Governor extends ratepayer assistance and DOR, LCB relief from payments, fees until May 31, 2020

On May 5, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of 12 proclamations in response to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

Two extensions will grant business owners some relief through May 31, 2020.

Ratepayer assistance and preservation of essential services

According to the proclamation, “The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission regulates the rates and services of investor-owned utilities in Washington State and is coordinating with utilities throughout the state to protect the availability and affordability of essential utility services for those economically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic through a variety of measures.”

• Suspending disconnection of utilities for nonpayment
• Waiving late fees
• Working with affected utility customers to establish payment arrangements
• Improving access to energy assistance for affected customers

Read the full proclamation here.

Department of Revenue: Relief from penalties, fees, interest, due dates

According to this proclamation, Inslee is “waiving and suspending laws and rules relating to tax penalties, fees, interest, and due dates to provide tax relief through the Department of Revenue.”

Read the full proclamation here.

Liquor and Cannabis Board: Relief from penalties, fees, interest, due dates

According to this proclamation, the governor is “waiving and suspending laws and imposing certain prohibitions relating to tax penalties, fees, interest and due dates in order to provide tax relief” to the following:

• Licensed microbreweries
• Domestic breweries
• Beer distributors
• Wineries
• Wine distributors

Read the full proclamation here.

Employment Security Department: One-week waiver

According to this proclamation the governor is “waiving and suspending statutes and rules relating to a one-week waiting period to collect unemployment insurance through the Employment Security Department.”

Read the full proclamation here.

Employment Security Department: Job Search requirement

According to this proclamation, the governor waives “statutes relating job search requirements to collect unemployment insurance through the Employment Security Department.”

Read the full proclamation here.