Stop Assisted Living Funding Cuts



On July 1, the Governor’s Office of Financial Management slashed the $9 PPD COVID-19 assisted living center Medicaid rate add-on provided through federal dollars intended to support management and mitigation of this deadly virus. Outbreak numbers are up, and costs for supplies, staffing and infection control efforts have increased markedly. The state’s failure to provide critically necessary emergency funding is hindering providers’ ability to combat the virus, to the great risk of patients and their caregivers.

You can send your personalized message here urging the Governor and legislators to ensure funding is restored.

Bottom line: The Governor and your legislators must hear from our entire community—providers, caregivers, families and friends.

Emergency funds must be reinstated to battle a deadly virus that targets older citizens with co-existing conditions that put them at greatest risk—residents of Washington assisted living centers.

In fewer than 3 minutes, you can reach Governor Inslee and legislators in your home and work districts.

Thanks for all you do to advocate for our most vulnerable. 
Media Report
Reports on COVID-19 emergency fund cuts have been featured this week, including stories by KING 5 and Skagit Valley Herald. On Wednesday, WHCA CEO Robin Dale was interviewed on 570 KVI’s Kirby Wilbur Show. We will continue to urge restoration of funds intended to protect your residents, given the high cost of PPE and staffing related to this pandemic. 
Election 2020
Primary Election

The Washington primary election is over and the results have been certified. Here are the results for several key state executive races. Because of Washington’s “top two” law, the two candidates with the most votes in the primary election, regardless of party, will advance to the November election.

  • Governor – Two term Democrat incumbent Jay Inslee led all challengers with about 50% of the vote and will face Republican Loren Culp, the Police Chief of Republic. Chief Culp got 17% of the vote in a crowded Republican field.

  • Lt. Governor – Congressman Denny Heck was the overall leader in this crowded race with 25% of the vote, and will face fellow Democrat State Senator Marko Liias, who garnered 18%.

There are a number of competitive legislative races but if the primary numbers are indicative, it appears the overall Democrat majorities will change very little based on the results. Republicans are likely to pick up a seat or two in the state legislature.

If you would like to look at your legislative district results click here.
Advocacy - Register to Vote
Make sure you, your family, and colleagues are registered to vote in time for the November election. There are several ways you can register to vote in Washington that are social-distancing friendly.
 
 
You can use the online and mail-in forms to update your current voter registration.
 
If you are interested in registering other people to vote, please shoot us a quick note. We can help provide materials and guidance on how to conduct a voter registration drive.
I will continue to post updates to WHCA's grassroots activities. If you have questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to email me or call.
Associate Director for Governmental Relations
Washington Health Care Association
Tel (800) 562-6170, Extension 108