https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=072FAE86-94F8-4AD0-9E25-B85D89695C8B
(VANCOUVER, WA) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) traveled across Washington state to observe the impact of President Trump’s trade wars on families and business owners this week, meeting with growers, exporters, and other community leaders in Ritzville and Vancouver to hear how they are navigating President Trump’s escalating trade disputes, and learn more about the direct and downstream damage of President Trump’s tariffs on Washington state families and the state’s economy. In recent months, President Trump has levied tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from U.S. allies and on billions of dollars of Chinese goods, leading other countries to impose retaliatory tariffs that are harmful to Washington state.
“Washington state is no stranger to the direct and downstream dangers of a trade war, and as I met this week with local farmers and other members of the agriculture industry in Eastern Washington and port officials and workers in Southwest Washington – who export so many of our homegrown goods – I heard time and again how damaging a prolonged trade war would be for our state’s businesses, economy, and families,” Senator Murray said. “While addressing unfair trade deals is critical to ensuring American businesses and consumers are playing on an even field, it’s clear President Trump’s approach is threatening vital trading relationships and jeopardizing Washington state exports—sowing unnecessary uncertainty into our economy, threatening jobs, and putting long-sought market access at risk.”
On Tuesday, August 7, Senator Murray traveled to Ritzville, where she met with local farmers and other members of the agriculture industry to hear their concerns about the impact of tariffs on their businesses, local jobs, and rural services. During the roundtable discussion, the participants stressed how tariffs have caused uncertainty, affecting their ability to plan for next year’s harvest and impacting their ability to sell Washington state products overseas in both the short- and long-term. The next day, Wednesday, August 8, Senator Murray met with workers and officials at the Port of Vancouver who are responsible for exporting many Washington state products to international trading partners. At the Port, Senator Murray heard how uncertainty caused by recent trade disputes has rippled through the community, leaving many workers concerned about their personal economic futures.
“President Trump’s tariffs pose a unique threat to Washington state’s economy and job market, as well as the millions of families who could see the costs of everyday goods go up, and as a voice for our state, I will continue working to put an end to President Trump’s tariffs and ensure that Congress and the White House make progress on trade deals that work for everyone in our economy—including our growers, exporters, and workers,” Senator Murray added.
In June, Senator Murray sent a letter to President Trump to lay out what’s at stake for Washington state and urge his administration to consider the state’s economic priorities, including our agricultural growers, as he and his team makes moves on tariffs. Additionally, Senator Murray worked with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) on a legislative amendment that would have rolled back tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the EU without eroding the President’s executive authority to take targeted action on bad trade actors.
🌏WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER & OTHER SOURCES.
UN PRESS RELEASE: Amid Growing Demonstrations, Iraq’s Government Must Focus on Inclusion, Economic, Political System Reform, Special Representative Tells Security Council
Facing myriad challenges, including growing demonstrations, Iraq’s new Government must focus on prioritizing inclusion, political and economic reforms, justice, equality and accountability, while ensuring the timely delivery of basic services, the Security Council heard today from a senior United Nations official.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13448.doc.htm
Security Council 1718 Sanctions Committee Amends One Entry on Its Sanctions List
On 8 August 2018, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1718 (2006) enacted the amendments specified with underline and strikethrough in the entry below on its 1718 Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the measures imposed by paragraphs 8(d) and 8 (e) of Security Council resolution 1718 adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13449.doc.htm
UN NEWS CENTER:
FROM THE FIELD: A mountain of indigenous knowledge in Peru
Indigenous people in a remote mountain town in the Andes in Peru are being helped to boost their incomes by preserving a valuable but threatened breed of alpaca.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1016672
UN urges protection of indigenous peoples’ rights during migration
Marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, UN Secretary-General António Guterres put a spotlight on the factors pushing indigenous people to migrate “within their countries and across international borders” despite their “profound spiritual connection to their lands and resources”.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1016642
In Tokyo, UN chief expresses full support for US-Japan dialogue with North Korea
At a joint press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ongoing talks between the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), as well as Japan’s renewed initiative of dialogue with the country.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1016602
Amid ‘volatile’ environment, UN mission chief urges Iraqi leaders to ‘listen to the voice of the people’
Despite a myriad of “long-neglected social, economic and development needs”, the Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Wednesday said progress had been made towards recovery and stability in the battle-scarred country, and called for Iraqi political leaders to continue to “work for national reconciliation” through “inclusive” solutions.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1016612
Well-being of two million’ in Gaza at stake as emergency fuel runs dry: UN humanitarian coordinator
To avert hospital closures and raw sewage overflowing onto the streets of Gaza, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator on Wednesday called on Israeli authorities to allow UN-purchased emergency fuel back across the border of the Palestinian enclave.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/08/1016592
PAGE 2
Senator Murray called for U.S. leadership and investments, highlighted successes of U.S. AIDS/HIV initiative, Global Health Security Agenda, and UN Population Fund
Press release issued 8/ 6/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F74EBEF6-6023-4805-9208-5E5B782FB54A
SEATTLE, Wash. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, delivered the keynote address at a public event at the University of Washington held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as part of its Commission on Strengthening America’s Health Security. As a member of the Commission, Senator Murray spoke about how global health security impacts families in Washington state, across the country, and across the world, and argued for continuing the United States’ record of strong investments in global health security.
