WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Republicans forced a highly partisan and much-maligned attempt at tax reform through the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement in response to the bill’s passage through the committee. The legislation will now proceed to the Senate floor for a vote before the entire body.
“The Senate tax bill has loopholes for big oil without fixing problems like provisions that make affordable housing more expensive. Too many Washington families will be negatively affected by losing local sales tax and property deductions,” said Senator Cantwell.
The Finance Committee considered 3 of Senator Cantwell’s amendments to the legislation:
Increasing Affordable Housing for Working Families: Sen. Cantwell’s amendment would seek to minimize the damage done to the LIHTC credit, the program responsible for 90% of the new affordable housing units built in America. The amendment addresses changes that would discourage investment by foreign banks in affordable housing in America through the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Act. Left unaddressed, it is estimated that the changes made in versions of the Republican tax plans would leave 1 million planned affordable housing units unbuilt. Republicans voted down the amendment on a party line vote, 14-12.
Closing Loopholes for Foreign Oil Revenue: Sen. Cantwell’s amendment would close a new loophole created by the Republican tax plan that allows multinational corporations to escape any taxation on foreign oil revenue. The existing legislation contains provisions that aim to prevent companies from shielding their highly mobile income, like intellectual property, by moving that profit to tax havens. Cantwell’s amendment would apply those same restrictions to foreign oil revenue, another highly mobile income. Republicans voted down the amendment on a party line vote 14-12.
Protecting Washingtonians from Double-Taxation: Sen. Cantwell’s amendment would restore the ability of 1 million Washingtonians to deduct their state and local taxes. Without the amendment, significant damage will be wrought on the nation’s housing market and almost a third of Washington families would see their taxes rise as a direct result. Republicans voted down the amendment on a party line vote, 14-12.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-senate-finance-committee-passage-of-republican-tax-bill
RELATED STORY. . .
Inslee urges state congressional delegation to reject GOP tax plan
Press release issued: November 14, 2017
Gov. Jay Inslee today sent a letter to the Washington state congressional delegation urging them to reject the Republican tax proposals being rushed through Congress, which would cut taxes for corporations and the wealthy while raising taxes on middle-class families. The governor’s letter, and a 12-page memo that accompanied it, detailed a number of ways the tax plan would adversely impact Washington state.
“It is clear this plan will be damaging to Washington in numerous ways, including hiking taxes on middle-class families, exacerbating homelessness, harming workers’ retirement security, worsening student debt and more,” Inslee wrote. “The plan represents a massive giveaway to the wealthy and special interests, and it blows a $1.5 trillion hole in the federal budget.”
The governor’s letter pointed to provisions in the GOP tax plan that would: increase taxes on Washington’s working families by repealing the state and local tax deduction; exacerbate homelessness and threaten investments in transportation, ports infrastructure, college campuses and manufacturing facilities by eliminating tax-exempt bonds; harm the retirement security of teachers, firefighters and other public employees by newly subjecting public pensions plans to federal taxes; exacerbate student debt and undermine education by repealing the deduction for student loan interest and tuition assistance programs; and end incentives for businesses that hire veterans or invest in rural communities, among other concerns.
Republicans in Congress and President Trump are moving quickly to approve their tax plan before the end of the year, despite the proposals being made public less than two weeks ago. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on its version of the tax plan on Thursday, while the Senate is expected to vote on its bill the week after Thanksgiving.
“I am deeply troubled by what the final GOP tax plan will mean for workers, families and communities across Washington state, and I urge you in no uncertain terms to reconsider this partisan approach to tax reform,” Inslee’s letter continued. “This partisan plan does not reflect our state’s values, and it threatens our state’s economy. I urge you to reject this unfair and imbalanced proposal, engage meaningfully with state leaders from both sides of the aisle and commit to a bipartisan process that follows regular order.”
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-urges-state-congressional-delegation-reject-gop-tax-plan
(page 2) WEEKLY AGRICULTURAL REPORT
NEWS FROM THE USDA:
Sec. Perdue: U.S. Farm Exports Hit 3rd Highest Level on Record
Press release issued 11/ 16/ 17
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2017 – U.S. agricultural exports totaled $140.5 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2017, climbing nearly $10.9 billion from the previous year to the third-highest level on record, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today. As it has done for well over 50 years, the U.S. agricultural sector once again posted an annual trade surplus, which reached $21.3 billion, up almost 30 percent from last year’s $16.6 billion.
