Kilmer noted that for the 2014-2015 school year, 83 percent of Pell recipients came from families with incomes of $40,000 or less, including 44 percent with family incomes below $15,000.
Kilmer wrote in the letter: “In fact, failure to continue indexing Pell Grants past 2017 means that Pell dependent students would see their awards reduced by $1,300 by the 2026-2027 school year. While indexing is just one step towards addressing our nation’s college affordability crisis, making this investment in higher education is a necessary step. It is essential that we work together to help hard-working American students achieve their dreams and to build a 21st Century workforce.”
See full news release http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-calls-on-trump-administration-to-increase-support-for-pell-grants-to-make-post-secondary-education-more-affordable
STATE NEWS HEADLINES
Joint statement by Inslee and Pacific Coast governors and mayors in response to EPA’s reconsideration of federal vehicle fuel-economy and emissions standards
As the governors of Washington and Oregon, the mayors of Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Oakland, and representing a West Coast region of over 50 million people with a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion, we speak today in unified opposition to the federal withdrawal from the vehicle fuel efficiency standards that have worked for years to lower consumers’ fuel costs while making our air healthier to breathe.
“Our job as governors and mayors is to boost our region’s economic opportunities and to make our cities and states cleaner and healthier for our citizens. This decision does the exact opposite, making America more dependent on oil while putting more lives at risk from pollution and shortchanging consumers at the pump.
“The U.S. is a technology superpower. Our strong vehicle fuel economy standards are a reflection of that and position the U.S. to remain competitive in the global push toward clean cars. Let’s not cede our leadership.”
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/joint-statement-inslee-and-pacific-coast-governors-and-mayors-response-epa%E2%80%99s
Inslee statement on Congressional Budget Office score of Republican ACA-repeal bill
Today's analysis from the nonpartisan CBO confirms our worst fears about the Republican effort in Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act. It would actually leave our nation worse off than before the ACA was implemented. Republican leaders use words like ‘freedom’ and ‘choice’ to hide what they’re really doing, which is ripping away one of our most important safety nets and rewinding the clock to a time before cancer patients could get coverage, all women could get preventative care and thousands could get help for opioid addiction.
“I will be personally contacting every member of Washington's congressional delegation and calling on them to reject this attack on working families and vulnerable Americans.”
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-congressional-budget-office-score-republican-aca-repeal-bill
Inslee proclaims state of emergency for 28 counties affected by winter storms
Gov. Jay Inslee late yesterday proclaimed a state of emergency for 28 counties recovering from the impacts of recent severe winter weather.
The proclamation covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pend Oreille, Pierce, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom and Whitman counties.
“The colder, wetter and stormier weather this winter has heavily impacted many communities throughout the state,” Inslee said. “The impacts have been significant, from snow removal and damage to public facilities to transportation interruptions and the opening of shelters to assist those whose power was out or their homes damaged. Staff from appropriate state agencies are working with local officials to quantify the impacts and damages so we can determine whether to request federal assistance.”
In his proclamation, Inslee notes that multiple winter storms from January 30 through February 22 produced high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation and significant rainfall. The storms caused significant power outages, major damage to roads and public utilities, delays and cancellations within the state ferry system and at major airports, and damage to homes and businesses.
Additionally, the storms created the need for some communities to provide shelter for impacted individuals and families, and threatened the health and safety of fragile and at-risk individuals such as those with special medical needs.
The proclamation will help the Washington State Department of Transportation make emergency repairs to the state’s roadways and request federal financial assistance for them. Damage to roads is estimated at more than $10 million.
The proclamation also allows the governor to potentially request other federal assistance, pending the outcome of ongoing damage assessments in the impacted counties.
Inslee has also asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a 30-day extension to April 23 to complete damage assessments. The request was made in writing to FEMA Associate Administrator Lisa Lopez-Suarez. States have 30 days after the end of an incident (February 22) to conduct damage assessments and to request disaster assistance. The most recent winter weather has slowed this effort.