In her keynote, Senator Murray made the case for continued U.S. leadership and investment in global health security and pointed to the success of past global health efforts. She noted the impact of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief on fighting the AIDS/HIV epidemic, the progress of the Global Health Security Agenda in preparing countries across the world to respond quickly and effectively to potential health threats, and the United Nations Population Fund’s record of providing exceptional maternal care in the Za’atari camp for Syrian refugees.
In addition to past success, Senator Murray discussed some of the current and looming threats to global health security, like the lack of access to medical care in Syria, the tuberculosis outbreaks in Venezuela and North Korea, the new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the persistent threat of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Throughout her remarks, Senator Murray emphasized how every global health tragedy is also countless personal tragedies by telling stories of families facing health threats across the world.
More world news headlines...
UN PRESS RELEASE: On Tenth Anniversary of Conflict in Georgia, Secretary-General Calls for More Action on Refugees, Internally Displaced, Other Security, Humanitarian Issues
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
On the tenth anniversary of the 2008 conflict in Georgia, the Secretary-General recalls that it is a reminder of the need to resolve this and other protracted conflicts in Europe. This requires increased commitment by the relevant actors, backed by strong political will and a reinvigoration of mediation processes.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19159.doc.htm
From the US Mission to the UN:
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Burundi
The United States welcomes President Nkurunziza’s announcement in June that he does not intend to seek a fourth term. The act of stepping down of his own accord would be a strong step forward for Burundian democracy and would set a positive example for other leaders in the region. Such a step would also reaffirm the promise he made to the Burundian people in 2015.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8547
Statement by Ambassador Haley on the Nomination of Michelle Bachelet to be UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
The United States withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council in part because of the Council’s consistent failure to address extreme human rights abuses in the Western Hemisphere, in Venezuela and Cuba in particular. The failures of the Human Rights Council make the Secretary-General’s selection of a new High Commissioner for Human Rights all the more important.
The Commissioner can have a strong voice on these critical issues, even when the Human Rights Council fails to live up to its name. It is incumbent on the Secretary-General’s choice, Ms. Bachelet, to avoid the failures of the past.
The UN has failed to adequately address major human rights crises in Iran, North Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and elsewhere, or stop its chronic, disproportionate obsession with Israel. It is up to Ms. Bachelet to speak out against these failures rather than accept the status quo. We hope that she does. The United States will.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8546
Statement by Ambassador Haley on Reports that DRC President Joseph Kabila Will Not Seek Re-election
We welcome reports that President Kabila will not seek a third term in accordance with his country’s constitution. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a historic opportunity to carry out its first peaceful, democratic transfer of power on December 23, 2018. This development is another step, but there is much more to be done. The National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) must take all steps necessary to guarantee the Congolese people have the right to exercise their vote in free, fair, and credible elections on December 23, 2018. We continue to support the Congolese people for the future they want and deserve.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8545
US STATE DEPT: Reimposing Sanctions on Iran
President Donald J. Trump announced action the United States is taking action to reimpose sanctions lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
https://blogs.state.gov/stories/2018/08/06/en/reimposing-sanctions-iran
PAGE 3
Cantwell, Murray Introduce Resolution to Protect Vehicle Efficiency Rules, Defend Washington State’s Right to Lower Air Pollution
Press release issued 8/ 3/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-introduce-resolution-to-protect-vehicle-efficiency-rules-defend-washington-states-right-to-lower-air-pollution
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Patty Murray (D-WA) blasted the Trump Administration’s unilateral decision to roll back national fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards, despite a broad coalition of support from business, labor, consumer, and environmental groups.