“U.S. agriculture depends on trade. It is great to see an increase in exports and we hope to open additional markets to build on this success,” Perdue said. “I’m a grow-it-and-sell-it kind of guy. If American agricultural producers keep growing it, USDA will keep helping to sell it around the world.”
China finished the fiscal year as the United States’ largest export customer, with shipments valued at $22 billion, followed closely by Canada at $20.4 billion. U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico reached $18.6 billion, a six-percent gain from last year, while exports to Japan grew 12 percent, to $11.8 billion. Rounding out the top 10 markets were the European Union ($11.6 billion), South Korea ($6.9 billion), Hong Kong ($4 billion), Taiwan ($3.4 billion), Indonesia ($3 billion) and the Philippines ($2.6 billion).
U.S. bulk commodity exports set a volume record at 159 million metric tons, up 11 percent from FY 2016, while their value rose 16 percent to $51.4 billion. The surge was led by soybean exports, which reached a record 60 million metric tons, valued at $24 billion. Exports of corn, wheat and cotton all grew as well, with the value of cotton exports climbing 70 percent, to $5.9 billion, wheat exports up 21 percent, to $6.2 billion, and corn exports up six percent, to $9.7 billion.
A number of other products saw significant export increases as well. U.S. dairy exports grew 17 percent to $5.3 billion, beef exports were up 16 percent to $7.1 billion, and pork exports rose 14 percent to $6.4 billion. Overall, horticultural product exports increased three percent to nearly $33.9 billion, largely driven by an eight-percent increase in exports of tree nuts, which reached $8.1 billion, the second-highest total on record. Processed food and beverage exports rose two percent to $39.2 billion.
Exports are responsible for 20 percent of U.S. farm income, also driving rural economic activity and supporting more than one million American jobs both on and off the farm. USDA continues to work to boost export opportunities for U.S. agricultural products by opening new markets, pursuing new trade agreements, enforcing existing agreements, and breaking down barriers to trade.
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/11/16/sec-perdue-us-farm-exports-hit-3rd-highest-level-record
Secretary Perdue Statement on House Passage of Tax Cuts & Reforms
Press release issued 11/ 16/ 17
Washington, D.C., November 16, 2017) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today hailed the House of Representatives’ passage of historic tax cuts and reforms as an important step toward providing much-needed relief to Americans, creating jobs, and boosting the economy. Perdue issued the following statement:
“We haven’t had an overhaul of the burdensome federal tax code since the mid-1980s and it is well past time to provide needed relief to workers and families. The people of agriculture dedicate their lives to putting food on the table for their fellow citizens and they deserve to keep more of what they earn from their labors. I applaud President Trump for his leadership in driving the debate and clearing a path for historic and significant tax cuts and reforms, just as I am pleased to see the sense of urgency with which Congress is moving toward a solution. The result will be more money in people’s pockets, more jobs created, and a more vibrant American economy.”
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/11/16/secretary-perdue-statement-house-passage-tax-cuts-reforms
USDA BLOG: Brining Safely Will Bring Tender, Flavorful Meat to the Thanksgiving Table
Blog posted 11/ 16/ 17
Are you interested in brining a turkey, but aren’t quite sure how to do it safely? USDA is at your service! Though brining may sound like something only done commercially or by a certified chef, it’s quite simple with the right strategy — that means following safe food preparation steps.
Brining simply means to soak your turkey in a water and salt solution (the brine). Often, other ingredients are added to the brine, such as sugar, molasses, honey or corn syrup. The purpose of a brine is to produce a more tender and flavorful turkey.
According to research published in the Journal of Food Science , the salt in the brine dissolves a bit of the protein in the muscle fibers, and allows the meat to absorb the brine and retain moisture during cooking. This makes the poultry juicier, more tender and improves the flavor. There is no shortage of brine recipes, but in order to reap the benefits of brining, you must use the following safe steps.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/16/brining-safely-will-bring-tender-flavorful-meat-thanksgiving-table
FARMING AROUND THE WORLD...
