanding that we signed earlier today. We will coordinate with our partners on pursuing federal funding for high-speed rail and engage communities throughout our region."
Gov. Jay Inslee named Steve Hobbs as Washington Secretary of State last Wednesday. Hobbs replaces Kim Wyman who is vacating the position to take a role with the Biden administration.
The Washington Secretary of State preserves the integrity of elections in Washington state; safeguards vital government records, documents, publications and process; provides the business community and public with easy access to information about corporations and charities; and performs public outreach to improve civic knowledge and participation.
Hobbs, a native Washingtonian, grew up in Snohomish County where he still lives with his family. He has represented the 44th Legislative District in the state Senate since 2007. He currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington State National Guard.
Hobbs served for more than 32 years in the U.S. Army, serving in Kosovo and Iraq. He enlisted as a private and eventually worked his way up to Lt. Colonel.
"Steve is a dedicated public servant. He has a strong national security perspective from his work in the Army and National Guard," Inslee said. "His knowledge of cyber-security will be crucial as election systems around the country continue to face threats. Importantly, Steve has demonstrated political independence. That is crucial during this time of political polarization and distrust. He is a moderate who has worked effectively with people of all political perspectives. He is not afraid to challenge both Democrats and Republicans. Steve has worked to protect democracy and will continue that noble pursuit as Secretary of State."
Inslee on Wyman joining Federal Election Security Office
Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement last Tuesday on Secretary of State Kim Wyman's decision to lead the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to protect future elections from foreign and domestic interference.
"I spoke to Kim earlier today and congratulated her on her appointment. She has remained independent in the face of partisan challenges and has always done what was best for the strength of our democracy.
"I remember watching Kim certify the 2020 election results last December on the floor of the state Senate. When confronted with the choice of adopting election lies being promulgated by powerful forces in her party, Kim chose to stand by the will of the people. We are a stronger state because of Kim's endeavors.
"She is a great fit to lead these crucial efforts at the national level and I have no doubt that her expertise, energy and focus will lead to more secure elections and help restore faith in the democratic process.
"I will appoint her replacement in the coming weeks, and I believe that regardless of who it is, they will continue the vital work that Kim and her staff have put in place."
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