PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 4/ 17
(Seattle, WA) – Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) joined current and former servicemembers and their families, officials with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and members of the U.S. Navy for a naturalization ceremony aboard the USS Anchorage as part of the Seafair Festival. Ten immigrants, both current and former servicemembers, took the oath of allegiance and became naturalized U.S. citizens. In her keynote address, Sen. Murray highlighted the tens of thousands of immigrants currently serving in the U.S. military, noting immigrants are not only a vital part of communities across our country, they are also integral to our armed forces.
Key excerpts from Sen. Murray’s remarks:
“To our ten servicemembers: Your journey to this day – and this ship—started in just about every part of the globe: Poland, Belarus, The Marshall Islands, China, Haiti, Burkina Faso, The United Kingdom, The Gambia, Peru, and American Samoa. Ten different life experiences. Ten different sets of hopes and dream for your futures, and the futures of your family members. But one thing you all share is your pursuit of the American dream.”
“…it’s a stark reminder to so many of the rest of us about how priceless our own citizenship is— and why so many who have come before us have died fighting for it. They knew that this democracy is precious and by no means is it guaranteed. We must fight for it every day. We must fight for the America we love...”
“Instead of shutting doors or building walls—giving in to our fear-- instead, what is truly American is to celebrate diversity, learn from our country’s history, welcome people who seek safety and freedom, and relentlessly pursue the spirit that always has us striving to do more and be better. I have seen this spirit play out over and over again in my lifetime, and especially in recent months, as people in Washington state and across this country have risen up to make their voices heard.”
Sen. Murray’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
Thank you for that kind introduction, Cindy. It is my great honor to be with you today to take part in such a momentous occasion for both our country and for ten esteemed members of our military. In a matter of minutes, these men and women will become the newest citizens of the United States of America— a wonderful accomplishment that caps off many years of hard work.
But before we get to that, I want to recognize those who made this ceremony possible: Rear Admiral Gary Mayes, Captain Dennis Jacko, Seattle Field Office Director Cindy Munita, Senior Chief Jean Hero Lamy, and Event Coordinator Michael Humphrey. And of course, I want to thank the family members who joined us today. I think the expressions on many of your faces reflects the pride so many of us feel right now.
To our ten servicemembers: Your journey to this day – and this ship—started in just about every part of the globe: Poland, Belarus, The Marshall Islands, China, Haiti, Burkina Faso, The United Kingdom, The Gambia, Peru, and American Samoa.
Ten different life experiences. Ten different sets of hopes and dream for your futures, and the futures of your family members. But one thing you all share is your pursuit of the American dream. That pursuit brought you here today. A pursuit that has meant years of studying, test-taking, a whole lot of waiting, probably some hand-wringing, but most significantly—your military service.
As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I know that signing up for military service was no small undertaking for you or your family. And I have no doubt serving in the United States military has tested you at times—physically, emotionally, and more. You spent months away from family to train among strangers. Maybe learned a new language while on the job. You took an oath that meant you were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. It was a tough journey to take, but you have proven yourselves even tougher. And for that, you joined a distinguished group of immigrant servicemembers-- who, for generations-- have served our country honorably, fighting in every major war from the Revolutionary War, to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As we speak, there are tens of thousands of immigrants in the ranks of our armed forces—soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, coast guardsmen-- who are ably serving our nation and defending our freedoms, even though their own U.S. citizenship is still a far-off dream. That doesn’t stop them from going far and above the call of duty. In fact, immigrant servicemembers represent 20 percent of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. In short, immigrants are not only a vital part of communities across this country, they are integral to our armed forces.
And the ten of you, in your service to our country, have earned not only the gratitude of everyone you see here today, but by building a bridge to the American Dream through military service, you’ve earned the right to become a U.S. citizen, continuing a tradition that isn’t just a part of America, it is America.
For generations, immigrants from around the world—and from every walk of life-- have sacrificed everything for a shot at the American Dream. And the United States is absolutely better for it. Successive waves of immigrants have brought with them innovation, entrepreneurship, and a deep appreciation for the freedoms this nation was built upon.
