TRUMP FACES BUDGET CHALLENGE FROM OUR STATE DELEGATION, AND FROM INSLEE.
Sen. Murray Statement on President Trump’s Proposed Budget: Direct Attack on Workers, Families, Women, Seniors, and the Middle Class
Mar 16 2017
(Washington, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on President Trump’s budget proposal released this morning.
“This budget is a direct attack on workers, families, women, seniors, and the middle class—and it represents just the latest of the many broken promises from President Trump.
“By slashing investments in jobs and middle class priorities while saying he will cut taxes for millionaires, billionaires, and massive corporations—President Trump is making it clear who he stands with and who he fights for. But families in Washington state and across the country want a budget that invests in them, their communities, and their futures—and Democrats are going to be fighting by their side and against this Trump budget, along with any Republican willing to put people above politics and join us.
“Speaker Ryan and I worked together in 2013 on a bipartisan budget deal that increased investments in health care, education, jobs, and defense investments and set the framework for continued bipartisan work to write budgets and avoid government shutdowns. We made it clear that the path forward on bipartisan budgets includes the principle of parity—restoring investments equally across defense and domestic priorities. Today, President Trump ran away from that bipartisan deal and put us back on the path of budget gridlock, partisanship, and crises. Democrats are ready to get to work on a fair budget that invests in our workers and families and doesn’t include poison pill riders—but this partisan Trump budget is an absolute non-starter.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=18DB9857-917D-4443-9814-F74011D1341C
Related stories: Kilmer Statement on President Trump's Budget Proposal
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Vice-Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, issued a statement on President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal.
“This proposal is irresponsible and unserious,” said Kilmer. “It’s irresponsible because of the damage it would do to the folks I represent and to our economy. I’m all about jobs. But the Trump budget would hurt our ability to prepare folks for the workforce -- cutting financial aid, job training programs, and funding to help kids make it to graduation. His budget blueprint undermines key tools for business growth, cutting the Small Business Administration’s small business loan programs and investments in roads, bridges, and wastewater that help our competitiveness. The 3,200 people in our region who work in the shellfish industry will be impacted by cuts to Puget Sound funding and clean water programs. Folks on the Olympic Peninsula would be hurt by cuts to the rural ag extension office and by the complete elimination of funding for coastal assistance and support for small, rural airports that are important to our economy.”
“On top of that, the Trump budget is unserious. It relies on gimmicks – giving a bunch of tax breaks to special interests and the rich and making absolutely no progress in the effort to address our long-term fiscal challenges as a country. I would encourage the President to go back to the drawing board. As Vice Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee I’m going to fight against this proposal and work for a responsible budget that actually addresses our deficit and provides stability for working Americans and their families.”
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-statement-on-president-trumps-budget-proposal
Inslee says Trump budget “incredibly harmful” to state and local governments
President Trump today released a federal budget proposal that would make significant cuts in state and local government programs, including education, environmental protection, health care and many other critical services that Washingtonians rely on.
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-says-trump-budget-%E2%80%9Cincredibly-harmful%E2%80%9D-state-and-local-governments
THE WHITE HOUSE: Press Briefing by OMB Director Mick Mulvaney Previewing the President's FY18 Budget
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/16/press-briefing-omb-director-mick-mulvaney-previewing-presidents-fy18
MORE FROM OUR US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Sen. Murray Reintroduces Healthy Families Act to Allow Workers to Earn Paid Sick Days
Mar 15 2017
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reintroduced the Healthy Families Act, legislation that would allow workers to earn paid sick leave to use when they are sick, to care for a loved one, to obtain preventative care, or to address the impacts of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
“It is unacceptable that 41 million people across the country have to take time off – or risk losing their job – if they catch the flu, if their child is sick, or if they have to take care of a sick parent,” said Senator Patty Murray. “No one should have to choose between their health and their economic security, but our outdated policies are forcing too many workers to make that kind of choice. I’m proud Washington state continues to be a leader on this issue-- and it’s time our national policy catches up to ensure all hardworking families are able to care for themselves and loved ones when they need it the most.”