With UN support, more countries confronting threat of drug-resistant 'superbugs'
17 November 2017 – Efforts to stem the spread of antimicrobial resistant pathogens on farms and in food systems are gaining strength, thanks to strong backing by governments and technical support from the United Nations to boost national capacities, the Organization's food security and health agencies reported Friday.---UN NEWS CENTER
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58113
Conflicts, climatic change drive food insecurity and undernourishment in sub-Saharan Africa – UN
16 November 2017 – Adverse climatic conditions, a sluggish global economy and conflicts are key factors driving food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa, the United Nations agriculture agency said on Thursday.
https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58104
(page 3) LOCAL MEETINGS AND AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS
CLALLAM COUNTY WORK SESSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:
1) Resolution changing the Notice of Proposed Levies for the General Purpose Tax and the Road Fund Property Tax
2) Notice of hearing for the proposed 2018 Clallam County Budget
3) Resolution regarding trail planning and construction in Anderson Lake State Park for an addition to the Olympic Discovery Trail
See full agenda
Regular County Commission board meeting agenda highlights
1) Approval of letter to National Park Service regarding proposed National Park fee increase
2) Notice that the following Supplemental Appropriations will be adopted by Resolution on December 5:
Public Works - Roads - Increase Streamkeepers personnel cost to accommodate reimbursable work requested by other entities/$19,300
Non Departmental - Emergency Communication Tax - Emergency Communication Tax revenue surpassed the estimated budget. The budget change is needed to pay the additional tax to the City of Port Angeles PenCom/$50,000
Health and Human Services - Operations - Consolidated Contract Amendment 17/$16,729
3) Resolution adopting Six Year Transportation Improvement Program 2018-2023
4) Notice that the following Budget Reduction will be adopted by Resolution on December 5:
Health and Human Services – Environmental Health – Consolidated Contract Amendment 17/($58,321)
(See full agenda)
PORT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS:
1) A RESOLUTION OF THE PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF PORT ANGELES AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY.
WHEREAS, the Port Commission of the Port of Port Angeles has met and considered its budget for the calendar year 2018; and,
WHEREAS, the Port district’s actual levy amount from the previous year was $1,470,969.69; and
WHEREAS, the population of the Port district is more than 10,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Port Commission that an
increase in the regular property tax levy is hereby authorized for the levy to be collected in the 2018 tax year.
The dollar amount of the increase over the actual levy amount from the previous year shall be $-0- which is a percent increase of -0-% from the previous year. This increase is exclusive of additional revenue resulting from new construction, improvements to property, newly constructed wind turbines, any increase in the value of state assessed property, and any annexations that have occurred and refunds made.
2) Public Hearing and Public Comment on modifying the Port’s Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements.
A RESOLUTION OF THE PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF PORT ANGELES, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, AMENDING THE PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME OF HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS TO DECLARE CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY SURPLUS TO PORT NEEDS AND NO LONGER NEEDED FOR PORT DISTRICT PURPOSES.
3) Surplus Property – Carlsborg Railroad Right of Way Property
The Port owns the approximately 0.36 acres Carlsborg Railroad Right of Way property (the Subject Property) located east of Carlsborg Road, approximately 420 linear feet north of the intersection of Carlsborg Road and Business Park Loop, Clallam County, WA. See attached Figure 1 for Subject Property location and detail. The Port has never occupied or conducted any business on this property.
The Port purchased approximately 70 acres of industrial land in Carlsborg, south of the Subject Property, in 1981 and formed the Carlsborg Industrial Development District in 1985. The Port constructed an interior access road and worked with the County PUD to provide water to the industrial park. The industrial park property was subdivided and all the parcels were sold from 1991 through 1995.
In 1987 the Superior Court of Washington for Clallam County issued a judgement quieting title in favor of the Port, for multiple unused railroad properties. The Subject Property was included in this judgment. Port title to the Subject Property was not well documented in the Carlsborg Industrial Park
Survey prepared in 1989. Thus, the Subject Property was not included in the sale of Carlsborg Industrial Park parcels in the mid 1990’s.
The Subject Property has been used for many years by the adjacent landowner for parking, laydown, and access to their property. The landowner has asserted that the subject property was supposed to be transferred to them in the 1990’s but was inadvertently overlooked in a clerical error. The landowner has also stated they believe they have established property rights based on adverse possession. The Olympic Discovery Trail runs along the southern boundary of the property and the public has used the southern edge of the property for parking and access to the public trail for many years.
(see full agenda)
CITY OF PORT ANGELES MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS:
1) Property Tax Levy for Collection in 2018
Summary: On November 6, 2017, the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City to collect property taxes in 2018. Since then, the County has requested a minor change to the wording of the resolution that will ensure the City can collect the maximum allowed property tax, refunds and amounts for new construction. The proposed Amendment simply makes that minor wording change.
2) Assumption of the Port Angeles Transportation Benefit District
In April 2017, the City established the Port Angeles Transportation Benefit District (PATBD) for the purpose of providing and funding transportation improvements within the district. In August 2017, voters approved a 0.2% sales and use tax to fund PATBD transportation improvement projects. Collection of the tax will begin January 1, 2018.
