https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-offers-amendment-to-ensure-tax-fairness-protect-middle-class-from-being-taxed-twice-on-their-paychecks
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, as tax reform takes center stage in Congress, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) offered a provision to keep in place the State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions, protecting taxpayers from paying taxes twice on every dollar they earn.
As part of their legislation, Republicans have eliminated the SALT deductions for taxpayers to help pay for their massive tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. Currently, taxpayers pay state and local tax – whether it’s property, income, or sales tax – and they are able to deduct that amount from their federal income taxes. Without the SALT deductions, taxpayers would be taxed multiple times on the same income.
“Washington state has one of the most unique tax codes in the country and our economy has grown faster than the national average every year since WWII,” said Senator Cantwell. “Giving away the State and Local Tax Deduction to pay for a corporate tax break will hurt my state’s economy and the more than 1.1 million Washingtonians that use this deduction, the vast majority of whom are in the middle class. We are a great society in the United States of America, but we shouldn't be a one percent society. We should have a tax code that boosts the middle class and grows the economy from the middle out.”
“Senate Republicans are on the verge of passing a tax plan that reads like one giant hit-job on New Jersey’s middle class,” said Senator Menendez. “Gutting the state and local tax deduction will literally force millions of hardworking families in states like New Jersey to pay taxes twice on the same money. And Republicans are only rubbing salt in their wounds by letting corporations keep this deduction on top of the all the tax cuts they already get. It’s wrong to ask hardworking families who had to fight their way into the middle class to pay more just so that multinational corporations can pay less.”
“The Republican Tax Bill is a punch in the gut for working American families. One of the biggest blows comes from eliminating the state and local tax deduction,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This deduction helps millions of people in Maryland and across the country – and getting rid of it is a direct hit on the pocketbooks the middle class families. It also would tie the hands of state and local governments, which provide critical services in every community across America. This is not a partisan issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”
The Cantwell-Menendez-Van Hollen measure would strike the provision to repeal the State and Local Tax Deduction, preventing the proposed Republican plan to raise taxes on middle class families by double-taxing income already taxed at the state or local level. The amendment offsets this change by raising the tax on money that corporations currently hold overseas. The Senators were joined in introducing the amendment by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tom Udall (D-NM).
Families from all 50 states enjoy much-needed tax relief from SALT deductions. According to the Government Finance Officers Association, more than 30 percent of taxpayers benefitted from the SALT deductions, making SALT deductions a key element in providing tax relief to middle class families. Only 21 percent of taxpayers used the deduction for mortgage interest, and 15 percent of taxpayers used the deduction for charitable donations.
According to the IRS, 86 percent of taxpayers claiming SALT deductions make under $200,000 and 56 percent of taxpayers claiming the deduction make under $100,000.
In October, Cantwell and Van Hollen offered an amendment to preserve the SALT deduction during Senate consideration of the FY2017 Budget Resolution.
( PAGE 2) Agricultural Report
Saving Money, Time and Soil: The Economics of No-Till FarmingUSDA PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/ 30/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/30/saving-money-time-and-soil-economics-no-till-farming
For farmers across the country, it comes as no surprise to hear that conservation tillage practices – particularly continuous no-till – can save time and money compared to conventional tillage. The potential benefits of no-till are well-documented, from improving soil health to reducing annual fuel and labor investments.
Still, continuous no-till has been adopted across only 21 percent of all cultivated cropland acres in the United States. Why? One concern involves money saved compared to money spent. Can fuel and labor reductions really make up for the money invested in switching to a new farming practice?
To help farmers answer this question, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) conducted an annual fuel savings study comparing gallons of fuel used in conventional tillage practices to gallons used in conservation tillage practices like seasonal and continuous no-till.
We hope the results will help farmers weigh their options when considering adoption of conservation tillage practices.
Fuel saved is money saved.
On average, farmers practicing continuous conventional till use just over six gallons of diesel fuel per acre each year. Continuous no-till requires less than two gallons per acre. Across the country, that difference leads to nearly 282 million gallons of diesel fuel saved annually by farmers who practice continuous no-till instead of continuous conventional till.
Farmers who manage at least one crop in their rotation without tilling – seasonal no-till – save an additional 306 million gallons of fuel annually.
These savings add up for individual farmers.
