Our comments on the latest Covid-19 interventions announced by Governor Inslee.

November 15, 2020

In a press conference yesterday Governor Jay Inslee announced a new set of interventions intended to stop the spread of Covid-19 — these measures will also disrupt the economy and create job and income loss. 

Since March, the Governor has done little to help people impacted by his orders who can’t pay their rent. Eviction bans don’t put money in people’s bank accounts to cover their housing expenses and the Governor’s $100 million in rent relief is not accessible to many residents or housing providers.The Governor failed to say how much of that money has been allocated; he said he “intends” to get it out. 

The Governor’s intentions won’t pay the rent. 

Here is what Washington needs now, 

• Immediate cash assistance to anyone who has not been able to pay rent because of job loss related to Covid-19;
• Housing providers should be able to apply for this assistance on behalf of their residents; 
• The Governor should use his influence not to seek a cabinet position but rental assistance for past rent and future rent for his actions this weeks; and
• No claims for assistance should be denied or held up by the bureaucrats in Olympia: Just pay the rent! 

Where’s the relief? 

For too long the Governor has ignored the real problems of the housing impacts of his Covid-19 orders, papering them over with eviction bans. Meanwhile unpaid rent is becoming a burden that will devastate families, businesses, and lead to more job loss and unpaid property taxes. 

It’s time to engage with housing providers and develop an efficient solution and advocate for more help from Washington DC!