In response, Senators Cantwell and Murray introduced a resolution with 32 of their colleagues to protect the current standards, which are expected to cut U.S. oil consumption by 200 billion gallons by 2040.
“The Trump Administration’s misguided proposal to roll back fuel efficiency standards and undermine Washington state’s ability to set our own clean car standards will force drivers to pay more at the pump and lead to more air pollution,” Senator Cantwell said. “This is the wrong way to go for American consumers and will make the American auto industry less competitive in a global economy where consumers want more efficient cars, not less."
“Families, businesses, and communities in Washington state and across the country will not be bullied by this latest attempt by the Trump Administration to deny the science of climate change and undermine the progress we’ve made to protect our air, wildlife, and other natural resources that are so vital to our state’s economy and culture,” said Senator Murray. “I join the chorus of Washingtonians raising their voices against this absurd move that will put communities needlessly at risk and inflict unnecessary damage on our environment, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues in the United States Senate to oppose this shameful money grab being driven by wealthy special interests.”
Currently, under the Clean Air Act, California and 12 other states, including Washington, can implement more stringent fuel efficiency requirements to address state air quality standards. The Trump Administration’s proposal would rescind the ability of Washington and other states to implement more stringent standards and freeze nationwide fuel economy at 2020 levels through 2026. This decision is expected to result in Americans using 20 percent more gasoline per year by 2035.
According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, blocking planned fuel economy increases will force the owner of an average model year 2025 vehicle to fill up the gas tank 66 more times and drive up ownership costs by $1,620 over the life of the vehicle. The rollback of the current fuel efficiency standards comes as average summer gasoline prices in Washington state have reached their highest point in the last four summers. It will force consumers to buy more gasoline to fuel inefficient vehicles, putting pressure on supply and resulting in even higher prices at the pump.
The move will also hurt U.S. auto manufacturing competitiveness around the world – as other countries increasingly implement stricter standards – and undermine job growth in the industry. The current Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards have been credited with supporting more than 288,000 automobile manufacturing jobs across 1,200 facilities throughout the country.
Senator Cantwell has long fought to increase fuel economy standards, including chairing a key Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the issue in 2006. She helped author and pass legislation ultimately included in the bipartisan 2007 Energy Bill that included new fuel economy standards for the first time in over two decades. Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has also fought to strengthen vehicle fuel economy standards, and has vocally opposed previous efforts from the Trump Administration to undermine states’ ability to improve upon the federal standards.
🗽NATIONAL HEADLINES
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET: President Donald J. Trump is Building the United States Space Force for a 21st Century Military
BUILDING SPACE FORCE: President Donald J. Trump and his Administration are laying the groundwork to build Space Force as the sixth branch of the United States military.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-building-united-states-space-force-21st-century-military/
President Donald J. Trump is Addressing the Healthcare Issues Left by the Past Administration
ADDRESSING OBAMACARE’S FAILURES: President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to bring back flexibility and affordability to American health insurance are remedying the havoc caused by Obamacare.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-addressing-healthcare-issues-left-past-administration/
DOD: Centcom Commander: Afghan Government Will Prosecute ISIS-K Terrorists
WASHINGTON --
Fighters with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan terror group being held in Afghanistan will be prosecuted for their crimes, the commander of U.S. Central Command told Pentagon reporters today.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1597182/centcom-commander-afghan-government-will-prosecute-isis-k-terrorists/
DOJ: Justice Department Announces $3.4 Billion in Grants to Aid Crime Victims Nationwide
The Department of Justice today announced awards totaling more than $3.4 billion to fund thousands of local victim assistance programs across the country and to help compensate victims in every state for crime-related losses. Distributed through two grant programs administered by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, the awards surpass every other single-year grant amount in the program’s 34-year history.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-34-billion-grants-aid-crime-victims-nationwide
Dept. of Interior: Secretary Zinke Invites Public Comment on Two Possible National Monument Designations in Kentucky
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced that the National Park Service will receive public input on two possible national monument designations in Kentucky, Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park in Jessamine County and Mill Springs Battlefield in Pulaski County.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-invites-public-comment-two-possible-national-monument-designations
PAGE 4
Cantwell, Bipartisan Coalition Urge Senate Leadership to Permanently Reauthorize Land and Water Conservation Fund
Press release issued 8/ 2/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-cantwell-bipartisan-coalition-urge-senate-leadership-to-permanently-reauthorize-land-and-water-conservation-fund
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) led a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter urging Senate leadership to permanently reauthorize and provide dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) before its expiration on September 30, 2018.
