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 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 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...

Labor & Industries doesn’t have emergency authority to fine businesses, Ericksen says State agency plans $10,000 fines for businesses that flout governor’s edicts Legislature never gave agency authority to adopt rule Punishment sends wrong message to struggling businesses, people of Washington   To read Sen. Ericksen’s letter to Gov. Jay Inslee, click here. OLYMPIA – A new effort by the Inslee Administration... Read More...

New federal program offers vital assistance to Washington agriculture, Ericksen says $19B Coronavirus Food Assistance Program offers relief to farmers, ranchers Funds available for producers of specific agricultural commodities A step forward as we work to reopen America and Washington state Applications start May 26 OLYMPIA – Applications open next week for a new federal program that will offer substantial relief for... Read More...

Ericksen leads rally for Intalco restart Continued operation of Alcoa Ferndale plant is a matter of national significance, say Whatcom County lawmakers                   TO SEE VIDEO NEWS REPORTS from KIRO-TV, KING-TV and the Bellingham Herald on the rally for Alcoa’s Intalco Works, CLICK HERE.     At a... Read More...

Ericksen to leave ‘no stone unturned’ in effort to save Ferndale Alcoa plant OLYMPIA – State Sen. Doug Ericksen issued the following statement following announcement of curtailment at Alcoa’s Intalco Works aluminum smelter near Ferndale. Alcoa announced Wednesday that operations would be fully curtailed and 700 workers would be laid off. Alcoa’s Ferndale plant is the last remaining aluminum plant west of the... Read More...

Economic recovery, bringing American jobs home and public health should be Legislature’s priorities, Ericksen says Time to clear the decks – business survival, getting people back to work must be focus Concerns about business climate cannot be ignored State should eliminate excessive regulation, cut taxes, and fix other hindrances to job creation WA State budget should be reduced to reflect current situation OLYMPIA – As... Read More...

Ericksen joins Senate Republican Caucus in protest against mass release of convicted felons Plan violates Washington constitution, Republicans warn — state could face liability for new crimes — Ericksen among 21 Republicans signing formal letter of protest — Violates requirements of “Crime Victims Bill of Rights” in constitution — Crime victims must be notified, be given opportunity to speak against releases OLYMPIA —... Read More...

Ericksen calls for fair treatment for construction industry amid COVID-19 crisis If private construction is halted, government construction should be too, Ericksen says To see Sen. Ericksen’s letter, click here. Governor’s order halts private construction, allows public projects to continue Sends message that government is putting itself first, undermines public goodwill Decisions should be based on medical necessity, Ericksen says OLYMPIA... Read More...