Staff at the State Emergency Operations Center at the Washington Military Department’s Camp Murray have been monitoring local efforts and coordinating resources to help local officials respond. In addition, staff from the department’s Emergency Management Division are working with local officials on damage assessments.
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-proclaims-state-emergency-28-counties-affected-winter-storms-0
WSDA issues proposed rules for industrial hemp pilot program
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) seeks public comment on proposed rules establishing the Industrial Hemp Research Pilot (IHRP) in Washington state. A new state law (Chapter 15.120 RCW) approved last year, directed WSDA to design a program that would license researchers to grow, process and market industrial hemp.
Some of the details spelled out in the proposed rules that create IHRP include:
How to apply for a state license to participate in the pilot, the types of licenses that will be available and fees for each.
How to obtain, handle, transport and store approved industrial hemp seed.
The state's authority and process for inspecting, sampling and testing industrial hemp seeds, plants and products.
http://agr.wa.gov/News/2017/NR2017-03-14IndustrialHempRules.aspx
AG: CHOPP TO PAY $6,469 OVER CAMPAIGN FINANCE ALLEGATIONS
OLYMPIA —The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced that Representative Frank Chopp will pay $6,469.78 over campaign finance allegations brought by the office. Attorney General Bob Ferguson has recused himself from any involvement in the matter.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/chopp-pay-6469-over-campaign-finance-allegations
AG FILES CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMPLAINTS AGAINST SEN. HUNT, THURSTON DEMOCRATS
OLYMPIA —The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced that it has filed two separate complaints in Thurston County Superior Court, one against state Senator Sam Hunt, and another against the Thurston County Democratic Central Committee. Attorney General Bob Ferguson recused himself from any involvement in these matters. The complaints allege deficient campaign finance filings.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-files-campaign-finance-complaints-against-sen-hunt-thurston-democrats
AG FERGUSON SEEKS TRAVEL-BAN HEARING TUESDAY; NEW COURT FILINGS
OLYMPIA —Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed an amended Complaint in his lawsuit challenging President Trump’s travel ban as illegal and unconstitutional. Ferguson also filed a Motion to Enforce the injunction he obtained on Feb. 3, which blocked implementation of the President’s original immigration Executive Order nationwide. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld that injunction on Feb. 9.---Press release issued, March 13th.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-seeks-travel-ban-hearing-tuesday-new-court-filings
WA COMMERCE DEPT: Leading Washington state composites industry players open for business at JEC World 2017
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce put finishing touches on its Choose Washington exhibit today in preparation for JEC World, March 14-16, the largest international trade show and conference for the fast-growing composites industry.
Washington’s delegation to this year’s event represents the full breadth and opportunity in this dynamic field, from raw carbon fiber production to recycling technology that enables a second product life for uncured aircraft carbon fiber composite scrap.
With nearly 100 advanced manufacturing companies, 230 materials scientists and some of the least expensive clean power in the world, Washington researchers and businesses make up a “who’s who” of innovation in the new materials that are transforming everything from aircraft and automobiles to high-end sports equipment, musical instruments and medical devices.
Co-exhibitors in Washington State’s booth in the US Pavilion come from many communities around the state:
BRPH Architecture and Engineering Services in Lynnwood, Snohomish County
Composite Solutions, Sumner, Pierce County
General Plastics Manufacturing from Tacoma
HEATCON Composite Systems, Seattle
Janicki Industries, Sedro-Woolley, Skagit County;
Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC) , Clallam County
Port of Port Angeles, Clallam County
Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, between the Seattle and the Canadian border, where local companies make core components for commercial and military aircraft, America’s Cup racing yachts, naval research vessels, NASA exploration vehicles and the James Webb space telescope, among others.
The CRTC and Janicki Industries will be featured in the JEC Composites Magazine 2017 “Innovation Report.”
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/growing-the-economy/leading-washington-state-composites-industry-players-open-business-jec-world-2017/
Department of Ecology News Release - March 13, 2017
Now hiring: Summer jobs for Northwest Washington teens - Ecology Youth Corps protects the environment and offers work experience
BELLEVUE – The Washington Department of Ecology plans to hire 66 teenagers in northwestern Washington this summer as part of the Ecology Youth Corps.
