Single-use plastic bags delayed

Single-use plastic bags delayed

Single Use Plastic Bags has been delayed by Gov. Jay Inslee as of last Friday. This order delays implementation of a law that passed the Legislature in 2020 that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2021, relating to a statewide prohibition on retailers' issuance of single-use plastic bags.

The governor is delaying the new law's implementation due to supply issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are affecting their ability to procure the alternative bags, including:

• Increased demand for paper and thicker plastic bags, due to increased demand for takeout and groceries;
• Retailers asking customers not to bring bags from home, to protect workers; and
• Thicker plastic bag manufacturers transitioning their facilities to manufacture hospital gowns and other PPE.

This order is effective December 31 and it will expire at 11:59 PM on January 30, 2021 unless further extended by the Legislature.

Inslee Releases 2021-2023 Budget Proposal

Gov. Inslee announced the details of his 2021 - 2023 biennial budget proposal Thursday, 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. We cannot cut the things that we need most during a pandemic," Inslee said during a press conference Thursday. "In my proposed operating, capital and transportation budgets, I am investing in the people of our state."

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.

40% Fewer Coronavirus Vaccines

Washington will receive 40 percent fewer coronavirus vaccines this week, the CDC has told Gov. Jay Inslee. All states are seeing similar cuts, and no explanation was given, Inslee said Thursday.