Health Alert: Measles Outbreak
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As a lover of health policy and healthy communities, I wanted to make sure all Seattle residents know there is currently a measles outbreak occurring, and you can help stop the spread of this debilitating illness by getting vaccinated. As of March 22, there have been 73 cases of measles confirmed in Clark County and one in King County. This highly contagious disease can be easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and it can lead to infection of the lungs, brain damage, and even death. This puts our kiddos, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems at high risk. This is why we must always be ready to take immediate action to prevent the spread of diseases like measles as well as have a dialogue about the importance of vaccinations as a proactive and preventative measure. Washington is currently one of the 17 states that allow non-medical exemption from vaccination requirements for school entry.
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HB 1638 is an important piece of legislation sponsored by Representative Harris that will remove the philosophical or personal objection to exempt a child from the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This Bill also asks for proof of disease immunity through laboratory evidence or history of disease to substitute for immunization and it requires employees and volunteers at child day care centers to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, provide proof of immunity from the measles, or provide a certification that the vaccine is not medically advisable. The Bill has passed the House and its up for a vote in the Senate.
Click on the link for more information on measles prevention and general information. As a reminder, vaccines in Washington State are free, there are no costs for any family to access vaccines. We have fought hard to keep Washington State a universal vaccine state and this means that cost is not a barrier for any family or individual—so get your vaccines today and double-check to make sure that you are all caught up on your immunizations. Our babies, elders, and those with compromised immune systems thank you!
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Last year, we made history by being the first city in the nation to pass a comprehensive Domestic Workers Bill of Rights! Many of you shared stories and helped to develop our Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights, the biggest piece of labor legislation I worked on in 2018. Starting in July of this year, Seattle domestic workers will receive the minimum wage and rest breaks. People who hire domestic workers will also be prohibited from retaining domestic workers’ personal documents, such as passports. Together, we made Seattle the first city in the nation to pass these rights for domestic workers.
But, our work isn’t done!
First, rulemaking on the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights is beginning and we need your input. How should the City conduct outreach on the new protections and enforce these labor standards? We want to hear from you! A list of dates for the rulemaking and topics are below. Anyone is welcome to join—RSVP here for the dates below.
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Second, our Domestic Workers Standards Board is up and running, bringing together workers, employers, and those who hire domestic workers to create outreach strategies for our current standards and work towards new standards. The board will meet monthly on the fourth Tuesday of each month, kicking off on April 23rd. Anyone is welcome to sit in on board meetings. The board will be selecting its 9th member, making suggestions on best practices on outreach and developing its workplan. Here’s the information for the first meeting:
April 23, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Seattle City Hall – Room 370
600 4th Ave., Seattle, WA
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Sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination are pervasive in all workplaces, and I’m committed to working with all of you to find good education, training, discipline and other policy solutions to address harassment and discrimination. On May 8, 5-7pm, at University Friends Meeting & Friends Center, I’ll be joined for a conversation on harassment and discrimination in higher education with University of Washington Post-docs who’ve experienced harassment and discrimination, members of the bargaining committee of UW Post-docs United/UAW 4121, experts on harassment and discrimination, and UW staff working on policies to end harassment and discrimination. As a public employer, it’s critical that the City and our educational institutions lead by example. Please join me for a comprehensive work session and hear from experts about what can be done to make workplaces more equitable. Join us!
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Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn
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In 2016, 77% of Seattle voters approved Initiative 124, the Hotel Employees Health and Safety Initiative. Since then, the protections afforded to hotel workers, such as panic buttons, sexual harassment protections, worker retention provisions, workloads, health and safety and pay, have been held up in court. I am working with my council colleagues, Mayor Durkan, the Office of Labor Standards, hotel workers and their union Unite HERE Local 8, as well as the Seattle Hotel Association, to explore legislative solutions to these important protections.
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CM Mosqueda joined Unite Here members and leadership, and union and community at large in December to pledge commitment to protecting hotel workers’ health and safety. Photo Credit: Seattle City Attorney's Office
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In other hotel news, you may have seen that Motel 6 is paying $12 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that, at several locations across our state, the motel chain gave guest lists to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without requiring a warrant. Not only is this a violation of privacy, it’s a dangerous breach of trust and safety between businesses and their guests—and caused harm to communities and families in Washington. Following Motel 6’s disclosure of the personal information of around 80,000 guests, ICE racially profiled Latinx community members, resulting in the detention and deportation of many guests. This move puts everyone in jeopardy to be targeted by ICE—including employees at these Motel 6 locations.
It’s the social responsibility of companies to protect the safety of their guests and make sure their privacy is respected, and ensure a safe workplace for employees. I’ll continue working with our City departments and think through how we can better protect our residents’ data through legislation. As a reminder, if you or someone you know are approached by ICE, here is what you can do to protect yourself and others.
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Seattle Parks and Recreation Conservation Corp and Team Teresa
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Last Friday, we continued our #CommunityFridays in District 4! We held office hours at Café Javasti in Maple Leaf and had the opportunity to hear from great organizations like the Northeast District Council, Ravenna-Bryant Community Association, and the Neighborhood Farmers Market. We then had the opportunity to tour the Seattle Conservation Corps, shown above, an organization that’s doing amazing work connecting people experiencing homelessness with skilled labor jobs, housing, and providing case workers and career advisors. Catch us next Friday back in D4 as we tour and meet with FamilyWorks, Solid Ground, and U Heights!
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Looking forward to seeing you in community!
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Teresa Mosqueda
Seattle City Council Councilmember, Position 8
teresa.mosqueda@seattle.gov
206-684-8806
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