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...