Inslee: Special session likely because of virus outbreak

SEATTLE — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Tuesday the Legislature may need to be called back for a special session because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Legislature isn’t schedule to return until next January, but Inslee said it was probable they may need to return, “given the extent of the economic damage that we have suffered.”

He said the timing of that is uncertain, but he said that he was ready to call the Legislature back early if more aggressive steps for spending was needed before the end of the year. He noted that the state had already dispersed $120 million from $200 million the Legislature allocated to COVID-19 response before they adjourned last month.

Inslee also announced the state is opening up an application process for grants that will provide up to $10,000 for businesses with up to 10 employees. Businesses can use the money to pay rent, utility bills, supplies and other operating expenses.

The $5 million in funding for the grants comes from the governor’s strategic reserve fund and will be administered by the state Department of Commerce. Businesses can apply at coronavirus.wa.gov.

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