Let’s assume an average off-road diesel fuel price of $2.05 per gallon. If a farmer farming 1,000 acres of crops switches from continuous conventional till to continuous no-till, he or she saves 4,160 gallons of diesel fuel – more than $8,500 worth – each year.
Just switching from continuous conventional till to seasonal no-till saves a little more than 3.2 gallons of fuel per acre. Across 1,000 acres, that equals roughly $6,600 worth of fuel saved annually.
Saving time and improving soil health lead to additional economic benefits.
No-till has significant economic benefits beyond reduced fuel usage.
A farmer who plows 15 acres per hour, for instance, would save roughly 67 hours of work with each eliminated pass over a 1,000 acre field by adopting no-till. Depending on labor costs and equipment maintenance, that’s an additional several thousand dollars saved each year.
Fields managed using no-till for multiple years generally have a higher water holding capacity than conventionally tilled fields. This is particularly valuable in drought-prone areas, where lack of water is a major concern tied to crop loss. No-till adoption also reduces soil erosion, increases soil biological activity and increases soil organic matter. These benefits can lead to additional economic gains for farmers over time.
We’re here to help.
At the NRCS, we understand that farmers need to care for their bottom line while caring for their land.
Visit our website or your local service center for more information about integrating conservation practices like no-till into your management plan. To learn more about CEAP and our commitment to improving conservation strategies across America’s working lands, please visit NRCS’ Conservation Effects Assessment Project page.
APHIS Foreign Service Officers: Join Us in Making a Difference throughout the World
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/ 30/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/30/aphis-foreign-service-officers-join-us-making-difference-throughout-world
Do you feel restless at a job where you look at a computer screen all day? Are you interested in supporting and protecting U.S. agriculture from abroad? Do you have a background in biology, chemistry or another scientific field? If so, consider applying for an overseas position with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
APHIS’ Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) work in nearly 30 countries, on a variety of scientific issues, and they contribute to safe agricultural trade every day. They can find themselves meeting with a country’s agricultural minister, visiting a farm or food processing facility, or attending a conference on veterinary safety where preventing the movement of highly pathogenic avian influenza is discussed, among other tasks.
“From working with the U.S. Agency for International Development to increase food security in fragile societies of the world, to working to combat the spread of insects in imported fruit, it is an exciting and rewarding career,” said Russell Duncan, an APHIS FSO who has served at the U.S. embassies in Pretoria, South Africa, and Lima, Peru.
Becoming an FSO requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific or technical field, such as biology, veterinary medicine, chemistry, agriculture, entomology or other related fields. In addition, applicants must be able to obtain and hold a Top Secret security clearance, pass medical clearances, pass all the Foreign Service training requirements, and be available for worldwide postings.
“Supporting APHIS’ mission overseas is a rewarding and also challenging responsibility. I found my time overseas to be an inspiring and fulfilling experience for me and my family,” said Conrad Estrada, an FSO who is opening an APHIS’ office in Hanoi, Vietnam, following a tour of duty in Brasilia, Brazil.
APHIS is currently hiring FSOs to help protect U.S. agriculture. To apply, visit USAJobs.gov and search the Department of Agriculture’s APHIS openings for position titles: Veterinary Medical Officer (VMO) and Agriculturalist. Visit these links: http://bit.ly/2AdTfUX (VMO) and http://bit.ly/2ne94Gf (Agriculturalist) to apply for current openings.
PAGE 3: Secretary Perdue Statement: U.S. Farm Exports to Continue Strong in FY 2018
Press release issued 11/ 30/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/11/30/secretary-perdue-statement-us-farm-exports-continue-strong-fy-2018WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2017 - Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) export forecast published today.
“Today’s quarterly trade forecast reflects the fact that U.S. agricultural exports are continuing strong in the 2018 fiscal year. We just closed out FY 2017 with the third-highest export total on record and I’m delighted to see that FY 2018 is shaping up to come close. With a forecast of $140 billion, we’re looking at the fourth-best year in history. And there’s additional positive news in the fact that agriculture’s trade surplus is expected to grow eight percent, from $21.3 billion last year to $23 billion in 2018.
“Much of this expected success can be attributed to robust sales to our East Asian and North American trading partners. China is again shaping up to be our top market, led by continued strong soybean sales, while Canada and Mexico remain our second- and third-largest markets, respectively. We’re expecting exports to grow in the coming year to all of our top three markets.
