Weekly Director’s Update - May 1

Stay Home, Stay Healthy. More information and resources are at www.coronavirus.wa.gov

Having trouble viewing this email? View it online Take Five A weekly update from Commerce Director Lisa Brown May 1, 2020 $9 million added to low-income rent and energy assistance program Many of Washington's most vulnerable people will benefit from new emergency funding for rent and energy assistance. The crisis funding will be distributed through Commerce's statewide network of community action agencies, and is expected to serve an estimated 5,000 households currently enrolled in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To qualify for the COVID-19 crisis LIHEAP benefits, a household must be at 125% of the federal poverty level and have received – or will receive – a LIHEAP or Low Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP) benefit in the current program year.   Learn more We can and will get back to work Director Lisa Brown spoke to KOMO-TV this week about what to expect as we prepare to safely get back to work. Reopening will involve changes to normal operations, such as staggering work schedules, more teleworking and teleconferencing, and more social distancing in work places, restaurants and stores. Businesses may also need more - and more costly - supplies, including extra sanitizer, extra protective gear like face masks, sneeze guards or other equipment.  See KOMO-TV's report Information, guidance and resources for businesses and workers is updated regularly on  the state's coronavirus web portal: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/business-workers New plan expands access to COVID-19 materials in multiple languages A detailed plan announced this week will ensure state cabinet agencies can provide vital COVID-19 information to individuals with disabilities and with limited English proficiency. Learn more AWB Employer Resources Webinar Series The Association of Washington Business hosts a free, weekly webinar for employers covering the coronavirus. May 4 is next n the series covering insurance claims helpful tips, and financial assistance and resources.   Register here: https://bit.ly/3ahGzf0  Weekly Update for Businesses and Workers The Business and Workers update is a weekly newsletter from the state Joint Information Center's Economic Resiliency Team providing news and information to help businesses and workers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. For this week's edition, go here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOC/bulletins/28912b8 Visit www.coronavirus.wa.gov often for the most current information and resources related to COVID-19 in Washington state. Stay connected About Commerce Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department's diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Washington Department of Commerce. Subscribe | Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe All | Help | Contact us Learn more about what you can do to promote participation in the 2020 Census where you live. Click to edit this placeholder text.

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