In 2016, youth corps crews picked up 1.2 million pounds of litter and cleaned 5,445 miles of roads statewide. Since 1975, the program has hired more than 12,000 Washington teens, offering them work experience, a summer job, and the chance to preserve our state’s natural beauty and protect the environment.
Teens chosen for the youth corps will work 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., typically Monday through Thursday. They will be assigned to one of six crews, based in King, Skagit, Snohomish or Whatcom counties, and will work in one of two 16-day sessions: June 26 to July 20, or July 24 to Aug. 17. Participants will earn $11 an hour.
Applicants must be ages 14-17 by their first day of employment. Applications are due by April 11 and are available through area school counselors and at Ecology's Ecology Youth Corps website.
For more information, contact Steven Williams in Ecology’s Northwest Regional Office at steven.williams@ecy.wa.gov or 425-213-3565.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2017/027.html
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
NEWS RELEASE. March 13, 2017
Federal council adopts alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Salmon managers have developed options for ocean salmon fisheries that reflect concerns over poor projected returns of coho salmon this year.
Three alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries were approved Monday for public review by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), which establishes fishing seasons in ocean waters three to 200 miles off the Pacific coast. A public hearing on the three alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries is scheduled for March 27 in Westport.
Salmon managers developed options designed to protect the low number of wild coho expected to return to some Washington rivers this year while still providing some fishing opportunities, said Kyle Adicks, salmon fisheries policy lead for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/mar1317a/
Commission will take public comment on proposed hunting rules
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will take public comments on proposed changes to state hunting rules for deer, elk, waterfowl and other game species during a public meeting March 17-18 in Olympia.
The commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), will convene in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building at 1111 Washington St. SE in Olympia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. both days.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/mar0917a/
WSDOT releases quarterly performance report
OLYMPIA – As part of its continued commitment to transparency, the Washington State Department of Transportation recently published the latest edition of the Gray Notebook (pdf 5.5mb), its quarterly performance and accountability report.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/2017/03/15/wsdot-releases-quarterly-performance-report-1
SR 503 remains closed due to debris slide, 20 miles east of Woodland
On Monday, March 13, a portion of an adjacent hillside slid carrying rocks, mud and trees onto the roadway. Washington State Department of Transportation engineers need to examine the hillside above the highway to determine the potential for additional slides and if a slope repair is necessary before the highway can reopen to traffic.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/news/2017/03/14/sr-503-remains-closed-due-debris-slide-20-miles-east-woodland
UTC says natural gas utilities can improve hedging practices
New policy will require utilities to be more responsive to changing market
OLYMPIA, Wash. – State regulators today issued a formal policy statement addressing outdated hedging practices by Washington natural gas utility companies.
In the statement, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) reviewed the current hedging practices by the state’s four private natural gas companies. The UTC found the companies’ current hedging practices inflexible and less adaptable to changing conditions, leaving consumers more exposed to hedging losses.
https://www.utc.wa.gov/aboutUs/Lists/News/DispForm.aspx?ID=435
Lt. Gov. Meets with Consuls General of El Salvador, Honduras, and Peru to Strengthen International Trade Ties
On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Habib welcomed the consuls general of El Salvador, Honduras, and Peru to his office, where they discussed Washington’s Latino population and coordination efforts among the Latino consulates. Lt. Gov. Habib also extended an invitation to collaborate with consulate activities as opportunities arise.
http://www.ltgov.wa.gov/2017/03/15/lt-gov-meets-with-consuls-general-of-el-salvador-honduras-and-peru-to-strengthen-international-trade-ties/
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
[ Character of the New Man ] Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;----Colossians 3:12 NKJV
Free bible study from The World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
NEWS NOTEBOOK: Director's Code Interpretation Regarding Implementation of Critical Area Code Provisions under Ordinance 915
http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/ci20170315.pdf
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