Seattle

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Legislature passed a historic budget today that focuses on an equitable recovery from the economic and health impacts of COVID-19. The 2021-23 operating budget uses a combination of ongoing state revenue and federal funds from the American Rescue Plan to provide back-due rent relief, small business support, strengthen the state’s safety net, build upon investments …

WHY ARE J&J VACCINES BEING PAUSED? • On Tuesday, April 13th, the FDA/CDC announced a rare but serious side effect including serious brainblood clots (CVST) combined with low platelet counts in six patients who received J&J vaccines.• All patients are women under 50 years of age.• Vaccines are being paused out of an abundance of caution. WHAT IS WA STATE …

Call It COVID, a group that aims to fight Anti-Asian violence, posted “A Word”, a spoken-word film. The short film discusses the effects of certain “words” and “phrases” such as “the China Virus” and how it has damaged the nation and Asian American communities. The film aims to bring awareness to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. The message condemns …

Special Enrollment Period and Increased ACA Subsidies Could Help Close Gaps in Health Insurance Coverage for Asian American and Pacific Islander Adults WASHINGTON – A new analysis from AARP’s Public Policy Institute finds that nearly half of older adults purchasing health insurance through the nongroup health insurance market faced unaffordable health coverage in 2019, compared to 30% of younger adults. …

Community Vaccination Hub at North Seattle College Will Be Fourth City-Affiliated Fixed Vaccination Site Site Has Initial Capacity for 1,170 Vaccinations Per Week, Could Scale Up to 6,400, Supply Permitting SEATTLE (March 31, 2021) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today announced that the City is helping to support a new Community Vaccination Hub operated by Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) …

State of Washington will no longer require Phase Finder to verify vaccine eligilities. In order to get as many vulnerable members of the community vaccinated as possible, the state has removed Phase Finder to speed up the process. The Phase Finder will be replaced by Vaccine Locator to help Washington residents learn about eligibilities and schedule an appointment. LanguageVaccine LocatorEnglishhttps://VaccineLocator.doh.wa.govSimplified …

Expansion will include actions to address racial justice and advocacy for people of Asian descent Bank of America today announced that it has increased its $1 billion, four-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity to $1.25 billion over five years. This effort further accelerates work already underway to address racial equality and opportunity through direct actions, investments and …

If you delayed renewing your driver license or instruction permit because it was extended, it’s time to act. The Department of Licensing (DOL) is planning no further extensions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check your license or permit: If its expiration date ranges from March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, please renew it as soon as possible. It’s easy to renew online! …

March 18, 2021 – The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is available to more people than ever, and new rules have made it easier for sole proprietors, independent contractors and the self-employed to tap these funds. The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA), the National Development Council (NDC) and leaders of the Washington Small Business Recovery Working Group are urging these individuals …

“I am grieving with my Asian American community. From the brutal act of hate in Atlanta to the increasing attacks in King County, this rise in anti-Asian violence is a continuation of the xenophobia Asian Americans have experienced throughout our history. In the last year, Washington ranked third highest in the nation for reported hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.  “To stop Asian hate, we must write laws that dismantle white supremacy. We must reimagine public safety to support …