Also in this edition: Minimum Compensation Established by Fare Share Wage Ordinance



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There is no doubt that the start of 2021 has been difficult.

This week, Americans across the country witnessed an insurrection at the United States Capitol building. This act - encouraged by President Trump - was a direct attack on our democracy, fundamental American values, and the rule of law.

We all witnessed the dangerous and terrifying result of a president who has instigated division since the beginning of his tenure and refuses to relinquish his power, instead pushing a false narrative about a stolen election and massive voter fraud. The events in D.C., Olympia, and state capitals across the country occurred because the President and his enablers haveencouragedarmed rebellions and sowed deep distrust in the election.

A violent mob of mostly white, armed insurrectionists forcibly took over the national capitolwith only a few arrests, yet we know there would have been a stark difference if the individuals were people of color.

Following the election of President-Elect Joe Biden, many of us hoped to begin healing after a deeply traumatic year. Our city and country have been in the midst of a global public health crisis we have lost the lives of 350,000 Americans, andfriends, family, and community members have lost jobs and small businesses. The pandemic created anxiety and uncertainty for so many of us, and every step of the way, additional fear, division and hate have been perpetuated by the president.

What we witnessed on Wednesdayhas since prompted ourentire DemocraticCongressional Delegationtocallfor President Trumps removalfrom office.I stand withour Members of Congressand agree that the Presidents actions haveproven he is not fit to serve, command our military, or have access to nuclear launch codes. The cabinet andCongress must act to remove himimmediately.

The values of our American Democracy are stronger than the hate and division promoted bya few, but we also know there continues to be deep divisions, hate, and toxicity in our country and Washington state.Some individuals are continuing to plan events at state capitals across the country, including in Olympia this weekend.

The election is over. Democracy and our Constitution will prevail.Congress counted the Electoral College votes and confirmed President-Elect Joe Biden as the winner of this election.

We will have a full transition of power and removal of this current President.And wemust all strive to heal in 2021 as a city, state, and country.Weimmensechallenges ahead of us after one of the most challenging years in our history.

As always, please continue to write me [email protected], reach out viaTwitter [ [link removed] ]andFacebook [ [link removed] ], and stay up-to-date on the work were doing for the people of Seattle onmy blog. [ [link removed] ]

Stay Safe and Healthy,

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Minimum Compensation Established by Fare Share Wage Ordinance in Effect as of January 2021

On January 1,2021, the minimum compensationrequirementsestablishedbySeattlesFare Share Wage Ordinance went into effect.This new ordinance ensures all drivers are paida fair wage, guarantees that drivers are paid for all of their workingtime,and compensates drivers for work-relatedexpensesand some benefits,and protects drivers from unlawful deductions.Building off legislation passed inNovember 2019, this ordinance wasproposed by Mayor Durkan inAugust 2020andunanimouslypassedby City Council October 2020.

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Legislation to Strengthen Subpoena Power of Office of Police Accountability and Office of Inspector General Passes at City Council

"New Legislation Makes Explicit OPA and OIGs Subpoena Powers in Investigations and Creates Process to Enforce Subpoenas"

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and Councilmember Lisa Herbold this week celebrated the City Councils 8-0 passage of their legislation to strengthen the Office of Police Accountability (OPA) and Office of Inspector Generals (OIG) power to subpoena those who may have been involved in or witnessed incidents of potential officer misconduct. In addition, OPA and OIG can seek a Court order should someone fail to comply with a subpoena for an investigation. The legislation also codifies and makes clear that complainants and witnesses who may be subpoenaed have due process protections; this effort is intended to increase civilian compliance with subpoenas and mitigate any chilling effects of providing information that might later be used in separate proceedings.

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Mayor Durkan Issues Statement on New Statewide Reopening Guidelines

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan this week issued a statement in response to Governor Inslees update of thestatewide reopening guidelines [ [link removed] ]. The updated statewide guidelines keep Seattle and King County in Phase One in which indoor gatherings with people outside your household are prohibited and business activity is limited. Inthe last two weeks, King County has had6,057 residents test positive for COVID-19 [ [link removed] ]including1,478newcases in Seattleand84 hospitalizations of Seattle residents.

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City of Seattle Will Begin Issuing Fines For Unauthorized Use Of Low Bridge

Help uskeep the Low Bridge clear for emergency vehicles, transit, and heavy freight.If you are not authorized to use the Low Bridge,then you could geta $75citationfor every trip acrossitstarting January 11, 2021.

There are many ways to get to and from West Seattle, and wereworkingto help make that easier!In the meantime,to keep the Low Bridge clear for emergency vehicles as well as transit andheavyfreight were asking younot touseit unless you are authorized to do so.

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WEEKEND READ: Seattle Times: Washington state releases COVID-19 vaccination tiers, timeline through April

"Washington will next prioritize vaccinating anyone who is 70 years and older, or anyone 50 and above who lives in a multigenerational household, the Washington state Department of Health announced Wednesday."

"Dr. Umair Shah, the states health secretary, said the state has not yet approved vaccinating people in this tier, called B1, but plans to later in January. Health providers and industry groups have been waiting for the guidance to begin preparations."

"The new guidance establishes a complex web of priority tiers and charts the states course through the next four months of vaccination. As much of the nation struggles to increase the pace of vaccination, the guidance highlights the dual concerns of health officials, who must get vaccines into arms quickly, but also provide doses for those who stand to lose the most from COVID-19 if they are not protected."

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