“The LWCF is one of the country’s best conservation programs, preserving public lands and ensuring access to outdoor recreation in rural and urban areas,” the senators wrote. “For the last half century, it has protected lands, historic sites, national parks, wilderness areas, and urban parks in every state… It is critical that this program be reauthorized before its expiration on September 30, 2018.”
In Washington state alone, the outdoor recreation economy contributes over $26 billion in consumer spending and supports more than 201,000 direct jobs. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a key component of our nation’s robust outdoor recreation economy, which generates over $887 billion in annual consumer spending and supports 7.6 million American jobs.
“For the economy, sportsmen, veterans, wildlife, and our kids and grandkids, we must permanently reauthorize LWCF,” the letter continues. “We also strongly request that you include mandatory full funding in any LWCF reauthorization package. We look forward to working with you to resolve this pressing issue.”
The LWCF has supported more than 42,000 state and local projects in communities across the country. It operates without any taxpayer funding, but according to the letter, more than $21 billion has been diverted from the LWCF trust fund to other purposes since its founding in 1965.
In March 2017, Senators Cantwell and Burr introduced bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It now has 45 cosponsors in the Senate. Additionally, one of the key accomplishments of the bipartisan Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017 (ENRA) introduced by Cantwell in June 2017 is the permanent authorization of LWCF.
More national headlines...
Kentucky School District Awarded More Than $138,000 for Recovery Efforts Following School Shooting
Washington—U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today that Marshall County School District (MCSD) in Kentucky has been awarded a Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) grant totaling $138,213. This grant will support the ongoing recovery efforts following the Jan. 23, 2018 shooting at Marshall County High School (MCHS) that took the lives of two students and injured 15 others.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/kentucky-school-district-awarded-more-138000-recovery-efforts-following-school-shooting
CDC: Babies with Zika-related Health Problems Continue to Need Attention
About 1 in 7 babies now 1 year or older who were born to women with Zika virus infection during pregnancy had one or more health problems possibly caused by exposure to the virus before birth, according to the latest Vital Signs report. Some of these problems were not apparent at birth.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0807-Zika-related-health-problems.html
EPA Awards Urban Waters Grants to Restore Habitat and Connect Green Spaces in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (August 9, 2018) – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a $27,000 grant to the Riverfront North Partnership (formerly the Delaware River City Corp.) for the restoration and stewardship of 45 acres of varied habitat, including riparian coastal plain forest, intertidal marsh and upland meadows, along the Delaware River in the Northeast neighborhoods of Philadelphia. NFWF and EPA also announced a $49,000 grant to the National Audubon Society to create a “corridor of habitat” connecting fragmented green spaces from Southwest to West Philadelphia.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-awards-urban-waters-grants-restore-habitat-and-connect-green-spaces-philadelphia
FDA approves first generic drug under new pathway aimed at enhancing market competition for sole source drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved several strengths of potassium chloride oral solution as the first generic drugs to receive a Competitive Generic Therapy (CGT) designation.
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm616167.htm
Treasury Issues Proposed Regulations on New 20 Percent Deduction for Pass-Through Businesses
Washington—The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued proposed regulations today implementing a significant provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which allows owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, trusts, and S corporations to deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm456
💵PAGE 5
Tax Security 101 – Tax professionals victimized by data thefts offer hard-won security lessons to colleagues
IRS press release issued 8/ 6/ 18
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-security-101-tax-professionals-victimized-by-data-thefts-offer-hard-won-security-lessons-to-colleagues
WASHINGTON — As cybercriminals continue to increasingly pursue tax professionals’ data, the Internal Revenue Service and the Security Summit partners today released lessons learned by victims in the tax community to help others avoid being targeted by identity thieves.
