Explore resources that benefit employers and employees financially.

 

**Governor Jay Inslee’s Office has issued a proclamation to Stay Home, Stay Healthy. Visit the Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19) page for Businesses & Workers to learn more about what this means for you. 

City/Regional

City of Tacoma

• Deferral of Quarterly B&O Taxes
• COVID-19 Stabilization Loan Program
  The City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development department has developed a COVID-19 Stabilization Loan program. Due to the negative impact COVID-19 and mandatory shutdowns are having on small businesses, the City of Tacoma will be offering micro-loans to existing small businesses (in operation for 1 or more years) with a physical location in Tacoma.
  Last day to submit a COVID-19 Pre-Application to be considered for the loan is Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 5 pm. Please review visit the FAQs page to learn more and to start the intake process.

Pierce County Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program

Small businesses in unincorporated Pierce County who have experienced significant economic injury as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for this loan program if they meet certain criteria. This loan program enacted by the Pierce County Council is a direct action to keep businesses in operation and protect jobs threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pierce County Department of Emergency Management

• Federal Disaster Loans for Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits

Workforce Central

In response to COVID-19, Workforce Central is providing links to resources for the community and businesses, a listing of partners and affiliate sites that are temporarily closed, and a listing of events and activities that are cancelled or postponed.

Washington State

Governor Jay Inslee’s Office

The Governor’s proclamations page can be found here. ​​

• $200 million to State agencies, local governments and tribal governments who are responding to COVID-19
• $25 million to assist businesses with unemployment impacts
• Increases hospital capacity to address greater health care demand
• Reduces credentialing delays for health care workers
• Helps ensure providers can treat the people who need care
• Funds virus testing at the University of Washington
• Creates a plan to enforce social distancing efforts for Washingtonians experiencing homelessness
• Allows school employees to access benefits due to school closures, quarantines or if the employee’s childcare is closed
• Adjusts shared leave program requirements
• Imposes statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants for the next 30 days starting on March 18, 2020
• Allows the State Utilities and Transportation Commission to enable the use the of ratepayer dollars to provide economic assistance to customers affected by COVID-19, such as those out of work or working significantly reduced hours
• Waives the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment insurance
• Allocates up to $5 million of the Governor’s Strategic Reserve funds as grants to small businesses across the state to help prevent closure due to COVID-19; State Department of Commerce to coordinate an application process
• Authorizes the State Department of Revenue (DOR) to waive late filing fees for property tax exemption renewals; business license renewal late fees; and excise tax interest on B&O, real estate sales and other taxes DOR administers, including interest related to tax preferences for biotechnology and medical device manufacturing—all tax-related measures are retroactive to February 29, 2020
• Directs the State Department of Social and Health Services to expand eligibility for the Family Emergency Assistance Program to include families without children
  Suspends rules regarding nursing home assessment requirements to allow for faster admissions and suspends long-term care inspections and surveys on particular timelines except in specific circumstances
• Requests cabinet agencies to be led by the Employment Security Department and the Department of Commerce to support economic retention, resilience and recovery efforts
• Waives restrictions on hours worked for delivery drivers carrying groceries, medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, fuel and pet food and supplies; drivers must have a current safety rating of “satisfactory” and cannot extend their hours if they feel fatigued, ill or have been on duty for more than the allowed number of consecutive hours
• Emphasizes behavioral health community assistance for those who need emotional or mental health support, or treatment resources for substance use (call the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1-866-789-1511)

Washington Health Benefit Exchange

One in four Washingtonians get health and dental coverage through the Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org or the mobile app WAPlanfinder. Individuals can receive free help applying from an expert in their community at wahealthplanfinder.org/find-expert-advice.html.

• COVID-19 FAQs: Answers to frequently asked questions during the Coronavirus pandemic.
• How to Report a Change Online Through Washington Healthplanfinder
  Current Washington Healthplanfinder enrollees are experiencing life changes as a result of COVID-19, including loss of income. Reporting changes may qualify individuals for additional financial help

Washington State Employment Security Department

• ESD Commissioner Levine’s video update on federal stimulus package
• Emergency rules to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation and quarantine for workers and businesses
• Includes easy-to-read comparison guide that lists some of the most common scenarios that may occur and benefits that may apply
• SharedWork (smart alternative to a layoff) and Standby
• Layoff assistance

Washington Department of Labor and Industries

• Paid sick leave
• Workers’ compensation
• Workplace safety and health
• Stay informed

Washington State Coronavirus Response

Central repository of information regarding:

• Business and workers
• Childcare/K-12/higher education
• Health
• Government emergency actions
• You and your family
• Travelers and commuters

Congressional Actions

H.R. 6074: Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (approved)

• developing, manufacturing, and procuring vaccines and other medical supplies;
• grants for state, local, and tribal public health agencies and organizations;
• loans for affected small businesses;
• evacuations and emergency preparedness activities at U.S. embassies and other State Department facilities; and
• humanitarian assistance and support for health systems in the affected countries.

H.R. 6201: Families First Coronavirus Act (approved)

This bill responds to the coronavirus outbreak by providing paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requiring employers to provide additional protections for health care workers. Specifically, the bill provides FY2020 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for nutrition and food assistance programs, including

• the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);
• the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); and
• nutrition assistance grants for U.S. territories.

H. R. 748 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act–CARES Act (approved)

This $2.2 trillion stimulus package provides a large cash infusion to hospitals, broader access to COVID-19 testing, individual rebates, small business grants and loans and a wide variety of tax breaks. 

Federal

Comprehensive Official verified and updated Information of all aspects of the Federal Covid-19 Response.

America’s Small Business Development Center Washington

Business Survival Strategies

www.USA.gov/coronavirus

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19 | USAGov

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19. Learn about international travel restrictions, how you can prepare for coronavirus, and what the U.S. government is doing in response to the virus.

www.usa.gov