Government

WARN notice activity decreases

Three companies have furloughed fewer than 500 Spokane workers, latest notifications show

May 21, 2020

In the last month, the number of Spokane County employers filing layoff notices with the Washington state Employment Security Department have arrived at a slower pace than the month prior.

Stimulus funds received, not targeted, some Spokane nonprofits say

Organizations focus on virtual fundraising, services

May 21, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Despite efforts nationwide to encourage people to donate their federal stimulus checks to nonprofits, Spokane-area organizations have largely avoided such campaigns.

Spokane's Child Care Crisis

Day-care providers warn of increasing shortage, consequences to employers

May 21, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The child care industry was facing workforce shortages and high operating costs before the COVID-19 pandemic, and Spokane-area providers say the situation will grow more dire as people returning to work seek day care services from an industry

An industry tested: Lack of COVID-19 test kits handcuffs Spokane health care providers

More kits arriving 'any time soon'

May 7, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Spokane-area health care providers want to ramp up coronavirus testing-a necessary step to return to business as somewhat usual-but persistent testing kit shortages continue to hamper their efforts.

Concrete pumping tax to proceed

Bill to reclassify service will be reintroduced during next session

April 23, 2020

Virginia Thomas

A bill intended to clarify the definition of concrete pumping services for tax-assessment purposes will be reintroduced in the next session of the Washington state Legislature, says Sen. Jeff Holy, of Cheney.

City of Spokane Valley moves ahead with projects

Nearly $46 million in work to take place yet this year

April 23, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The city of Spokane Valley is planning to move forward with all of its planned public projects and has moved up some start dates due to the school closures, says city spokesman Jeff Kleingartner.

Worksource staff makes virtual transition

Employment workers got early jump on virus

April 23, 2020

Kevin Blocker

In just four days, Spokane's employment and worker training agency WorkSource moved its entire staff of 125 workers home as coronavirus began its march across the state.

Spokane employers send first wave of layoff notices to state

Economist says activity resembles 'natural disaster'

April 9, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Over the last few weeks, a half-dozen businesses with employees in Spokane County have filed notices signaling the Washington state Employment Security Department of temporary layoffs of more than 800 workers.

State ABLE programs helps disabled people save for future

Special savings accounts don't risk federal benefits

April 9, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Washington state has added another tool to its roster to provide financial independence for those with disabilities and is engaged in a statewide push to increase awareness of its new ABLE program.

Preparing for CARES: Businesses line up for Paycheck Protection Program loans

Forgivable loans available to small companies that keep, rehire employees

April 9, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Spokane-area small-business owners are looking into taking advantage of aid offered to them through the CARES Act, says Sheryl McGrath, Spokane-based associate state director of the Washington Small Business Development Center.