In recent years, hundreds of tax professionals experienced data thefts or breaches that exposed their clients’ personal information to cybercriminals and to tax-related identity theft.
Today, several of those tax professionals offer their suggestions to their colleagues, actions they wish they had taken to safeguard their customers and their businesses. The tips range from taking out cyber insurance to using stronger private networks. These suggestions – pulled anonymously from victimized professionals -- offer an opportunity for the tax community to learn from these common mistakes and avoid a devastating data loss for their clients and their business.
This is the fifth in a series called "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself: Tax Security 101." The Security Summit awareness campaign is intended to provide tax professionals with the basic information they need to better protect taxpayer data and help prevent the filing of fraudulent tax returns.
Although the Security Summit -- a partnership between the IRS, states and the private-sector tax community -- is making progress against tax-related identity theft, cybercriminals continue to evolve, and data thefts at tax professionals’ offices is on the rise. Thieves use stolen data from tax practitioners to create fraudulent returns that can be harder to detect and harder to distinguish from legitimate taxpayer returns.
Lesson: Get cyber insurance coverage
A common refrain from tax professionals who have been victimized by cybercriminals is they either were glad they had – or wish they had – insurance coverage for data loss.
Many tax professionals maintain business policies that may cover property and liability, but it may not fully coverage data thefts. Tax professionals victimized by these crimes recommend they also explore cyber coverage for data breaches. This may require an addendum or rider to the policy. Practitioners also suggest that that the dollar amount of the policy be large enough to cover expenses.
Some insurance companies provide teams of experts in the event of a data theft, assisting tax professionals in identifying the source of the data breach and resolving it. These teams may also help notify clients or provide extended protections. Just as important, these teams of experts may assist tax professionals proactively, helping make sure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent a data theft.
Another recommendation: If using cloud storage, ask the cloud service provider about cyber insurance coverage in case the provider’s systems are breached.
Lesson: Password protect each client account
Many tax software products also enable tax professionals to password protect each client account. Tax professionals who have experienced data thefts acknowledge that this can be a hassle, but worth the trouble should they experience a breach. They suggest password-protecting every account as a critical safeguard against cyberthieves.
Strong passwords can help prevent cybercriminals from accessing computer systems and accounts. Passwords should be eight characters or longer, a mix of letters, special characters and numbers, include an easy to remember phrase and be unique for each account.
See Protect Your Clients, Protect Yourself: Tax Security 101 for more information on passwords and encryption.
Lesson: Use a virtual private network (VPN) for remote connections
Tax professionals who have been victimized also wish they had used a virtual private network (VPN) instead of remote access software. A VPN allows for teleworkers or branch offices to securely connect to the firm’s computer system and to send and receive information.
There have been cases where cybercriminals have taken over remote access of a tax professionals’ computer systems. In one example, the thieves remotely accessed client accounts via the tax pro’s computer, completed and e-filed pending returns and changed the deposit information to their own accounts.
Technology media often provide lists of top VPN services.
Lesson: Keep all security software updated
Tax professionals who experienced data thefts also suggest colleagues keep all security software up to date. This includes the computer operating system, anti-malware, anti-virus software, firewalls, etc. While most computers come with security software installed, tax professionals also can purchase additional security software products.
Updated software helps protect users from emerging threats that can lead to data thefts. Users can set the security software to update automatically.
In addition to these steps, the Security Summit reminds all professional tax preparers that they must have a written data security plan as required by the Federal Trade Commission and its Safeguards Rule. Tax Professionals also can get help with security recommendations by reviewing the recently revised IRS Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data, and Small Business Information Security: the Fundamentals by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals, provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov. Also, tax professionals should stay connected to the IRS through subscriptions to e-News for Tax Professionals, QuickAlerts and Social Media.
MORE BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS...