Immigrants like Kenny, one of our service members here today, who brought his family to this country, who said he’s looking forward to the freedom and opportunity that America has to offer. Or Yahor, who was born into a country with an authoritarian regime. As he said, there were no opportunities to grow in his home country, but he had ambition and he wanted to make a difference. He found his calling in the United States Army. America welcomes you with open arms, because that’s what this country is about: giving everyone the ability to aim higher, do more, and dream big— no matter what you look like, who you worship, who you love, or where you came from.
And it’s a stark reminder to so many of the rest of us about how priceless our own citizenship is— and why so many who have come before us have died fighting for it. They knew that this democracy is precious-- and by no means is it guaranteed. We must fight for it every day. We must fight for the America we love, just like our grandmothers and grandfathers, our aunts and uncles, and our moms and dads who came before us.
Like you, they endured long journeys and made tough choices in the pursuit of something better for themselves and their family. They never took anything for granted. They have shaped this country, as you will too.
And like them, you will find that America is great, even if she is not always perfect. There have been times in our history—even right here in Seattle—when we have allowed our better angels to be drowned out by anger and exclusivity. When we have reacted with fear, not openness. When we have been silent at times when we needed to speak up. When we have momentarily lost sight of the values that made this country what it is today.
The American story includes painful chapters, but rather than ignore parts of our history, today, I challenge us all to double-down on what we ultimately know to be true-- that to be American is not necessarily to be perfect, but it is American to always work to do better and be better.
Instead of shutting doors or building walls—giving in to our fear--- instead, what is truly American is to celebrate diversity, learn from our country’s history, welcome people who seek safety and freedom, and relentlessly pursue the spirit that always has us striving to do more and be better.
I have seen this spirit play out over and over again in my lifetime, and especially in recent months, as people in Washington state and across this country have risen up to make their voices heard. They have stood up against intolerance and called out injustice. They have marched in the streets for those who could not. They have reached out to friends and to complete strangers to let them know, they had their back. And again today, I see it in the ten of you, willing to defend a country that wasn’t yet your own—but now so clearly is. If there was ever a doubt that America was already great, this is where I know it is true.
So when you take that oath in a few minutes, you solidify your place as part of the American story. And you will help write the next chapter. Someday, when you are on the other side of the stage, when you are faced with a moment in history when your character—or the character of your nation is tested, I hope you remember the lessons of the many who have come before you, and honor the ones who will follow. Given your path to get to this day— I am filled with great hope about the future of this country. And I am honored to be standing here with each of you.
Thank you for your service. I’m so proud to be your voice in the United States Senate. And I promise you, I will continue to fight for the policies that make you proud to be a new citizen of our great country, the United States of America.
Thank you.
House climate caucus adds senior Republican
PRESS RELEASE FROM CONGRESSMAN KILMER 8. 3. 17
The bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus has added Republican Rep. Ed Royce of California, who is chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, according to activists tracking membership of the group. The addition of Royce and Democratic Rep. Derek Kilmer of Washington brings the caucus' membership to 52, equally divided between the parties, the Citizens' Climate Lobby said Wednesday.
KILMER TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8. 2. 17
Kilmer to host town hall. In order to hear directly from residents of Washington’s Sixth Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) announced he will host a series of town halls throughout the region. The events are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Participants will have the opportunity to hear an update on Congress and ask questions. Kilmer hosts a “Clallam County Town Hall” from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at Peninsula College’s Little Theater, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles. Contact Kilmer’s district office at 253-272-3515 for hearing devices or other special accommodations at the town hall meetings.
PAGE 2: STATE & REGIONAL
LABOR & INDUSTRIES: New paid sick leave requirements drawing closer — rules process a chance for inputPRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8. 3. 17
Tumwater – Washington's new mandatory paid sick leave law takes effect in less than six months, starting January 1, 2018. It's a major change as a result of Initiative 1433, approved by voters last fall.
