Recent News

On February 29, 2020, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee issued Proclamation No. 20-05, where he “proclaim[ed] that a State of Emergency exists in all counties in the state of Washington, and direct[ed] the plans and procedures of the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan be implemented.”  Since that date, Governor Inslee has issued more than… Read More

On April 14, 2020, Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued Proclamation 20-49 titled “Garnishment and Accrual of Interest” (the “Garnishment Proclamation”).  In the Garnishment Proclamation, Governor Inslee finds that “a state of emergency continues to exist in all counties of Washington State.”  The Governor further finds that “a temporary moratorium on garnishment of wages and other income to… Read More

The Government will soon be issuing COVID-19 stimulus checks to individuals and married couples who qualify based on income.  Individuals making less than $75,000 per year will receive $1,200 and married couples with combined income of less than $150,000 per year will receive $2,400.  If the taxpayer has children, the government will issue an additional… Read More

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and businesses find themselves in unprecedented circumstances where they do not believe they can perform under contracts that they have entered into, such as construction contracts, leases, or purchase and sale agreements. Parties who have difficulties performing under their contracts due to the COVID-19 pandemic face… Read More

In addition to the many proclamations by Governor Inslee referenced in the comprehensive recent article by Todd J. Cook, found here:  https://beresfordlaw.com/understanding-governor-inslees-covid-19-proclamations-and-guidance/, Washington State, by order of Governor Inslee, now offers its own Small Business Emergency Grant (SBEG) in addition to the myriad of programs enacted under the federal CARES Act. Specifically, the SBEG will provide… Read More

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was passed to provide fast and direct economic assistance to American workers and families, small businesses, and to preserve jobs in American industries. Unfortunately, the CARES Act unprecedented access to economic relief for America’s business and families also makes it ripe for abuse by scammers. In… Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to large scale unemployment throughout the nation.  Washington State’s businesses and workers have been hit hard by the effects of this pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability Act (CARES Act), which contains many provisions to help small businesses, including the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) discussed here: https://beresfordlaw.com/what-you-should-know-about-the-payroll-protection-program/; as well… Read More

On March 18, 2020, the federal government enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which also includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) among its provisions.  The EPSLA and EFMLEA apply to employers who have fewer than 500 employees, and cover new federal… Read More

In addition to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) – discussed in the following article:  https://beresfordlaw.com/what-you-should-know-about-the-payroll-protection-program/ – small businesses should also consider taking advantage of other forms of assistance offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) pursuant to the  Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability Act (CARES Act).  One of these additional programs is the expansion of… Read More