IRS issues proposed regulations on new 20 percent deduction for passthrough businesses
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations today for a new provision allowing many owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, trusts and S corporations to deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-proposed-regulations-on-new-20-percent-deduction-for-passthrough-businesses
The President's Pro-Growth Agenda Helps the Fed
Job growth remained strong into the third quarter, though growth slowed from the previous two extraordinary months. Particularly encouraging is the sustained, strong growth in residential construction employment, now up 5.2% over June of 2017, more than thrice the overall economy’s growth rate. Strong construction hiring suggests some relief for a capacity constrained housing sector and exceptionally tight housing markets in many areas of the country. ---US Chamber of Commerce
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/the-presidents-pro-growth-agenda-helps-the-fed
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES FUNDING AVAILABILITY FOR TRADE AND ECONOMIC TRANSITION NATIONAL DISLOCATED WORKER GRANTS.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) today announced the availability of up to $100 million for Trade and Economic Transition National Dislocated Worker Grants to provide training and career services to dislocated workers affected by major economic dislocations.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20180808
USDA BLOG: Employing Wheat's Bacterial Partners to Fight a Pathogen
Fusarium head blight is a devastating fungal disease affecting wheat and barley crops worldwide. According to the American Phytopathological Society, this disease has cost U.S. wheat and barley farmers more than $3 billion since 1990.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/08/07/employing-wheats-bacterial-partners-fight-pathogen
FTC and State of Minnesota Halt Sellers Playbook’s Get Rich Scheme
The Federal Trade Commission and the State of Minnesota have charged Minnesota-based Sellers Playbook with running a large business opportunity scheme. A federal court temporarily halted the operation pending resolution of the case.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/08/ftc-state-minnesota-halt-sellers-playbooks-get-rich-scheme
PAGE 6
Inslee and Ferguson statement on Trump administration decision to gut emission standards
Press release issued 8/ 2/ 18
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-and-ferguson-statement-trump-administration-decision-gut-emission-standards
Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson released a statement today on the Trump administration's plans to gut clean car emission standards.
“The Trump administration wants to roll back clean car emission standards that have contributed to healthier people, cleaner air and lower gas costs.
“Tailpipe emissions are a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. The reckless actions of this administration threaten the health and safety of our residents, jeopardize progress in the fight against climate change, and will result in higher costs and dirtier skies.
“Emission standards have a proven benefit for everyone, and gutting them will create significant health risks and place an unfair burden on those who breathe air pollution and cannot afford to move away from it.
“We will not stand idly by while this administration attempts to dismantle these critical protections in our fight against climate change. The State of Washington will take all necessary action to preserve our rights to regulate emissions.
“This action goes beyond negligence and failure to protect our environment. It is an outright assault on our state’s ability to protect the people of Washington from the devastating effects of climate change and pollution. We are prepared to go to court to stop this illegal action.”
AG FERGUSON FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST NONPROFIT FOUNDER WITH TIES TO ORGANIZED CRIME
Press release issued 8/ 7/ 18
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-nonprofit-founder-ties-organized-crime
SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a lawsuit to shut down six fake nonprofit entities posing as well-known, international organizations created by Ian Richard Hosang, a former stockbroker who has ties to the mafia. The lawsuit alleges that Hosang could be using the nonprofits to cover up illegal activity.
Hosang created six nonprofit entities in Washington: American Cancer Society of Seattle, American Cancer Society of Washington, American Red Cross of Seattle, American Red Cross of Washington, United Way of Seattle and United Way of Washington. None of these nonprofits are related to the legitimate, charitable organizations with the same or similar names.
Ferguson’s investigators appear to have uncovered the sham nonprofits before any Washingtonians donated to the organizations. If you donated to any of Hosang’s organizations, please contact the Attorney General’s Office here.
“I’m deeply concerned that a convicted money launderer created these sham nonprofits using the names of legitimate, internationally recognized organizations,” said Ferguson. “If you donated to any of these nonprofits, please contact my office.”
The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, alleges that Hosang violated the Consumer Protection Act and the Nonprofit Corporations Act when he incorporated the fraudulent nonprofits.
Nonprofit corporations operating in Washington must have a legitimate address along with records of finances and associates and must provide the benefits, service or education as stated in their purpose or mission statement. Hosang’s organizations failed all of these requirements, violating the Nonprofit Corporations Act.
Hosang registered the organizations as nonprofits, but did not register any of the six as charities with the Washington State Secretary of State.
Though each of the nonprofits listed an address in Washington, neither the nonprofits, nor Hosang or any other associate, reside in the state. Each organization listed its address as a UPS Store in Seattle, but Hosang instructed the store to forward any mail received at this address to a P.O. Box in Brooklyn, New York.
The “nonprofits” also did not perform any activities listed in their mission statements or provide any money or assistance to the beneficiaries they claimed to help. Additionally, Hosang fraudulently named his organizations after legitimate charities, even though he and his associates had no affiliation with them.