The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is developing rules in two phases to explain and enforce the new requirements. The state rules process is an opportunity for people to have input into the details of how the new law will be carried out.
"We know paid sick leave is a big change for employers and workers," said Annette Taylor, deputy assistant director of L&I's Fraud Prevention & Labor Standards. "We're doing everything we can to make sure people know what the proposed rules are and have an opportunity to provide input before this significant change happens in January."
The new rules will include procedures for using sick leave, employee notification, reporting requirements, and protecting employees from retaliation for the lawful use of paid sick leave.
The rulemaking process includes public hearings around the state where people can make on-the-record comments and provide input. The first round of hearings for the rules is scheduled throughout August:
Tumwater, Aug. 8, 10 a.m., L&I Headquarters, Tumwater Auditorium.
Spokane Valley, Aug. 16, 10 a.m., Spokane CenterPlace Auditorium.
Pasco, Aug. 17, 10 a.m., Columbia Basin Community College.
Everett, Aug. 29, 10 a.m., Edward D. Hansen Conference Center.
Initiative 1433 tasked L&I with implementing numerous changes, including mandatory paid sick leave, increasing the minimum wage annually over a four-year period and ensuring tips and service charges are given to the appropriate staff. Washington will be the seventh state to require employers to provide paid sick leave. Other states include California, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Arizona, as well as the District of Colombia.
Lt. Governor Delivers Opening Remarks for UPS 110 Years Celebration
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8. 2. 17
Wednesday morning, Lt. Governor Habib opened the 110th Anniversary Celebration of the United Parcel Service at Waterfall Park in Pioneer Square.
United Parcel Service (UPS) was founded in 1907 by James Casey and Claude Ryan in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Since then it has grown into a global company with over 442,000 employees worldwide, delivering to over 222 countries and territories.
The event took place at UPS Waterfall Park, which was built and maintained by the family foundation bearing UPS founder James Casey’s name, and covers the spot where the original office was located.
In his remarks, Lt. Governor Habib spoke about the shared legacy of notable Washington state companies—UPS, Microsoft, Amazon, and others—who share a mission of connecting the world.
“UPS was the original Seattle startup turned global operation,” said Lt. Governor Habib. “An entrepreneur with a pioneering spirit set up shop right here in Pioneer Square and his work, and the work of Washington state entrepreneurs that followed, have made the world smaller by connecting us to rest of the globe.”
Lt. Governor Habib also praised UPS for their continued commitment to Washington state, where UPS still maintains a large presence with over 50 operating locations and 6500 employees.
“In this time when the future of work seems very uncertain, we look to companies like UPS that are committed not just to their customers, but to their employees, and to the communities in which they operate. This state recognizes that commitment in UPS, and is proud to be the birthplace of this world-class company.”
UTC: Rail safety improvement grants now available
Requests due by Jan. 1, 2019
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 7. 31. 17
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is now accepting applications from railroad companies, local governments, and other agencies for project funding to make safety improvements at railroad crossings or along railroad tracks.
Funding is provided through the state Grade Crossing Protective Fund (GCPF) and is generally limited to $20,000 for each project. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 1, 2019, and grant awards will be made as applications are received and approved by the commission.
Railroad safety improvement projects may include:
• upgrading active warning devices at crossings,
• installing long-lasting, energy-efficient LED flashing lights,
• replacing crossbucks and signage at crossings,
• constructing sidewalks to promote safe pedestrian passage, and
• constructing fences to prevent trespassing on railroad tracks.
The UTC will consider and select proposals for funding based on the costs, the severity of the hazard, and the safety benefits resulting from the completed projects.
For more information, visit www.utc.wa.gov/GCPF.
The Legislature created the GCPF in 1969 to provide money for safety measures designed to decrease the potential for accidents and fatalities at public and private crossings and along railroad tracks in the state. The UTC administers the fund.
