Commerce today announced $3.7 million in grants for nine solar energy projects across the state. The projects will result in a total $6.1 million reduction in the energy burden of low-income households and nonprofits serving low-income communities over 25 years.

Renewed federal grant funding supports 196 community-based homeless programs that provide transitional housing, rental assistance, supportive services and housing to nearly 18,000 people.

A lack of affordable child care is keeping an estimated 133,000 workers out of the workforce. A new report from the task force recommends specific policy changes and investments that would result in increased affordability and availability of child care for all Washington families.