Business & Economy
Business & Economy
Governor Signs Bill To Help Washington Businesses, Workers With Unemployment Benefits
A bill that increases the minimum weekly benefit for unemployed workers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and prevents a dramatic increase in unemployment taxes paid by businesses was signed into law Monday by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
Study: Economic Effects Of Wildfire Smoke Linger Long After Flames Subside
The damage caused by wildfires can be devastating, gutting structures and driving out people who live and work nearby. And researchers say the smoke from the annually recurring blazes also delivers economic damage to areas that were never touched by the flames.
President Biden Doesn’t Think $15 Federal Minimum Wage Hike Will Survive COVID-19 Relief Bill
President Biden said on Friday that his plan to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour is unlikely to happen as part of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid package.
Congress Approves Budget, Paving The Way For President Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Package
The House quickly approved a budget resolution intended to speed the drafting of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The Senate approved the same budget resolution early Friday morning. With the Senate evenly divided, Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote.
President Biden Moves Ahead On Relief Bill Without GOP, But Signals Checks Could Be Targeted
President Biden and congressional Democrats are pressing ahead on a massive $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill, taking the steps in the House and Senate to approve the measure without Republican support.
Governor Advances Idaho Into Next Phase Of Reopening, Citing Declining COVID Case Rates
Idaho Gov. Brad Little says his state will move from Stage 2 to Stage 3 in its coronavirus reopening protocol. Little announced Tuesday that groups of up to 50 may now gather, as long as they take precautions with masks and physical distancing.
Tax A Billionaire, Raise Some Cash? It’s An Idea Washington State Democrats Are Floating
Washington billionaires would pay a “wealth tax” under a proposal in the state House that will get a public hearing on Tuesday. The bill is sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Noel Frame, who chairs the House Finance Committee, and would impose a one percent tax on intangible financial property, such as stocks and bonds, futures contracts and publicly traded options. A billionaire’s first $1 billion in “taxable worldwide wealth” would be exempt.
State Auditor: Data Breach Compromised Info Of 1.6 Million Washingtonians Seeking Unemployment
A data breach may have exposed the personal information of 1.6 million residents who filed for unemployment last year, as well as other information from state agencies and local governments, Washington state Auditor Pat McCarthy said Monday.
10 Senate Republicans Outline $600B Counteroffer To President Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Bill
Ten Republican senators on Sunday requested a meeting with President Biden to detail a smaller counterproposal to his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, an alternative they believe could be approved “quickly by Congress with bipartisan support.”
Pandemic Piles On Already Reeling Boeing, Leading To Nearly $12 Billion Loss In 2020
Boeing is trying to close the books on a dismal year. The aircraft manufacturer Wednesday reported that the company lost close to $12 billion in 2020, a record loss, as the pandemic depressed demand for new airplanes and the company continued to reel from its 737 Max debacle.
Washington Legislators Unveil $2.2 Billion COVID-19 Financial Relief Package
The plan includes $618 million to boost vaccination efforts and contact tracing. It also includes $668 million for school assistance, $365 million to aid renters and landlords and $240 million for grants to businesses.
Retail Spending Dips For 3rd Straight Month As Infections Surge
Even as people continue to splurge on shopping, they cut back on going out to eat and shop. Plus, the earlier-than-usual holiday shopping season meant online shopping as well sales of electronics and appliances dipped in December. Gas stations saw the biggest jump in spending last month, up 6.6%, as people traveled for holiday visits despite health warnings.
