Moves to reopen the economy

More than 230,000 small businesses across our state have been shut down since March 25 by order of Gov. Inslee.

While the executive branch does not view these employers as being essential, I and my Senate Republican colleagues recognize the value of these businesses to the families they support, the communities they serve and the economic activity they generate.

We recognize how these employers have already suffered from being forcibly closed and how offers of government assistance are no substitute for reopening.

Is it too soon to start looking at how to restart Washington’s economy?

No, and here’s why. Early action by state government has protected public health in this pandemic. We believe the executive branch and legislative branch also must take early action to minimize economic damage.

Families and communities need our economy to recover as quickly as possible, as do the many Washingtonians who benefit from the public services and programs made possible by the private sector.

The residential-homebuilding sector of our economy is a good place to begin the comeback. It makes no sense to me to think (as the governor apparently does) construction workers are safer from the virus depending on what kind of home they’re building.

I have faith that employers can figure out how to keep their workers and customers safe. The governor needs to have that same faith.

Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, Senate minority leader.

Email him at Mark.Schoesler@leg.wa.gov.