Inslee announces short-term small business assistance

OLYMPIA – In an afternoon press conference that was part policy, part pep talk, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee outlined several steps taken to bring help to small businesses and individuals impacted by the measure taken to battle the COVID-19 disease.

Inslee said there were signs of encouragement in the state’s attempt to slow the spread of the severe acute respiratory disease that resulted in 8,682 confirmed cases and 394 deaths, according to state Department of Health statistics through April 6.

“Based on the science that is at our disposal, it suggests the steps we are taking as a state are hav...