The UTC is the state agency responsible for railroad safety, including approving new grade crossings and closing or altering existing rail crossings. The agency investigates train accidents, inspects public-railroad crossings, approves rail-safety improvement projects and managers Operation Lifesaver, a rail-safety education program in Washington and nationwide.
Washington Named No. 2 for Data Innovation
WA TECH PRESS RELEASE Dated 8. 2. 17
Washington has been named one of the top states for data innovation according to a comprehensive study (link is external) released by the Center for Data Innovation released on July 31. The study, which used 25 indicators across three categories to assess which states are doing the most to encourage and enable data-driven innovation, ranked Washington No. 2 nationally.
The Center for Data Innovation is a non-profit, non-partisan research institute which formulates and promotes pragmatic public policies designed to maximize the benefits of data-driven innovation in the public and private sectors.
“We’re thrilled to see that Washington has scored so well on the Center for Data Innovation’s new assessment of data innovation in the 50 states,” said Will Saunders, the state’s senior program manager for open data. “Their work brings together a strong collection of source studies that point to the economic development importance of accurate, authoritative and highly available data.”
The Center’s assessment offers a list of key steps to promote data innovation – many of which Washington has already done or has in progress today:
Publish legislative data in open and machine-readable formats -- leg.wa.gov publishes all laws, bills and action in the Washington state legislature via web page and even through an application programming interface (API)
Publish checkbook-level government financial data online in open and machine-readable formats. – Fiscal.wa.gov has been publishing Washington state’s checkbook for about a decade
Develop an open-data portal and statewide open-data policy. – Washington has an open data portal at Data.wa.gov, and the State CIO adopted an open data policy in 2015.
Develop a publicly accessible all-payer claims database (APDC). Washington has an APCD project in flight.
The Study also highlights the importance of the intersection of government and the private sector in technology. “Data is part of how we do business and government in Washington state,” said Saunders. “We’re fortunate to have a really advanced and robust technology sector that includes the top three cloud companies (Amazon, Microsoft and Google), several of the Open Data 500 (Socrata, Tableau, Zillow), and thousands of innovative, smaller companies.”
PAGE 3: Agriculture, and Fishing report.
Stories focus on agriculture, and fishing IndustriesUN NEWS CENTER: Food prices surge in July; UN agriculture agency cites cereals, sugar and dairy as main drivers
Posted 8/ 3/ 17 (SOURCE LINK)
3 August 2017 – Driven mainly by higher cereal, sugar and dairy quotations, global food prices rose for the third consecutive month in July, according to the United Nations agriculture agency.
“The FAO [Food and Agriculture Organization] Food Price Index […] averaged 179.1 points in July, its highest value since January 2015, marking a 2.3 per cent increase from June 2017 and 10.2 per cent rise from its level a year earlier,” FAO said in a press statement.
Firmer wheat and rice quotations have supported a rise in the FAO Cereal Price Index, which, up 5.1 percent in July, has been surging consistently over the past three months.
“Wheat values rose the most in July, as continued hot and dry weather conditions hampered spring wheat crops in North America, while seasonal tightness pushed up rice prices,” FAO explained. “On the other hand, maize prices remained largely steady,” it added.
At the same time, the FAO Dairy Price Index gained 3.6 per cent in July, in what the UN agriculture agency says was underpinned by stronger prices of butter, cheese and whole milk powder.
“Tighter export availabilities pushed butter prices to a new high in July, widening further the spread between butter quotations and other dairy products,” the statement continued.
Although the FAO Sugar Price Index rose by 5.2 per cent in July, it was the first monthly increase since the beginning of the year.
“The strong appreciation of the Brazilian real was the main driver behind this rebound in sugar values. Despite the latest increase, sugar prices remain 26 per cent below the corresponding period last year,” FAO maintained.
Meanwhile, the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index fell 1.1 per cent from June to its lowest level since August 2016.
“The July slide primarily reflected good production prospects for palm oil in Southeast Asia and weak global import demand,” according the statement.