“The bottom line is that exports continue to be a major driver of the rural economy, generating 20 percent of U.S. farm income and supporting more than a million U.S. jobs. The USDA team continues to work around the clock and around the globe to boost export prospects for American farmers and ranchers not only by expanding existing markets and improving existing trade agreements, but also by aggressively pursuing new markets and new opportunities.”
The complete USDA Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade is available at: www.fas.usda.gov/data/quarterly-agricultural-export-forecast
DC Circuit Court Grants Trump EPA Request to Extend Deadline for Farmers to Report Emissions from Livestock Operations
EPA press release issued 11/ 28/ 17
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/dc-circuit-court-grants-trump-epa-request-extend-deadline-farmers-report-emissions
WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, November 22, 2017, in response to a request from the Trump administration EPA, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals effectively extended the deadline for farmers to report air releases of hazardous substances from animal waste at livestock operations until January 22, 2018. The decision postponed the effective date of the Court’s April 2017 decision vacating an EPA rule that exempted these farms from certain statutory reporting obligations.
“EPA is committed to providing America’s farmers and ranchers – people committed to conserving the land and the environment- the clarity needed in meeting their reporting obligations required by law,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.
Under the Trump Administration, EPA sought this additional time in order to provide compliance assistance to farmers, update its guidance, and develop a more-streamlined reporting form. With the Court’s decision, farmers are not required to report emissions from animal waste at these facilities until after the Court issues its mandate, expected no sooner than January 22, 2018.
Background:
On April 11, 2017, the DC Circuit Court vacated an EPA rule finalized on December 18, 2008, that exempted most farms from certain release reporting requirements in two statutes, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA).
In response to a request from the Trump Administration EPA, the DC Circuit Court extended the effective date of its decision to vacate the 2008 rule to November 15, 2017. In response to a second request from the current administration EPA, the DC Circuit Court further extended that date to January 22, 2018. As such, farmers now do not need to report emissions under CERCLA until January 22, 2018 at the earliest when the D.C. Circuit Court is expected to issue its mandate.
EPA has prepared guidance that includes links to resources that farmers can consider when calculating emissions for specific species of livestock.
( page 4) LOCAL MEETINGS AND AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS
Commission work session highlights
1) Discussion with Deputy Mayor Kidd regarding mental health and suicide from the Eighth Street Bridges
2) Draft report for the 2017 Integrated Weed Management Program
3) Shoreline Master Program Update
The County Planning Commission (PC) recommended a Shoreline Master Program (SMP) to the Board of County Commissioners to update and replace: (1) the existing 1976 SMP (last amended 1992) and
(2) the SMP administrative procedures in Chapter 35.01, Shoreline Management, Clallam County Code (CCC) under Ttle 35 CCC, Shorelines. The PC's recommendation is represented by the Draft 9MP (September 2017) document'introduced at the October 2,20t7 Board work session.
The Draft SMP addresses compliance with the state Shoreline Management Act (SMA), RCW 90.58, and the state SMP update guidelines (WAC t73-26).It includes goals and policies, regulations for new development and uses, and administrative procedures for shoreline permitting.