In November 2016, Hosang created the first of the six organizations – the American Cancer Society of Washington. Less than two years later, he created the remaining five over a span of two days in February 2018.
The Attorney General’s investigators did not find evidence that the organizations solicited donations. However, investigators discovered that Hosang received at least one check made out to The American Cancer Society of Washington. Ferguson alleges that Hosang used the nonprofits to obscure financial transactions.
In addition to his Washington organizations, Hosang created entities with variations of the same names in eight other states across the nation.
Hosang previously spent 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to money laundering and conspiracy charges arising from his ties to the infamous Gambino crime family in New York.
Ferguson asks the court to dissolve the organizations and prevent Hosang from operating any of the six nonprofit organizations or any new nonprofits in a similar manner. The office also requests that the court distribute any assets held by the organizations to legitimate nonprofit organizations that carry out the work that Hosang’s nonprofits purported to do.
Other State news headlines...
Public Works Board approves over $5.4 million in loans to communities in need
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board today awarded $5,430,540 in pre-construction loans to 10 cities, counties and water districts throughout the state. This is just the second time in five years the Board has had funding available to issue these low-interest loans for vital public infrastructure improvements to roads, water, sanitary sewer and street systems.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/public-works-board-approves-over-5-4-million-in-loans-to-communities-in-need/
Gender and Justice Commission convenes workgroups and reports to lawmakers
August 03, 2018
Domestic violence treatment practices and court processes in Washington need to be restructured for better system-wide effectiveness and accountability, according to recommendations of the broad-based workgroups convened by Washington Supreme Court Gender and Justice Commission in two reports to the Legislature and Governor Jay Inslee.
http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=16044
DOE BLOG: Boots on the ground: Touring WCC projects across the state
From the peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the fields of Eastern Washington, our 53 (six-member) Washington Conservation Corps crews and 14 Individual Placement AmeriCorps members complete hundreds of restoration and habitat enhancement projects annually. Join us on a spin around the state to learn more about a few of the projects our AmeriCorps members have contributed to this year!
https://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2018/08/boots-on-ground-touring-wcc-projects.html
DOE: King County fined for sewer overflow violations
SEATTLE – King County will pay $100,500 to the state Department of Ecology and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating certain conditions of its state water quality permit related to combined sewer overflows (CSO).
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/Aug-7-King-County-CSO-penalties
Washington State Library awarded $280,000 to digitize historic newspapers
OLYMPIA — With a new $280,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant, the Office of Secretary of State Kim Wyman will break fresh ground in its nationally-recognized project of digitizing historic newspapers.
https://www.sos.wa.gov/office/news-releases.aspx#/news/1306
📢LOCAL & REGIONAL MEETINGS AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS AGENDAS.
County Commissioners meetings:
Work session for 8/ 13/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1119
Highlights:
1) Added item: Discussion and provide direction regarding materials submitted to the Auditor’s Office calling for an election to consider proposed amendments to the Home Rule Charter
2) Review the “How Did We Do” reports comparing each month’s actual performance against the 2018 Annual Budget
3) Shoreline Master Program update (They'll have an extended work session at 1:PM)
Regular Board meeting for 8/ 14/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=388
agenda highlights:
1) Notice that the following Supplemental Appropriations will be adopted by Resolution on August 28:
Health and Human Services Environmental Health - Funding is received to administer the Medicine Take back Program/$9,170
Sheriff - Operations - Receipt of State Funding from FY2018-2019 registered sex offender address and residency verification program that will be spend in FY2018/$42,514
Enhanced Nine-One-One - Receipt of reimbursement from E911 County Coordinator Professional Development contract #E19-011 to be expended in FY2018/$24,025
2) Resolution calling for a hearing to be held August 28 at 10:30 a.m. for the following Debatable Emergencies:
Sheriff – VRF Boating Program – To cover unexpected overages in supplies and services/$5,150
Sheriff’s – Boating Safety – To cover unexpected overages in gasoline and increased rental costs for boat storage/$4,675
Clerk – Two electric time stamp machines and hand-stampers were purchased with new county clerk name, one for the Juvenile Facility and one for the Clerk’s Office/$3,793
3) Memorandum of intent with Olympic National Park for federal funding for construction of Segment B of the Spruce Railroad Trail
PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSION MEETING FOR 8/ 14/ 18
https://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142018-319
Agenda highlight: 2019 Community Partner Program Review
The Port may, according to specific criteria, provide funding to third parties or support events, programs or activities for promotional, community, and economic purposes only where there is a clear, identifiable and compelling connection between the event, program, organization or activity and the Port’s specific purpose and authority as established under state law, which include: trade promotion, public education and awareness, promotion of Port facilities and economic development programs. Outright gifts, donations or contributions to general community or charitable organizations are not authorized.