Finally, the UN agricultural agency pointed to a steady FAO Meat Price Index, concluding “an increase in international prices for bovine meat in July was offset by downward price movements in bovine, pig and poultry sectors.”
The FAO Food Price Index is a monthly measure of trade-weighted, index tracking international market prices of five major food commodity groups.
Cantwell Secures Major Win for Washington Crab Fishermen
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 4/ 17
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bill led by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) strengthening Washington’s crab fishery has passed the United States Senate and will now head to the president’s desk for signature into law. The bill permanently extends a decades-long fishery management agreement that has been vital to Washington state’s Dungeness crab fishery.
Without Cantwell’s legislation, crab fisheries in the Pacific Northwest faced an uncertain future without an approved fishery management plan.
“The Dungeness crab fishery is an economic pillar of our coastal communities, supporting thousands of fishing and processing jobs,” Cantwell said. “By preserving the Tri-State Agreement, we can sustainably manage our crab fisheries for many years.”
The states of Washington, Oregon, and California cooperatively manage the West Coast crab fishery in federal waters under a tri-state agreement that Congress first authorized in 1998. The act would make that authority permanent. The agreement expired without a replacement in 2016. The Cantwell bill will help reintroduce much-needed stability to the industry, and preserve a sustainable, science-based fishery management program that keeps fishermen fishing and crab stocks thriving.
“The future of West Coast Commercial Fishing is anchored by Dungeness crab, which has added stability and vitality to coastal fish-dependent communities in the face of other struggling fisheries. The crab fleet was happy to work with Senator Maria Cantwell and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler on this legislation making the Tri-State Agreement permanent,” said Dale Beasley, president of the Columbia River Crab Fisherman’s Association.
Crab populations vary greatly by year, depending on food availability and ocean conditions. The Dungeness crab catch tends to peak every 10 years and can fluctuate by tens of millions of pounds between years. In order to manage the fishery appropriately, managers must coordinate between states to ensure management and conservation goals are achieved.
Washington state’s Dungeness crab industry brings $61 million into the state’s economy annually. Crab fishermen in the state harvest an average of 9.5 million pounds of crab per year, supporting more than 60,000 maritime jobs.
“Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission applauds the success of Senator Cantwell and Rep. Hererra-Beutler in preserving this valuable conservation and management program. Our West Coast states have a long history of successfully managing the West Coast's most valuable fishery,” said Randy Fisher, Executive Director of the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.
USDA: Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue Proclaims National Farmers Market Week
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED: 8/ 3/ 17
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2017 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has proclaimed Aug. 6-12 to be National Farmers Market Week. This is the eighteenth year USDA has supported local producers by encouraging families to meet, and buy from, the farmers and other vendors at their local farmers market.
The proclamation Perdue signed notes farmers markets and other agricultural direct marketing outlets contribute approximately $9 billion each year to the U.S. economy and “serve as significant outlets by which small-to-medium, new and beginning, and veteran agricultural producers market agricultural products, generating revenue that supports the sustainability of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities nationwide.”
Throughout the week, thousands of U.S. farmers markets will highlight the range of produce, fruit, meat, dairy and specialty products available from their local and regional farmers. USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory makes it easy to locate farmers markets in towns and neighborhoods across the country. Buying directly from farmers and ag-entrepreneurs has an outsized impact by helping diversify farm incomes and supporting other businesses by keeping more money in the local economy.
In addition to being good for the farmers and convenient for consumers, farmers markets are a gathering place that help build a sense of community.
On Friday, Aug. 11, USDA’s flagship Farmers Market in Washington is hosting several special events on the National Mall at 12th Street and Jefferson from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and adding a special Night Market from 4 p.m.–8 p.m. Special guests include the Farmers Market Coalition, the official chef of the Washington Capitals Robert Wood, and the U.S. Army Band.
USDA BLOG POST: Researchers Tap Papaya-Loving Algae to Make “Home-Grown” Biodiesel for Hawaii
POSTED 8/ 1/ 17 by, Posted by Jan Suszkiw, Public Affairs Specialist, Agricultural Research Service in Research and Science
Think algae is just slimy green pond scum? Well, think again!
