Census forms are arriving – let your voice be heard
The nation’s once-a-decade census has begun, and the forms from the U.S. Bureau of the Census are arriving in mailboxes now. Please take a moment to fill out the form and return it. The census not only tells us about ourselves, as a country, but it also determines how government resources are allocated and how political district boundaries are drawn. A full count for our area will help ensure we are treated fairly. At a time when we are all doing our part to combat coronavirus, this is another important civic duty. And it’s a good way to relieve cabin fever.
An important message in this time of crisis
Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch.
On March 23, the governor issued a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Many of you are concerned about what this order means for you, your business and your job. Supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations will remain open, following federal guidelines for essential employees and critical infrastructure. Others that do not fall under the essential-business categories may apply for exemptions through the Department of Commerce. Meanwhile, for the rest of us, staying home means staying safe.
Please let me know if we can be of assistance to you in this effort or any other challenge you may face in dealing with state government agencies during this time of crisis. By working together and putting the common good before each of us, we can beat this COVID-19 virus, and emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
KEEP HEALTHY
If you think you have been exposed to Covid-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your doctor.
STAY HOME, STAY HEALTHY ORDER
On March 23, the governor announced a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order in Washington state, to control the spread of coronavirus.
This order requires every Washingtonian to stay at home, unless they are pursuing an essential activity, such as shopping for groceries, going to a doctor’s appointment, or going to work at an essential business.
The order bans all gatherings of people for social, spiritual and recreational purposes. This applies to both public and private gatherings, including weddings and funerals.
It is still safe to go outside, if proper social distancing techniques are maintained. By keeping our distance, each of us can play a role in combating this highly contagious virus.
ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES
Grocery stores and other businesses deemed essential remain open during this crisis. Most others have been ordered to close offices, shops and other workplaces and send employees home. Telecommuting is strongly recommended during this period.
The governor’s office, through the Department of Commerce, has issued guidelines on which businesses should remain open. Businesses that provide essential services must implement rules to facilitate social distancing by at least six feet.
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
These websites, updated regularly, contain the latest information about the crisis from official sources.
Washington State Coronavirus Response. Check here for official news, announcements and general advice.
Department of Health. Check here for current statistics and other information about the coronavirus outbreak in Washington state. The Department of Health coronavirus hotline number is 1 (800) 525-0127, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Kitsap Public Health District. Check here for latest updates concerning Kitsap County’s response.
Mason County Health Department. Check here for latest updates concerning Mason County’s response.
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services. Check here for latest updates concerning Thurston County’s response.
Washington State Ledger. This page, maintained by the Washington House Republican Caucus, compiles links to legislative information and state and local agencies.
Department of Employment Security. Check here for information about filing for unemployment in Washington state and coronavirus-related programs for workers and employers.
Department of Commerce. Commerce is playing multiple roles during this crisis, including decision-making regarding essential businesses, business assistance programs, and homeless programs.
Business assistance programs are listed here.
Homeless-program information is listed here, including information about emergency grants.
Essential-business guidelines are listed here. Those seeking clarification of the governor’s business-closure order or inclusion in the list of essential businesses can use this form to contact the department.
Department of Revenue. Check here for information about business relief programs. Emergency measures affect a broad variety of taxes and programs, including the business and occupation tax, real estate excise tax, leasehold excise tax and others.
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Check here for information about public-school closures, graduation requirements, continuous learning programs and school meal programs.
Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Check here for information about how your insurance coverage is affected by the coronavirus crisis.
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Check here for the latest national information about the coronavirus outbreak, including state-by-state statistics.
World Health Organization: Check here for information about the coronavirus outbreak worldwide.
U.S. Small Business Administration: Check here for information about applying for disaster assistance loans.
CONTACT US
The 2020 legislative session is over, but we work for you year-round.
During this crisis, the best way to reach us is by email, at Timothy.Sheldon@leg.wa.gov, or by phone at (360) 786-7668. When leaving a telephone message, please remember to include your email address.
Thanks for visiting my website!
I’m Tim Sheldon, your Democratic senator from the 35th Legislative District. My district includes Mason County and portions of Kitsap and Thurston counties.
I am the longest-serving member of the Washington Legislature, having first been elected in 1990. That makes me one of the last remaining Democrats to represent a rural district. I remain an independent voice for our rural values — fiscal responsibility, job creation, Second-Amendment rights and a minimum of government interference in our lives.
I am dedicated to bringing private sector jobs back to our communities, improving our schools, and passing sustainable budgets that do not require tax increases. I want to thank all who have participated in my annual legislative surveys. You can see the latest results here. You have made it clear you believe as I do, that fiscal responsibility must be maintained even at a time when the state’s finances are improving.
My commitment in politics is very clear… it’s to YOU. I have always believed the interests of my district are more important than the interests of any political party, and I will always hold that belief. No matter what the issue is, I follow your lead.
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