Today, 41 million private sector workers across the country do not have access to paid sick days. The Healthy Families Act would allow workers at businesses with at least 15 employees to earn up to 56 hours, or seven days, of paid sick leave each year. This would allow workers to stay home when they are ill, to care for a sick family member, seek preventive medical care, or seek assistance related to domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. Businesses that already provide paid sick leave would not have to change their current policies, as long as they meet the minimum standards of the Healthy Families Act. Studies show that sick paid leave can reduce the spread of contagious diseases like the flu and a national paid sick days policy would reduce emergency room visits by 1.3 million annually, saving $1.1 billion a year.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A9E32D8A-E008-4110-A2EB-9C073507AECD
Sens. Murray, Merkley, Cantwell, Wyden, and Rep. Blumenauer Urge Federal Government to Dedicate Future Funding, Address Unmet Obligations to Columbia River Treaty Tribes
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR3) sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) and the Office of Management and Budget, urging them to allocate the necessary funding to address unmet obligations to the four Columbia River Treaty Tribes. The construction of the Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day dams flooded tribal communities, houses, and traditional hunting and fishing sites along the Columbia River.
Last month, the Army Corps dedicated up to $1.56 million for a village development plan to replace housing that was lost during construction of The Dalles Dam, with plans to dedicate $1.49 million more, depending on congressional funding for the rest of fiscal year 2017. The current funding bill runs through April 28, 2017.
“Conditions at many treaty fishing access sites and in-lieu sites are highly unsafe and unsanitary, and it is finally time for the federal government to fulfill commitments made when the dams were constructed and to honor the treaties signed with the four Columbia River Treaty Tribes. A strong commitment from the Army Corps and Office of Management and Budget is needed to make progress this year in the interest of public health and safety and upholding treaty rights,” the members wrote.
Beginning in the 1930s, the construction of the three lower Columbia River dams displaced members of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes: Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Nez Perce Tribe, and Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Indian Nation of the Yakama Reservation. These Tribes have a treaty-protected right to fish along the Columbia River in their usual and accustomed places.
The Senators and Congressman have been fighting to address the urgent need for adequate housing and infrastructure at tribal fishing access sites constructed by the Army Corps following construction of The Dalles, Bonneville, and John Day dams. The Army Corps designed the sites to be used primarily for daily, in-season fishing access and temporary camping; however, in many cases tribal members now use the areas as longer-term or even permanent residences. A Fact-Finding Review on Tribal Housing prepared by the Army Corps found that as many as 85 tribal families who lived on the banks of the Columbia River prior to construction of the Bonneville and The Dalles dams did not receive relocation assistance, despite the fact that several non-tribal communities inundated by dam construction did receive such assistance.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7DB880C4-1497-466C-84B7-0C50F8C1E795
Cantwell, Udall, Tester Introduce Measure to Create Jobs by Fostering Entrepreneurship in Indian Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Native American Business Incubators Program Act, legislation to help launch small businesses and encourage job creation in Indian Country.
Their bill, S. 607, creates a competitive grant program to establish and fund business incubators that will assist in cultivating Native American-owned small businesses. The incubators will serve as a much-needed resource in Indian Country, where entrepreneurs often face start-up challenges such as difficulty accessing business loans, federal restrictions on leasing and other activities on Tribal land, and proximity to cities since many Tribes are located in highly rural areas.
“It’s critical we provide tools and training to help Native American entrepreneurs thrive and strengthen the communities around them,” said Cantwell. “The Tribal business incubator program will help Northwest Tribes, who are often in isolated regions of our state, build skills and expertise that can help create jobs in our rural communities.”
