Governor Inslee Announces Large Business Aid Package

Governor Jay Inslee announced Friday that, after talking with legislators, the upcoming benefit package to support Washington businesses will grow from $50 million to $135 million.

Inslee said the package includes $70 million in business support grants which can be used on a wide variety of expenses outside of payroll. The package also includes $30 million for the state' recovery loan program, $20 million in rental assistance, and $15 million in energy bill assistance for low-income households.

The state might also have as much as $100 million available in loans for businesses before the winter is over.

Full service restaurants, fitness centers, and those businesses that have experienced the most cumulative impacts will be the focus of the support grants.

Inslee added that the state still has about $150 million in CARES funds left.