CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the City Light Department; amending terms and conditions pertaining to the emergency bill assistance program and temporarily expanding access to assistance to certain eligible households for a limited time in response to the COVID-19 emergency; and amending Section 21.49.042 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public health emergency, beginning on January 27, 2020, as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Washington on February 29, 2020 issued Proclamation 20-05, proclaiming a State of Emergency for all counties throughout the State of Washington; and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2020, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan proclaimed that a civil emergency
exists in the City of Seattle; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Washington, on July 24, 2020 proclaimed a State of Emergency continues to exist in all counties of Washington State and that Proclamation 20-05 and all amendments thereto remain in effect; and
WHEREAS, while the practice of social distancing is critical in mitigating the rate of spread of the COVID-19 virus, it is having significant negative economic effects on the national and regional economy, in particular small businesses and workers in large sectors of the Seattle-area economy who cannot work remotely; and
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020 the City Council passed Ordinance 126058 suspending interest and late charges on utility services to assist residents facing financial challenges due to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse financial impact on many City Light customers, many of whom will benefit from a higher level of emergency assistance in 2021; and
WHEREAS, since February 29, 2020, the number of City Light residential c...
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