Click here for useful official resources and information about the state’s response to the Coronavirus crisis.
UPDATED! Coronavirus information page contains information about federal programs to provide assistance to individuals.
An important message for small-business owners and employees
New federal assistance programs available – applications open April 3
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO. Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, outlines new federal programs to provide direct assistance to small business.
Dear friends and neighbors,
I have important news to report about a new federal program that will help struggling small businesses stay afloat during this period of national emergency.
Starting Friday, business owners can apply for Small Business Administration loans. This new loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, was authorized by the $2.2 trillion stimulus package recently passed by Congress. When business owners use these loans to make payroll, or to pay rent or mortgage interest, they can petition the SBA to convert these loans into grants. No payback is required.
This program will continue through June 30, 2020.
Small businesses in Whatcom County and throughout Washington state can take advantage of this program to get them through this extended national shutdown. Applications will be easy. Forms are available at www.SBA.gov, but applications also can be made at local banks and credit unions.
You can find more information about this program on my Coronavirus Information Page. This page contains links to up-to-date official information about efforts to combat the pandemic, as well as other useful information about state and federal assistance programs.
My sympathies are with the many who are experiencing difficulty under our state’s stay-at-home order. These precautions are important. We all must follow the directives about safe spacing, working from home and minimizing contact with other individuals. Federal authorities tell us the first two weeks of April are critical in stemming the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Programs like the new SBA Paycheck Protection Program will help us weather the storm and stabilize our economic situation as our nation prepares to get back to work. By working together, we can come out of this stronger than when we went in.
Thank you for visiting!
It is an honor to serve the people of Washington state and Whatcom County as your state senator. This is where great ideas are born. In Whatcom County, we are leaders in education, leaders in health care, leaders in environmental protection and leaders in energy production. I look forward to the great things we can accomplish together. Every day, I go to work in Olympia inspired by the people of our corner of the state. I grew up in Whatcom County and I call it my home – for me, my kids, my family. Like you, I worry about my children’s schools and I worry about the sort of world they will live in. Working together we can create a better future for your kids and my kids and for generations to come. 
Latest News
Ericksen says next legislative session should be limited to crisis-related measures
Ericksen says next legislative session should be limited to crisis-related measures
Bad idea to debate income tax, other big proposals, when public has to stay home COVID restrictions will limit public access, involvement Health and economic emergencies should be legislature’s focus Tax hikes, sweeping policy changes should wait until public has chance to fully weigh in If Gov. Jay Inslee and...
Read More
New COVID restrictions point up need for special session, public involvement, Ericksen says
New COVID restrictions point up need for special session, public involvement, Ericksen says
Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, released the following statement Monday in response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement of new COVID restrictions and a renewed lockdown of restaurants, bars and other businesses. “COVID is serious business, but I have great concern about this new lockdown order. Whatever we do as a state...
Read More
Ericksen announces proposal to improve elections security, restore public trust in system
Ericksen announces proposal to improve elections security, restore public trust in system
Would increase public confidence by returning state to in-person polling-place voting. Valid ID would be required and voting machines would have to establish a paper trail. Absentee ballots would continue to be available on request, in-person voting options would be available prior to an election, and general-election...
Read More
Ericksen calls on Ecology to stop plans for water rights adjudication in Nooksack basin
Ericksen calls on Ecology to stop plans for water rights adjudication in Nooksack basin
Similar effort in Yakima basin took 42 years to resolve — Nooksack adjudication would be twice as big, twice as complex — Ericksen will oppose any legislative appropriation for Nooksack adjudication — Would create great uncertainty, cloud property rights, land values — Other issues need to be resolved before adjudication...
Read More
When the lights start flickering, we’re going to need the Electron Dam
When the lights start flickering, we’re going to need the Electron Dam
Electron Hydroelectric Project powerhouse on the Puyallup River. Water is routed through the powerhouse through a diversion channel. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Steven Pavlov Note: The following op-ed was distributed to the news media Oct. 6, 2020. By Sen. Doug Ericksen In Pierce County, a dam on the Puyallup River has become...
Read More
Ericksen calls for relaxed travel restrictions for trapped Point Roberts residents
Ericksen calls for relaxed travel restrictions for trapped Point Roberts residents
Landlocked Whatcom County community is biggest victim of national border shutdown Unique geography traps 1,300 permanent American residents as U.S., Canada halt “non-essential” border traffic. Canadians blocked from visiting vacation properties, boat moorage; local businesses suffer. Ericksen joins 42nd District lawmakers in calling for sensible travel rules,...
Read More
Inslee cuts support for nursing homes after preserving state-worker pay hikes
Inslee cuts support for nursing homes after preserving state-worker pay hikes
Targeting facilities at epicenter of COVID-19 pandemic in state is ‘heartless,’ Ericksen says OLYMPIA – As if there weren’t already enough coronavirus-related issues needing immediate attention from state lawmakers, says state Sen. Doug Ericksen, add this to the list: Gov. Jay Inslee’s administration is cutting Medicaid reimbursements to nursing homes,...
Read More
Ericksen: State projected to collect $2 billion more in taxes compared to last budget
Ericksen: State projected to collect $2 billion more in taxes compared to last budget
There is no budget crisis, senator notes – it’s a spending crisis Collections will increase 4.2 percent – problem is, Legislature raised spending 19% Tax hikes will worsen recession – Legislature should focus on tax relief for small businesses OLYMPIA – Washington will collect more taxes this year than ever...
Read More
Keep Reading
Those who receive my e-newsletters have access to inside information straight from the state Capitol, often before members of the media have a chance to report it. Sign up today, and you can take the next step toward participating directly in your state government.
I'm Here to Serve You
A representative government only works when those represented take an active part in the process. I'm here to serve you, and your direct input helps me do my job better. Please don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail, phone or by mail, or make an appointment to see me in person. I look forward to hearing from you!
