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Events continue to change as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. I hope you are staying safe at home, but this response takes a community. The following are some key updates to help you stay informed and navigate these unprecedented times.
I encourage you to stay hopeful. Don't hesitate to reach out to me and my staff as we get through this crisis together. Keep in touch and please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Gov Inslee Extends Stay-At-Home Order Until May 4
Gov. Jay Inslee announced at a press conference Thursday evening that the stay-at-home order is being extended to May 4. There are no new restrictions in the extension of the order. For more information on the order and how it could impact you, go to coronavirus.wa.gov.
$350 Billion in Loans Now Available for Small Businesses
Small and family-owned businesses serve as a backbone of our communities across King County. As of this morning, nearly $350 billion in federal government loans are now available to small businesses to help them respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The money, dubbed the Paycheck Protection Program, is part of the coronavirus relief plan from Congress and makes loans of up to $10 million (up to 2.5 times their total monthly payroll) available to businesses with fewer than 500 employees (based on pre-COVID-19 payroll numbers).
Business owners can find more information on the SBA’s website or by contacting their preferred lender. Additionally, small businesses with temporary revenue loss can get up to $10,000 through an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Any business with fewer than 500 employees is eligible and the funds need not be repaid. Information about this program is available here.
New Transit Service Reductions Coming Monday, April 6
As the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt across our community, King County Metro and Sound Transit will further reduce bus service on Monday, April 6, to focus operations on a core 115 Metro and Sound Transit routes, and reduced water taxi and Link light rail service. Read more about the service reductions on Metro's blog.
Additional Resources for You and Your Community During the COVID-19 Crisis
King County Council staff continue to gather useful resources on how to file for unemployment or workers’ comp; help with paying utilities, rent, and mortgages; issues with insurance; food assistance and more here.
Many additional King County agencies and organizations have compiled lists and information to help you navigate this crisis. Here are a few links I found useful:
Stay Home and Stay Healthy!
Remember, right now, physical distancing is the most important thing we can do to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6
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