Government

Concrete pumping tax to proceed

Bill to reclassify service will be reintroduced during next session

April 23, 2020

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.

Estimated $440 million in construction projects on hold in Spokane area

Commissioners, others argue home building is essential

April 9, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Nearly $440 million in commercial and residential construction projects is estimated to be on hold in the Spokane region during Gov. Jay Inslee's 'Stay Home, Stay Healthyâ€ mandate that has deemed private residential and commercial construction

Stimulus loan program gets off to rocky start, is important lifeline nonetheless

Lenders work to connect customers with Paycheck Protection Program

April 7, 2020

Ezra Eckhardt

When the year began, business was booming, and the biggest challenge for many employers was finding qualified job applicants. Suddenly, we're in an economic environment no one anticipated.

Spokane-area small businesses look to benefit from CARES Act

Relief slated to be available starting April 3

March 31, 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.

Spokane-area builders scramble to comply with state mandate

Inslee deems most residential, commercial projects nonessential

March 26, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Spokane-area contractors are scrambling to comply with recent updates to Gov. Jay Inslee's 'stay home, stay healthyâ€ order that has deemed commercial and residential construction as nonessential.