September Public Board Meeting
| The Commission will convene its Public Board Meeting on Saturday, September 18, from 10 AM – 1 PM. Based on guidance from the Department of Health related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) response, the meeting will be held remotely via video conference call. A dial-in option will also be available for those who are unable to access the meeting electronically.
Zoom Meeting Link: Meeting ID: 889 7333 4521 One tap mobile This is a barrier-free event. Requests for accommodations, including translation or interpreter services, should be made to <brenda.obrien@capaa.wa.gov by Friday, September 10th, 5 PM PT. |
DOH welcomes new Chief Science Officer Dr. Tao Kwan-Gett
| The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to share Tao Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, has been hired as the agency’s Chief Science Officer (CSO). In his new role, Kwan-Gett will serve as DOH’s primary science expert and a key spokesperson on public health issues.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Kwan-Gett to our agency and are looking forward to the experience and expertise he will bring to the team as he oversees the Office of Health & Science, which is responsible for epidemiology, data, and science activities,” said Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH. “As we welcome Dr. Kwan-Gett in this new role, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Scott Lindquist who has served graciously in the acting Chief Science Officer role since December 2020. Dr. Lindquist will continue in his usual role as the State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases and help with Dr. Kwan-Gett’s transition.” Kwan-Gett’s first day with the department is October 1. Read more about Dr. Kwan-Gett here: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroo… |
Washington state receives $2 million SBA grant to boost small business exports
| The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Washington State Department of Commerce a tenth year of funding to help small businesses grow through exporting. The $2 million grant is part of the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).
Commerce will use the funds to continue a number of successful export assistance programs for small businesses including export vouchers, support for industry focused virtual and in-person trade shows, trade missions, inbound buyer events and export training. Businesses can also use the funding to increase their online presence through website development for international audiences and e-commerce. See a complete list of eligible expenses here. For information about STEP export vouchers and other small business export assistance, contact Nicole Gunkle at Nicole.gunkle@commerce.wa.gov. To learn more about other programs at Commerce that help businesses grow, expand and locate in Washington state, please visit ChooseWashington.com. |
Gender and Justice Commission Report: How Gender and Race Affect Justice Now
The Washington State Supreme Court Gender and Justice Commission recently released the results of its extensive study of gender, race, and other disparities in Washington State’s court and carceral systems. The report covers topics ranging from youth to adults, from civil to criminal, and from one’s ability to access the courts to one’s legal, financial, family, and health impacts of conviction and incarceration at the end of a case. The report also provides recommendations on how to address the problems identified.
Read the full report here: https://www.courts.wa.gov/subs…
Learn more about the Gender and Justice Commission here: https://www.courts.wa.gov/?fa=…
Listening Session for the U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence
| Earlier this year, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council that directs the White House Gender Policy Council to develop a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. In this listening session, participants can share their insights and recommendations on how a National Action Plan could reflect the needs and priorities of our Asian American Pacific Islander community for invited guests from the White House and federal agencies.
REGISTER NOW: API-GBV’s Listening Session for the White House’s U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence. Monday, September 20th at 3 pm PST/ 6 pm EST (8 am CHST on 9/21) This session will not be recorded. |
COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Enhancements
Last week, the SBA Administrator announced enhancements to the COVID EIDL program to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels.
Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. All applicants should file their applications as soon as possible.
For additional information on COVID EIDL and other recovery programs please visit www.sba.gov/relief. Small business owners may also contact SBA’s Resource Partners by visiting www.sba.gov/local-assistance. In-language assistance is available.
PESB Community Survey
| The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is seeking feedback on their draft cultural competency, diversity, equity and inclusion (CCDEI+) educator standards. These standards will serve as the guide to be used for training all district staff and board members to better prepare them to engage with the students and communities we serve.
You can provide feedback by taking their online survey and/or registering to attend one of their public feedback sessions. |
Dan Thompson Application Now Open
The Dan Thompson Application is now open! This application is for organizations (non-profit or for-profit) to request one-time funding or policy changes to benefit people who are eligible for services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Projects must also help improve the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) system. If an organization has more than one request, please use a separate application for each one.