In 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, the Port successfully administered the Community Partner
Program. To date, the Port has funded approximately $269,099 towards economic development, tourism promotion, trade promotion and public education projects in Clallam County.
2) Discuss EDC Strategic Priorities from the Port’s Perspective
The Clallam County Economic Development Council (EDC) is planning a strategic planning retreat and the Port’s representative (Commissioner Burke) will be in attendance.
Prior to the retreat, the commission can provide their thoughts and feedback on the EDC’s future strategic plan and priorities. (pg 1-92)
CLALLAM COUNTY PUD AGENDA FOR 8/ 13/ 18
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/8-13-18-Commissioners-PreAgenda-FINAL.pdf
Agenda highlight: RESOLUTION 2114 -18 Declaring Approval of Public Utility Risk Management Services
(“PURMS”) RESOLUTION No. 6-7-18-1 and Declaring Approval of the PURMS 2018 Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement ILA 2018.
The Commissioners will consider Declaring Approval of Public Utility Risk Management Services (“PURMS”) RESOLUTION No. 6-7-18-1 and Declaring Approval of the PURMS 2018 Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement ILA 2018.
Staff Recommendation:
1. Declare the District’s Approval of Public Utility Risk Management Services (“PURMS”)
RESOLUTION No. 6-7-18-1 and Ratify the Affirmative Vote on Said RESOLUTION by the District’s Voting Representative at the PURMS Semi-Annual Board Meeting on June 7, 2018; and
2. Declare the District’s Approval of the PURMS 2018 Amended and Restated Interlocal
Agreement (“2018 ILA”) and Authorize the District’s Signing Representative to Execute the Duplicate Original Signature Page for the 2018 Amended and Restated ILA for and on Behalf of the District.
CITY OF SEQUIM AGENDA FOR 8/ 13/ 18
http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1928
Agenda highlight: Second Quarter 2018 Financial Report
CITY OF PORT ANGELES
Public Hearing Notice - Port Angeles City Council
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Port Angeles will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., or soon thereafter, at City Hall, 321 East 5th Street. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive input on the proposed Electric Utility 2018 Resource Plan.
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA FOR 8/ 13/ 18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=c9e30826-be1d-49d1-a6e5-a790686a2e21&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlight: AGREEMENT NO. 1763-93731, Amendment No. 1re: Washington State Aggression Replacement Training (WSART)Consultation; An Additional Amount of $1,500 for a Total of $20,800; Jefferson County Juvenile Services; Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Juvenile Justice & Rehabilitation Administration.
CITY OF FORKS AGENDA FOR 8/ 13/ 18
http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/agenda81318.pdf
Agenda highlight: Public hearing for 2019 to 2025 on the Capital Improvement Plan.
🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏🌍🌎
🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE: I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.---Psalm 119:14 NIV
Weekly Bible Study
Is Sunday the "Christian Sabbath"?
Many people believe that Sunday (the first day of the week) is the "Christian Sabbath." However, what Bible evidence substantiates such a view?---Gospel Way
https://www.gospelway.com/topics/bible/christian_sabbath.php
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
http://www.pacofc.org/index.php
👲Riddle Genie
From, Squigly's Featured Games
last week's question: You're in a room with 3 light switches. Next to your room is another room with the door closed. Inside that room are 3 lights. You do not know which switch controls which light. How can you figure out which switch controls which light? You can only enter the room with the lights once.
Answer: Turn one switch on and leave it on for 1 hour. This is switch A. After the hour is up turn the light off and turn another light on (switch B). Go in to the room with the lights. The light that’s hot is light A. The light that is on is light B. and the light that is off, but not hot is light C.
New Question: This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so plain you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is unusual though. Study it, and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out
Answer next week: The letter E, the most common letter in the English language is missing from the entire paragraph!
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