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The Washington State Department of Ecology has finalized regulations for the state?s first cap-and-invest program, which will drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. The program is a result of the Climate Commitment Act passed by legislators and signed by the governor last year. Under the cap-and-invest program, firms responsible for 75% of the state?s greenhouse gas emissions must obtain allowances to cover their emissions. Over time, these allowances will be reduced, incentivizing businesses to cut emissions.
?This policy is among the most decisive actions we?ve taken in our history to confront climate change and protect our collective future,? said Gov. Jay Inslee. ?This new program will help us decarbonize our economy, improve air quality, and put Washington at the forefront of the fast-growing global era of clean energy.?
This is among several policies passed in recent years aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions 95% by 2050. Ecology is required to implement the landmark program ? only the second of its kind in the nation ? by Jan. 1, 2023. The first auction is planned for February 2023.
The revenue will be invested in activities that further reduce emissions and benefit communities disproportionately harmed by climate change. One example of how these revenues will be used is in this year?s Move Ahead Washington transportation package that includes unprecedented investments in transit ? including free transit for all youth ages 18 and younger, electrification of ferries and cars, and other non-highway modes of travel.
 Gov. Jay Inslee signs Climate Commitment Act legislation at Shoreline Community College on May 17, 2021.
 Homelessness is a challenge for communities all across the country and Washington state. The root causes are as complex as the solutions, but workforce shortages are a big factor in many places. As with so many other sectors, it?s been hard for homeless service providers to recruit and retain workers. These are the individuals who work directly with people experiencing homelessness to connect them to services and who staff shelters and housing facilities.
To help ensure those working as homeless service workers can afford to continue that work, the Washington State Department of Commerce is administering a federal Homeless Service Workers Stipend Program. The program is funded by $51 million in federal grants. Applications opened this week and eligibility information is available in English and Spanish. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Child care providers nationwide are having a hard time retaining good workers. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) has launched a non-competitive Workforce Retention Grant that will allow providers to offer a one-time payment to on-site child care workers. Applications are open until October 20. Information and technical assistance are available in multiple languages. DCYF will divide grant funding evenly among the eligible child care workers across all applications. ?
Addressing the retention challenge is just one aspect of DCYF?s work to support the child care workforce and improve access to quality child care. The agency is working to meet long-term and emerging needs through various efforts, including Fair Start for Kids Act initiatives such as the Child Care Complex Needs Fund and the Early Childhood Equity Grant.
DCYF also provided the Child Care Stabilization Grant to support providers and stabilize the child care industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional supports include the Early Achievers Needs-Based Grant, health benefits for licensed family home providers, and health insurance coverage for $0 monthly premiums for child care workers.
These investments will support child care providers to help keep their doors open and meet the needs of the children and families they serve, making the child care and early learning system more accessible and equitable.
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