Funding Requirements:
- Funding proposals must supplement (not replace, supplant, or reduce) community-based supports and services.
- Funding proposals must be one-time investments.
- Funding proposals must benefit people who are eligible to receive services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). This includes people who are currently receiving DDA services, as well as people who are on the No Paid Services (NPS) Caseload and not currently receiving DDA services.
- Funding proposals must improve or enhance the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) system.
- Funds can be used for capital projects (e.g. building homes, buildings, etc.)
Applications and multilingual information is available at https://ddc.wa.gov/danthompson…
COFA Islanders & Apple Health Information
Compact of Free Association (COFA) Islander Health Care began in 2019 as a Health Care Authority program that pays the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for eligible COFA Islanders. Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) was restored for individuals from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau on December 27, 2020 through the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. This means COFA Islanders living in Washington may now be eligible for Apple Health, including individuals currently enrolled in COFA Islander programs.
More information about Apple Health: |
Vaccine Locator
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to all Washington residents ages 12 and up. If you or a loved one have not yet been vaccinated, there’s an easy way to find vaccinations near you! The Washington State Department of Health has a Vaccine Locator page available, or you can call 1-800-525-0127. Language assistance is available.
If you or someone you know is homebound and not able to leave the house to get the COVID-19 vaccine, homebound vaccination services are available through this survey: https://redcap.link/WA_HomeBasedVax.
Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities
| Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse residents who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Inslee places a high priority on boards, commissions, and agencies that are reflective of the diverse make-up of Washington and that utilize the impressive talent of our residents. We are always seeking skilled and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in boards and commissions ensuring an effective and representative government.
We are excited to share the highlighted Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities. As someone with deep roots in your respective communities and organizations, we hope that you will share these opportunities. Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application. Please explore the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities to get involved! |
Job Opportunities
| Political Strategies Associate | American Civil Liberties Union | September 23, 2021
Development Manager | API Chaya | Open until filled Consensus Organizer (East and Southeast Asian communities) | EastHUB | Open until filled Metro Transit Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (EIB) Manager | King County Metro Transit Department | September 19, 2021 Education Coalition Manager | OneAmerica | Open until filled Immigrant Integration Director | OneAmerica | Open until filled Managing Director | OneAmerica | Open until filled Washington New Americans (WNA) Program Associate | OneAmerica | Open until filled Habitat Improvement Projects Manager | Pierce Conservation District | Open until filled Fiscal Analyst 2 | Puget Sound Partnership | September 19, 2021 Political & Civic Engagement Director | Washington Conservation Voters | Open until filled Executive Assistant | Washington State Commission on African American Affairs | October 10, 2021 Pharmacy and Health Records Operations Manager | Washington State Department of Corrections | Open until filled Construction Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled Eastern Regional Compliance and Enforcement Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled Management Analyst 3 – Private Lands Access & Game Division Coordinator | Washington State Department of Ecology | September 19, 2021 Marine Monitoring Unit (MMU) Supervisor (WMS Band 1) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled Municipal Stormwater Grant Project Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled Senior Regional Shoreline Planner (Environmental Planner 4) | Washington State Department of Ecology | Open until filled Communications Officer 1 | Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife | October 1, 2021 Training and Development Strategist, Human Resource Consultant 4 | Washington State Department of Natural Resources | Open until filled Legislative & External Affairs Liaison (WMS 3) | Washington State Department of Revenue | Open until filled Executive Director | Washington State Gambling Commission | Open until filled Associate Leadership Legislative Assistant | Washington State House of Representatives, Democratic Caucus | Open until filled Office Assistant | Washington State Legislature, Office of the Code Reviser | September 30, 2021 Proofreader 1 | Washington State Legislature, Office of the Code Reviser | September 30, 2021 Legislative Assistant | Washington State Senate | September 20th, 2021 Ways & Means Committee Fiscal Analyst | Washington State Senate Committee Services | Open until filled Program Manager, State Work Study | Washington Student Achievement Council | September 30, 2021 |
Grant Opportunities
Cultural Humility Training for Residential Care Services | Washington State Department of Social and Health Services | September 21, 2021
Washington State Digital Equity Forum Facilitation RFP | Washington State Department of Commerce | September 30, 2021
