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."

Last Friday, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee issued the following joint statement on next steps as they pursue a joint federal-state process to establish a comprehensive solution for salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin.

SOUTH BEND - Razor clam digging continues Tuesday through Monday on local beaches. There are several more dates running through the end of the years after shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced a total of 62 tentative dates for razor clam digs at beaches along the Washington coast.

Inslee issues proclamation requiring vaccination verification for large events

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a large event vaccine verification emergency order, Proclamation 21-16. A "large event" is a ticketed or pre registered assembly of 10,000 or more individuals at an outdoor venue or 1,000 or more individuals at an indoor venue.

Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement Monday regarding the latest increases in vaccination rates among state employees ahead of the required Oct. 18 vaccine verification deadline. Below is the governor's statement.

"We all can be extremely encouraged with the progress we have made in vaccinating public servants in response to this pandemic. As today's numbers released by the Office of Financial Management show, tens of thousands more public servants residing in communities across our state are now vaccinated, putting themselves and the people they interact with at much lower risk from this virus. The first numbers gathered showed around 49 percent, now we are over 90 percent. The numbers show this strategy to increase vaccinations has been a great success.

The Pfizer vaccine is now available as a booster dose. The booster doses are currently recommended for people who received Pfizer for their first two doses and who completed their initial Pfizer series over 6 months ago, AND fall into one of the following groups:

Lately, scammers have been swamping cell phones with calls. One claims to be from the IRS and that you are under investigation for tax fraud. It is a recorded message, but if you listen until the end you might get a real person.

Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter Monday to Jeff Zients, federal COVID-19 response coordinator, requesting federal staffing resources, including clinical and non-clinical staff, to support the Washington health care system in response to rising COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Last Saturday, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement about the 9/11 terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"My fellow Washingtonians, today marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in this country on September 11, 2001. As we remember this tragedy and honor our nation's resilience, this time is also an opportunity to strengthen our national consciousness and consider what we can keep doing to advance freedom.

"Twenty years is a long time, but all of us who lived through these events remember where we were that day. I was in our nation's capital, serving in Congress, where I saw the smoke rise from the Pentagon. No one could be sure at first what was happening or how it would end. I was fortunate to be led to a safe place that day while the chaos and uncertainty played out, but many others put themselves in harm's way to help others. The courageous passengers on United Flight 93 likely saved the U.S. Capitol building and prevented more loss of life. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices of first responders, our military and others for their rescue, recovery and security they provided our nation in the aftermath of these events.