Thanks to advances in science and technology, these microscopic plant-like organisms are now star players in biologically-based approaches to producing fuel for transportation and other energy needs.
In Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plant Pathologist Lisa Keith is leading an effort to produce biodiesel using a type of green algae known as Auxenochlorella protothecoides (formerly Chlorella protothecoides).
Oh, and she’s also using the pulp of discarded papayas, namely, those deemed too blemished, malformed, or damaged to be sold for market.
So how, you may ask, does one go from green algae to papaya to biofuel?
That’s where the science and technology part comes in—along with support from the state government of Hawaii, which hopes to ease the state’s reliance on imports of petroleum-based oil.
The system devised by Keith and her colleagues calls for growing the algae in giant vats, called “bioreactors.” There, hidden from sunlight, the algae are fed what might be likened to a papaya smoothie.
“While nearly all algae are capable of using energy from light to produce organic molecules from carbon dioxide and water, some algae, including Auxenochlorella protothecoides, can also absorb organic molecules such as sugars from sources such as papaya juice,” explains Keith. She is with ARS’s Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo.
In the process, these industrious algae end up storing 60 percent of their cellular weight in lipids. These lipids (or oils), in turn, provide material for making biodiesel.
The algae are like the gift that keeps on giving.
Keith’s team thinks their remains from the oil-extraction process, called “algal meal,” can offer Hawaiian farmers a low-cost source of feed for fish or livestock, cutting importation costs. The algae’s fondness for papaya also could offer a way for growers to recoup some of the losses on about one-third of Hawaii’s $11-million papaya crop discarded because of defects.
It’s all part of what Keith and colleagues call a “zero-waste” system.
“The goal is to make agriculture more profitable and to address food- and energy-security issues in Hawaii,” she says.
AG FERGUSON ARGUES AGRICULTURAL WORKERS MUST BE PAID FAIRLY FOR ALL TIME WORKED
PRESS RELEASE from the Wash. AG office dated 8/ 1/ 17
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a “friend of the court” brief arguing that agricultural workers who are paid on a “piece-rate” basis by what they pick are also entitled to compensation for time they spend on other aspects of their jobs.
In the amicus brief, filed yesterday in a case before the Washington State Supreme Court, Ferguson argues that piece-rate workers deserve compensation for work-related activities other than picking. Those activities include traveling between orchards, attending meetings and trainings, or transporting or storing equipment.
“Farmworkers do backbreaking work, and they deserve to be compensated for all of the time they spend working,” Ferguson said.
The case, Carranza and Martinez v. Dovex Fruit Company, centers around Dovex’s practice of “workweek averaging.”
Dovex uses a software program that divides an employee’s weekly piece-rate wages by the total number of hours they worked, and compares that average hourly wage to the state’s minimum wage. If the “workweek average” wage is below the state’s hourly minimum wage, Dovex augments that worker’s wages to bring their average up to minimum wage. Alternatively, workers whose averaged piece-rate pay exceeds the minimum wage receive no additional pay.
In the brief, Ferguson argues that the state’s minimum wage law is intended to require separate compensation for each hour of work by agricultural workers. In addition to their piece-rate pay, agricultural workers should also be compensated separately for each hour of non-picking work, Ferguson contends.
As of 2015, there were nearly 100,000 agricultural workers in Washington state working on about 7.3 million acres statewide. Many of those workers are paid on a piece-rate basis.
PAGE 4: Local meetings agenda highlights
CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS NEXT WEEKWORK SESSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
Agreement with the heirs and devisees of Alvin F. Oien, Jr., deceased and Carol Ann Oien for the purchase of land and easement for the Olympic Discovery Trail between Freshwater Bay Road and Camp Hayden Road.
Details:
See full work session agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1066
Clallam County Commission regular session agenda highlight items
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=335
OTHER LOCAL & REGIONAL MEETINGS...