As required by the SMA, the SMP shoreline jurisdiction applies to: 1) all marine waters, reaches of rivers and streams where the mean annual flow is more than 20 cubic feet per second, and lakes and reservoirs 20 acres or greater Ín size that are within the jurisdiction of Clallam County;
2) areas within 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark or floodway of these water bodies; and 3) associated wetlands and river deltas. To consolidate regulations, the proposed SMP also would apply to the full extent of the mapped 100-year floodplain and land necessary for buffers to protect critical areas (e.9., landslide hazards) that are overlapping or otherwise coincident with the shoreline jurisdiction as allowed per RCW 90,58.030(2Xd)
(see full agenda)
Regular Commission meeting agenda highlights
1) Resolution adopting the following Supplemental Appropriations:
Public Works - Roads - Increase Streamkeepers personnel cost to accommodate reimbursable work requested by other entities/$19,300
NonDepartmental - 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
2) Consideration of resolution adopting the following Debatable Emergencies:
Sheriff - VRF Boating Program - Unexpected overages in equipment purchases, equipment repair, and in travel expenses/$6,000
Sheriff - Jail Medical - Unanticipated increase in the volume and cost of medicines required for inmate care/$13,000
Public Works - Roads
• Increased budget expense for estimated year-end payroll/$115,000
• Increase Streamkeepers personnel cost to begin work on migrating historical data for updated program/$4,685
• Increase personnel costs to account for retirement and separation pay-outs/$59,310
Public Works - Flood Control - Increase expense for extra weed control work on the dike/$3,500
Public Works - Equipment Rental and Revolving - Purchase forklift to replace current model at the Sequim shop on which the Department of Labor and Industries tested unsafe levels of carbon monoxide/$34,000
Hearing Examiner - Additional funds to meet the demand for hearings with the Hearing Examiner/$3,400
http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=352&meta_id=16990
3) Resolution adopting the following Budget Revision:
General Fund – Human Resources – The calculation of debatable emergency number 73 (the transition of training from Retired Payroll Administrator to new Payroll Administrator) did not include the provisions of salary and benefits for the month of December/$7,000
(See full agenda)
PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
Carlsborg property disposal discussion
CITY OF PORT ANGELES MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
1) Results of Advisory Vote on Community Water Fluoridation
Staff report:
Fluoridation of the City’s municipal water supply has been a debated issue in Port Angeles going back to 1951. Recognizing that the City’s contractual obligation to continue fluoridation of the municipal water supply was ending on May 18, 2016, the City Council and citizens engaged in a discussion about fluoridation. Council proactively sought input on the issue of water fluoridation and on August 4, 2015, the Council adopted a three-part plan for acquiring information that it would use in deciding whether to continue fluoridation. The plan included the following:
1.) An education forum held October 22, 2015.
2.) An extended public comment session held October 29, 2015.
3.) Advisory poll of City water customers and PUD customers receiving fluoridated water from the City. A total 9,762 polls were sent out, one poll to each metered water account. The polls were counted in early December. There were 4,204 polls returned, with 41.27 % (1,735) in favor of fluoridation, 56.63% (2,381) opposed to fluoridation, and 88 no responses.
After receiving input from the aforementioned three sources, Council voted 4-3 at its December
15, 2015 Council meeting to continue community water fluoridation.
Between the December 15 decision and the January 5 meeting, Council received a great deal of
correspondence from citizens about its decision. In addition, Council heard from a number of
citizens during the Public Comment section of its January 5 meeting. Each speaker had a point
of view, but many who spoke were upset that the results of the advisory poll were not the sole
basis for the Council’s ultimate decision.
Council listened to these comments and considered what they heard. They agreed by consensus to further discuss the matter of fluoridation at the January 19, 2016 meeting. In addition,
Council directed staff to provide options for consideration; however, none of the five options provided received Council consensus, and water fluoridation continued per Council direction.
Meanwhile, City Council continued to receive communications from people who opposed fluoridation, and in some of those communications, the Council was told that unless the
fluoridation vote was reversed, they were prepared to petition to change the form of our City government.
A citizens’ group, Our Water-Our Choice, did go on to file a petition to change the City’s classification from a noncharter code city governed by Chapter 35A RCW, to a second class city,
governed by Chapter 35 RCW. Those who opposed fluoridation felt the advantage to be gained by this action was that all of the City’s elected officials would be up for election at once. The
petition garnered enough signatures to be certified by the Auditor, and Council subsequently chose to put the ballot measure to the voters.
Recognizing the community discontent generated by the fluoridation issue, Mayor Downie, at the July 19, 2016 meeting, brought forward a proposal to end fluoridation of the City’s water
supply until an advisory vote on the questions of fluoridation could come before voters. The Council discussed Mayor Downie’s proposal at the following meeting, and on August 2,
2016, in a 4-3 vote, passed the motion to:
(1.) End fluoridation of the City’s water supply, but maintain our fluoridation facilities;
(2.) Conduct an advisory vote on the question of fluoridation during the 2017 Municipal General Election; and (3.) Council agree to adhere to the outcome of that advisory vote.
Per Council direction, the City ceased fluoridating the City’s water supply. On May 2, 2017 the
City’s Council approved Resolution No. 12-17 requesting that the Clallam County Auditor submit to the voters of the City, during the Municipal General Election, an advisory ballot
seeking input regarding the fluoridation of the City’s municipal water supply. Results of that non-binding advisory vote were certified on November 28th and are as follows: 42.47% (2,358) in favor of fluoridation and 57.53% (3,194) opposed.
