Retired Public Employees Council of WA Working to protect and enhance the pension and health care benefits of Washington retired state, county and local government employees
RPEC Weekly ACTION Newsletter – 2-25-2022
IN THIS EDITION
- SB 5676 – Plan 1 COLA Bill
- Governor Inslee to Lift Mask Mandate March 21
- Legislative Bill Summary
SB 5676 – PLAN 1 COLA BILL
SB 5676, a one-time 3% Plan 1 COLA, passed the Senate earlier this month. On Tuesday, it had a public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee and yesterday was voted out of Committee unanimously. There was an amendment in the committee, submitted by Rep. Rude, to raise the COLA to 5%. That was voted down before the original bill was voted on.
It will now proceed to the House floor for a vote. Due to it’s swift movement through the process thus far and unanimous passage at each step, we do not foresee any issues with this passing the House and moving to the Governor’s desk.
In related news, the operating budgets from both chambers had public hearings on Monday and both included the funding for the one-time 3% Plan 1 COLA.
Action Item – Please call, write, or email your Representatives and tell your them – “Thank you for your support on the Plan 1 COLA. Please prioritize SB 5676 for floor action.”
You can find contact information for your legislators here:
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/Rosters/Members/
If you are unsure of your Legislative District, go to this link and enter your address: https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/
GOVERNOR INSLEE TO LIFT MASK MANDATE MARCH 21
From the Governor’s website:
“Masks no longer required in most places beginning March 21
“Beginning March 21, face masks will no longer be required in most settings, including K-12 schools and childcare facilities.
“Masks will still be required in health care settings such as hospitals, outpatient and dental offices, long term care settings, and correctional facilities.
“In addition, beginning March 1, vaccine verification for large events will no longer be required.
“Businesses and local governments can still choose to implement vaccination or face mask requirements for workers or customers, and school districts can still choose to have students and teachers wear masks. Federal law still requires face masks in certain settings such as public transportation and school buses.”
LEGISLATIVE BILL SUMMARY
Below is a link to the bills we are tracking as they move through the legislative process. Full Text and updates on these bills can be found by searching for the bill number at: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/
Please visit https://rpecwa.org/2022-legislative-bill-summary/ for a list of bills currently of focus to RPEC.
