Director’s Update - August 2020
August 2020
Half million+ Washington kids have no access to licensed child care
Report reveals gaps, consequences for parents
Child care access and affordability are significant challenges, affecting parents’ job prospects, productivity and career decisions, with the impact even greater for Black and Native American parents. Clearly, a dramatic investment in child care is needed for robust, equitable economic recovery in Washington. Before the pandemic, over half a million children in Washington did not have access to licensed child care, and nearly one in five parents surveyed turned down a job offer or promotion due to child care issues, according to a detailed Child Care Industry Assessment Report released by the Department of Commerce this week.
Take the 1-min. speed test, help us build out better internet access for all
Broadband is the backbone of opportunity in the digital age. We need public and private partners in every corner of the state to work together so every family has affordable, reliable access to high-speed internet.
As the Seattle Times recently highlighted, remote learning for most students this coming school year shines a bright light on gaps in access to broadband for many communities and families. Read the Times' article
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Our state Broadband Office is leading the charge to bridge the Digital Divide in Washington state. We need your help in finding and mapping where the gaps in broadband exist so we can plan for future investments.
It's easy! Just go to www.broadband.wa.gov and take the one-minute, secure access and speed survey. Use your home computer, cell phone or other mobile device. If you don't have internet access at home, you can enter your address to record that, and, if you choose to, tell us why you don't have access - is it not available or not affordable.
LEARN MORE about the speed test survey
FIND A FREE Wi-Fi HOTSPOT near you
Apply now for local small business grants
The length and depth of the pandemic have hit small, main street businesses hard. Responding to the public health crisis places an extra burden on small business owners struggling to stay open and keep people working. They need our community support and need resources to adjust to a new normal with hopes of progressing through the difficult economic recovery ahead. Along with supports from many cities and counties throughout the state, Commerce is funding an additional $10 million in state small business emergency grants.
To best meet local needs quickly, these grants are managed at the local level, by our state's economic development councils, commissions and associated organizations serving each of Washington's 39 counties.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT
Contact the organization designated for your home county in this list. Please do not contact the Department of Commerce. We will refer you back to your local point of contact.
Agreement with U.S. Dept. of Energy advances leading grid tech work at PNNL
Last week, I was honored to join Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Director Steve Ashby in welcoming U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Dan Brouilette to the Tri-Cities. I later signed an agreement on behalf of Washington state and the Department of Commerce with DOE Assistant Secretary, Electricity Office, Bruce Walker to support innovation and job growth in advanced energy grid storage technologies. This important memorandum of understanding between DOE and Washington state will align state and federal investments supporting research and development at PNNL, building on our historic efforts, funded in part by our state's Clean Energy Fund, to design, engineer and manufacture advanced grid technologies here. This ongoing commitment positions Washington state to continue leading the transition to a clean energy economy. This work supports good jobs here at home, creates new energy storage technologies for use here and for export around the world, and furthers our goal of 100% clean electricity in Washington state by 2045.
READ MORE in the Tri-City Herald story
Visit www.coronavirus.wa.gov often for the most current information and resources related to COVID-19 in Washington state.
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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.
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