It is my hope as City Manager that we can put an end to the controversy surrounding and for the good of the community as a whole, we can move onto the many other
important needs and challenges that are facing our community. For these reasons, staff recommends that the Council pass the proposed resolution, formalizing the majority of Council’s intention to adhere to the outcome of the citizen advisory vote.
Editorial note: I just have a hunch readers,that the dentist won't let this vote stand and they'll try to appeal this in court. But, in the meantime this is in the City's court and they'll have to make a decison to uphold the voter's will, or go back on their word.
2) Donation Policy for Acceptance of Contributions to 8th Street Bridge Protective Screenings
Background/Analysis: State statutes allow every city and town, by adopting an ordinance,
to accept any money or property donated to it and carry out the terms of the donation, if within the powers granted by law. Numerous citizens have request that the City establish a means by
which they can make donations to assist in constructing safety enhancements on the 8th Street bridges. The proposed ordinance accomplishes that.
The ordinary procedure is that City Council must accept all donations offered to the City.
This ordinance establishes a procedure for acceptance of donations for protective screening
(AKA guardian barriers) on the 8th Street Bridges. This ordinance delegates authority to:
The City Manager for donations over $5,000.
The Finance Director for donations $5,000 and under.
The Director of Public Works and Utilities, for in-kind donations (materials, equipment, or supplies).
Any funds remaining after the construction of the protective screens will be transferred to Peninsula Behavioral Health, located in Port Angeles Washington to be used for suicide prevention programs.
3) Proposed Adjustments to 2018 Utility Rates
Staff report: Background/Analysis: Rates for Electric (Ord. No 3539), Water, Wastewater and Stormwater (Ord. No 3538) utilities were adopted on September 1, 2015 to set rates through 2017. Revenue and expenditure analysis has been completed to determine the rate requirements for 2018 based on the 2018 Budget expenditures and non-rate revenue. Some rates were determined to already meet expenditure requirements, thus no change in rates are recommended. Other rates will require differing levels of rate adjustments to achieve the required revenue demands.
The Solid Waste Collection rates were adopted on June 3, 2014 (Ord. No. 3507) to set rates from
2015 through 2019. The approved rates have been implemented for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Approved rates are also currently in place for 2018 and 2019. In September the surcharge
portion of the rate was eliminated for the remainder of 2017 and future years.
A COSA (Cost of Service Analysis) for Solid Waste Collections was completed and current funding levels were evaluated to assess the future revenue requirements. The result of the
analysis is a recommendation to cancel the existing 2018 and 2019 approved rates and replace them as per the attached ordinance.
As noted in the rate changes listed below, most of the major utility rates are maintained with no increase (Electric) or a nominal increase (Water and Wastewater) in spite of cost inflation and
other rate pressures. For example, electric rates are not increasing in spite of a 9.5% increase in the Bonneville Power rate. Enabling the City to provide reasonable, affordable rate changes for its citizens were:
City cost containment measures.
Use of designated rate stabilization funds from the AMI settlement and National Park
Service water treatment plant reserve.
Robust fund balances that meet policy requirements.
A standard 2018 residential utility bill, with the rate adjustments included, will increase overall by approximately 1.3% as compared to 2017
See full agenda
OTHER LOCAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS...
CLALLAM PUD MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
Acceptance Memo of Completion for our Pole Test and Treat Contract with MiTech Pole Inspection Services #171003
The Commissioners will consider approving the Acceptance Memo of Completion dated 11/27/17 from M-Tech.
Staff recommendation: Approve Mi-Tech’s Acceptance Memo of Completion for pole inspection, treating, and reporting of an unspecified number of electrical transmission and distribution poles in Clallam and Jefferson County for the total amount of $96,714.74.
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/12-4-17-Commissioners-PreAgenda.pdf
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
Ordinance 3190 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2018 (Continued from November 20)
Action: Move to approve Ordinance 3190 Adopting the Budget for the City of Port Townsend, Washington, for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2018.
http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1146
JEFFERSON COUNY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
RESOLUTION NO. re: HEARING NOTICE: Fourth Quarter 2017 Budget
Appropriations/Extensions; Various County Departments; Hearing scheduled for Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Chambers
http://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WebLinkExternal/0/edoc/1743962/A120417.pdf
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