Study: Washington #1 State To Work In Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

WASHINGTON — A new study has found that Washington is the best state to work in during the coronavirus pandemic.

The study by Oxfam America ranked Washington number one after evaluating several metrics, like worker protections, healthcare availability and how the state is handling the surge in unemployment. Overall, the west coast performed very well in the study, with Oregon coming in 10th and California ranking 3rd.

The study is being touted by state leaders, who say it's yet more proof that the measures Washington has taken to protect residents during the pandemic are paying off.

"This crisis has shined a light on the importance of strong worker protections and the far-reaching impacts of income inequality. We must continue to do whatever we can to ensure that workers and families have what they need,” said Gov. Jay Inslee in a statement. “In Washington we believe you can recover a strong economy, without sacrificing the health and safety of workers.”

Here's a look at all the metrics the study used, and how Washington performed:

Worker Protections

Washington ranked second out of all 50 states and Puerto Rico when it came to worker protection legislation. The study noted that mandated paid sick and family leave protections were helpful, and that workers were not being forced to return to their jobs amid the pandemic if they felt unsafe. Washington was dinged for lacking protection against retaliation, and childcare for essential workers, however.

Healthcare Access

Researchers ranked Washington 10th in healthcare, noting that the state had expanded medical access and telehealth services. The state also got partial credit for allowing grace periods for certain medical bills and services, and expanding workers' compensation during the pandemic, but was penalized for not waiving cost sharing for COVID-19 treatment.

Unemployment

Finally, Washington ranked first in unemployment. Researchers found that unemployment payments in Washington could account for 86.40 percent of the average cost of living. They also noted that the evergreen state had relaxed unemployment eligibility standards, passed a moratorium on evictions and shutting off utilities, and increased food assistance. However, the state did take a hit for not expanding eligibility for undocumented workers, and not providing a rent grace period.

Overall score

After weighing all the rankings, Washington was given a total score of 76.41, the highest score out of all states and territories.

Here's the study's top ten states:

1. Washington
2. New Jersey
3. California
4. Massachusetts
5. Connecticut
6. New York
7. District of Columbia
8. Rhode Island
9. Vermont
10. Oregon

Despite the glowing report, the governor says he knows Washington could still do even better.

“I recognize this work is not done. We continue to hear every day of challenges faced by workers as more return to their work places and job sites. I remain committed to doing this work until the crisis is over, and beyond,” Inslee said.