Olympic Times

Rep. Matt Boehnke, who has been recently selected by the House Republican Caucus to serve as ranking member of the newly-created House Community and Economic Development Committee, has urged Washingtonians to voice their opinions on Washington Bill 5114.

The bill would allow businesses to safely reopen under the provisions of Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery issued by Gov. Jay Inslee.

“Stay engaged. Voice your opinion, sign up for remote testimony! Now is the time to hear from you directly. Share with family and friends!” Boehnke announced on Twitter.

Businesses including the restaurant industry have been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

In November, the Seattle Times reported that The Washington Hospitality Association (WHA) Director of State Government Affairs Julia Gorton formally wrote a letter to the governor stating how their industry has been devastated by the pandemic, specifically by the COVID-19 restrictions. Referring to the indoor ban announced in November, Gorton wrote “This most recent announcement will mean 100,000 families or more will lose their income right before the holidays.”

The Washington State Bill 5114 would allow the use of fitness centers, movie theaters and other indoor entertainment businesses, and indoor dining to open to the general public with a 25 percent capacity restriction for businesses in counties that would be moved to Phase 2, the Tri-City Herald reported.