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
Draft Letter to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Regarding Section 106 Consultations for the Proposed Increase in EA-18G Growler Operations
See agenda: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1138
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
AGREEMENT re: Establish and Proctor Corrections Sergeant Examination; In the Amount of $999 Plus $100 Per Hour Plus Travel Expenses; Jefferson County Civil Service Commission; Public Safety Testing
See full agenda
PAGE 5: WORLD & NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS
UN NEWS CENTER: Tallying fewer crossings, UN agency reports rise in migrant deaths at US-Mexico border4 August 2017 – Even as the flow appears to have thinned, migrants crossing the United States-Mexico border are dying at a faster rate in 2017 than in past years, according to a new United Nations agency study.
UN NEWS CENTER: DR Congo: UN report indicates Government participation in ethnic massacres in Kasai
4 August 2017 – Violence in the Kasai provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) appears to be taking on an increasingly disturbing ethnic dimension, a United Nations human rights wing has warned, citing testimonies that Government forces have led ethnicity-based attacks.
NATIONAL
WH: Remarks by President Trump at FEMA HeadquartersPRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 4/ 17
THE PRESIDENT: Okay, thank you very much. I just want to congratulate Acting Secretary -- this is really a big -- this is a big position -- Elaine Duke. A terrific person. She has done an amazing job for the Trump administration and everywhere she preceded. So congratulations. This is a very important thing you're doing.
We are very strong on homeland security and we are very strong with respect to FEMA. FEMA is something that I've been very much involved in already. We've had some things during the last six months, including the highway in Atlanta, where I have to say the Governor and all concerned did a fantastic job of rebuilding that stretch of highway that ended up burning so badly. We found the reasons why, and it wasn’t for a good reason. But nevertheless, they did it in record time. I'm a builder and I understand they did it ahead of schedule and under budget, and that was very nice to see.
So I just -- we have many, many things like that. We've already taken care of many of the situations that really needed emergency funds. We did it quickly. We did it effectively. We have an incredible team. And I just want to thank, Elaine, all of your people and your representatives. They have really done a fantastic job.
Thank you very much. Thank you very much, everybody.
DHS Hosts Hurricane Briefing with President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Hurricane State Governors
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 4/ 17
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security hosted a hurricane briefing for President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, cabinet officials, and hurricane state governors. The purpose of the briefing, held at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters in Washington, DC, was to discuss the nation’s preparedness for hurricane season. Donald J. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke, FEMA Administrator Brock Long, and other federal agency leaders all attended. They were joined via teleconference by the governors from states with a high risk of hurricanes.
During the meeting, the President was briefed on the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season forecast by the acting director for the National Hurricane Center. Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Duke discussed the government-wide year-long hurricane preparedness efforts, working with all levels of government, the private sector, and individuals – highlighting the shared responsibility of preparedness. FEMA Administrator Long discussed the nation’s readiness posture for hurricane response and the Agency’s response and recovery capabilities.
“Natural disaster preparedness is a joint effort between state and local partners, the American people, and the federal government. We at DHS and FEMA are ready to respond quickly, efficiently, and effectively when a disaster occurs,” said Acting Secretary Duke. “We take this responsibility seriously, and like today will continue to coordinate closely with our state and local partners to support our nation’s collective ability to respond.”
Several governors briefed out on their state-specific preparedness efforts, as well as ongoing coordination with their federal counterparts.
“Incidents begin and end locally, and FEMA’s role is to support the efforts and capabilities of states, local governments, tribes, and territories impacted by disasters,” said Administrator Long. “FEMA stands ready to coordinate federal capabilities in our shared responsibility for response and recovery. Every level of government and each individual has a role to play.”
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. More information on safety measures the public can take can be found at http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes. The FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) puts safety tips, directions to shelters, emergency supply checklists and more, into the palms of users’ hands.
Daily Bible Verse: The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130 NKJV
Free bible studies (WBS)
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