3) Letter to National Park Service Regarding Proposed Entrance Fee Increases....
The text of the letter is as follows:
Dear Mr. Reynolds
The Port Angeles City Council urges the National Park Service to reconsider its proposal to raise entrance fees to Olympic National Park from $25 to $70 per vehicle. Additionally, new or increased fees
being considered that directly affect tour operators in the park should be reconsidered. Fee increases of this magnitude will decrease visitation to our area and have a detrimental effect on our local businesses and the Port Angeles economy.
While our economy is challenged due to its remoteness, and more recently, the temporary closure of one
of the city's largest employers, the tourism sector in Port Angeles is thriving. A great many of the visitors to our area come because of the awe-inspiring beauty of Olympic National Park. ln 2016, it was
estimated that $243 million in direct travel spending was fused into Clallam County. As the regional economic center of Clallam County, we fear that the substantial increases to park entry fees will cause many tourists to think twice about visiting our area.
In addition, the tourism market produces approximately 4,000 jobs in Clallam County, resulting in
nearly $84 million dollars in wages that support residents and families in our community. The median household income in Port Angeles is $39,000, significantly lower than both state and national averages.
Many of our residents choose to live in Port Angeles because of the amazing outdoor environment, of which Olympic National Park is the crowning jewel. We want our residents to be able to utilize the Park that's right in their own backyard. At $70 per vehicle and $30 per person on bike or foot, entry into their local National Park will be difficult.
We understand that the National Park Service has its own challenges, particularly in funding all of its maintenance and infrastructure work, but we ask that you consider alternatives to these fee increases. Access to our national parks should not be limited to those with means.---Patrick Downie, Mayor.
(see full agenda)
Editorial Comment: I think it would do more damage to the local economy to impose visiting fees to the park, since tourist visit the area during the height of the tourist season.
In other local and regional meetings...
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM:
AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 1 re: Provision and Coordination of Local Program Services to Persons with Developmental Disabilities; Add’l Amount of $5,342 for a Total
Amount of $297,272; Jefferson County Public Health; Washington State, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM:
Ordinance 3191 Related to Utility Rates; Amending the Capital Surcharge on Water Rates, and Amending Section 13.05.030 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, and Establishing an Effective Date
Action: Move to approve Ordinance 3191 Related to Utility Rates; Amending the Capital Surcharge on Water Rates, and Amending Section 13.05.030 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code, and Establishing an Effective Date.
NEWS STORY COMMENTARY: IRONY OF PLASTIC BAGS, AND FLUORIDE NOT LOST ON THIS PUBLISHER.
Peninsula Daily News article: The Port Angeles City Council may consider banning plastic bags next year to help protect the environment
Quote: "Gase and Kidd were opposed to a further discussion on a plastic bag prohibition.
I don't want to start getting into the lives of peoples grocery shopping and retail [shopping] and telling them how they have to do things,Gase said.
I would like to see a lack of plastic bags out there, but I dont believe that it's the city of Port Angeles position that we should be getting into their lives, other than perhaps helping with education to try to make them more environmentally concerned, but not to try to force it.
Kidd said she would be opposed to the city using the heavy hammer of the law to address the issue. It's an educational process, Kidd said. We have bright citizens. We have citizens who are concerned about our environment."
Editorial COMMENT: I was going to point out the obvious hypocrisy of City Council members Gase, and Kidd stand their statements of their disdain over governmental intrusion of telling local businesses, that plastic bags would no longer be allowed if such a ridiculous measure of imposing a bad on plastic bags passes. I was going to point out how ironic these two council members were concern over the government telling both business, and customers what to use for shopping bags, they didn't seem to mind having the government, and local dentist telling what should go into our drinking water namely, fluoride.
I find it somewhat amusing now it's the environmental fanatics, once again trying to dictate their will on others, in regards usage of those plastic shopping bags, which is actually just a feel good measure, and those who seek to control others. The environmental plastic band group is doing exactly what local dentist was doing, telling people they now what's best for you regarding fluoridation, now it's banning plastic shopping bags, which also would be higher cost of groceries at the shopping center, because they would have to invest in getting those cloth bags which don't really last for very long, that would jack up the prices at the checkouts. Another thing do these clowns think that banning plastic bags really going to solve anything? Will those store bought garbage bags be banned too, if so how do these people propose to dispose their garbage? Because many uses these plastic bags as garbage bags. This whole measure proposed is just a feel good measure plain and simple.
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