The current lockdown has had a degrading effect on the biggest industries and the most common occupations within the 20th District. Healthcare workers are facing furlough and the imminent prospect of joining those on the state's already heavily burdened unemployment system. Retailers, especially those in the Mom and Pop retail businesses in the District are facing the looming options of bankruptcy or shuttering their businesses permanently.
It was a good call initially when the attempt to "flatten the curve" was instituted. No doubt it has helped to save lives. However, now the state's private sector, municipalities, and even county governments are facing the need to begin to make cutbacks or end important services. We need to begin a more urgent and process that can lead to opening up of the state's tax revenue stream before vital revenues must be curtailed, and businesses face bankruptcy.
There is every indication that yes, there very well may be a spike in the infection rate. That is to be expected when people who have not been able to build immunity begin to emerge and risk exposure. The process should encourage the continued lockdown and self-quarantine of those in high-risk categories. But allow those with reduced risk of infection or serious effects to go back to work if possible. Small businesses across the 20th District that have been able to remain open have demonstrated the ability to function, and still protect their staff and customers. There is a growing need to begin to restore the flow of revenue to the private and public sectors before needed programs and businesses are economically unable to continue. I encourage the County Commissioners in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Thurston Counties to step-up and call on the Governor to move to Phase II of his plan to open up the economy. If not, many of our cities and towns may find themselves resembling the shuttered communities of the industrial "rust belt" of just a few years ago. If that happens, the socio-economic health of these communities and their citizens will take a great deal longer to recover, than if we begin to responsibly open up the economy while also protecting those most vulnerable during this health crisis. Thank you.