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-udall-tester-introduce-measure-to-create-jobs-by-fostering-entrepreneurship-in-indian-country
With Seattle Home Prices Exploding, Cantwell Questions Trump Administration Decision to Cancel Scheduled FHA Insurance Rate Cut, Costing Washington Homebuyers $500 Each Year
Senator: Trump decision leaves Washington homebuyers squeezed between housing price rock and costly mortgage hard place
Nearly 40% of millennial homebuyers use FHA-insured mortgages to buy homes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) questioned newly-confirmed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Ben Carson on why the Trump Administration would make buying a home more expensive – especially at a time when first-time homebuying is at an all-time low.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/with-seattle-home-prices-exploding-cantwell-questions-trump-administration-decision-to-cancel-scheduled-fha-insurance-rate-cut-costing-washington-homebuyers-500-each-year
Cantwell, Murray Urge Perry To Protect Hanford Nuclear Reservation Workers
Senators Highlight Dangers of Chemical Vapors, Demand Improved Conditions for Workers at Cleanup Site
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) wrote Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rick Perry demanding improved conditions and enhanced safety measures for workers at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington state, specifically to improve conditions in the tank farms and address chemical vapor exposure.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-urge-perry-to-protect-hanford-nuclear-reservation-workers_
Senators Cantwell, Murray, Merkley, Wyden, and Rep. Blumenauer Urge Federal Government to Dedicate Future Funding, Address Unmet Obligations to Columbia River Treaty Tribes
Last month, Army Corps dedicated funding to begin process of rebuilding lost housing, but more is needed to fully meet obligations to tribes
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-cantwell-murray-merkley-wyden-and-rep-blumenauer-urge-federal-government-to-dedicate-future-funding-address-unmet-obligations-to-columbia-river-treaty-tribes-
Servicemembers Can Be Charged Cancellation Fees When they Deploy; Cantwell, Fischer Offer Fix Senators introduce bill to shield military servicemembers from pay TV and internet cancellation fees
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced legislation with Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), ensuring military servicemembers are not charged cancellation fees for pay TV and internet services when they deploy or change duty stations.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/servicemembers-can-be-charged-cancellation-fees-when-they-deploy-cantwell-fischer-offer-fix
NEWS HEADLINES FROM LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SOURCES
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: Ecology expects tests of fluid at Port Angeles log yard by mid-April
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/ecology-expects-tests-of-fluid-at-port-angeles-log-yard-by-mid-april/
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: Donations pour in after scholarship fund stolen from Joyce cafe
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/donations-pour-in-after-scholarship-fund-stolen-from-joyce-cafe-2/
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: Clallam County proclaims developmental disabilities month
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/clallam-county-proclaims-developmental-disabilities-month/
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: Agreement expands potential for Composite Recycling Technology Center, CEO says
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/agreement-expands-potential-for-composite-recycling-technology-center-ceo-says/
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: Chamber director: Replace Port Angeles parking, business improvement area
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/chamber-director-replace-port-angeles-parking-business-improvement-area/
PENINSULA DAILY NEWS: Peninsula backs development of cross-state trail system
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/peninsula-backs-development-of-cross-state-trail-system/
PORT O CALL: Peninsula Housing Authority Caught “Double-dipping?” -
http://portocallpublishing.com/2017/03/peninsula-housing-authority-double-dipping/
PORT O CALL: Candidates should “interview” for the job
http://portocallpublishing.com/2017/03/candidates-should-interview-for-the-job/
KONP RADIO: Carlsborg Sewer Ordinance Change Approved
http://konp.com/the_full_story.php?news_id=12359
SEQUIM GAZETTE: Local entities help rescue bald eagle
http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/local-entities-help-rescue-bald-eagle/
FORKS FORUM: Royal Rangers 2017 Pinewood Derby
http://www.forksforum.com/news/royal-rangers-2017-pinewood-derby
PT. LEADER: Jefferson County commissioners eye assessment of Whidbey Island jet noise
http://www.ptleader.com/news/jefferson-county-commissioners-eye-assessment-of-whidbey-island-jet-noise/article_98b546bc-0908-11e7-8f20-3b66a91c7237.html
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE STRAIT (Victoria BC)
TIMES COLONIST: B.C. Liberals fail to pass their political donations bill
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/b-c-liberals-fail-to-pass-their-political-donations-bill-1.12056178
TIMES COLONIST: Seafood labels too vague, environmental groups say
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/seafood-labels-too-vague-environmental-groups-say-1.12056185
VICTORIA NEWS: Fourteen members of B.C. legislature spend last day in the house
http://www.vicnews.com/news/416357914.html
VICTORIA NEWS: Donation rules die, high-heel freedom lives
http://www.vicnews.com/news/416370934.html
NEWS NOTEBOOK
From the City of PA: Notice to Water Utility Customers
On August 2nd, 2016, the Port Angeles Water Utility stopped adding fluoride to the City’s drinking water as directed by the City Council. Fluoridation will be suspended until the question is placed on the City ballot in November 2017. Individuals and families should consult their dentist or primary care provider to discuss their dental health and their specific fluoride needs. This notice affects all customers of the Port Angeles Water Utility.
http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=330
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
[ The Lord the Shepherd of His People ] [ A Psalm of David. ] The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.---Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV
Free bible study course offered by the World Bible School
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