Press release issued 9/ 20/ 18
New provisions would crack down on illegal drug distribution, provide more opioid treatment resources
Seattle, WA – (Wednesday), U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell joined Attorney General Bob Ferguson and local law enforcement leaders to discuss the importance of major bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate on Monday to combat the ongoing opioid and heroin epidemic, and to highlight the legislation’s potential benefits for Washington state.
“We are here today to say that we are one step closer with the passage of this legislation in the United States Senate to… giving law enforcement the tools they need to help us fight this big challenge,” Senator Cantwell said.
In particular, Senator Cantwell highlighted provisions she authored in the legislation to crack down on opioid manufacturers who fail to take reasonable steps to keep their drugs off the black market.
“Current fines for failing to follow the federal law just aren’t enough,” Cantwell continued. “That is why there is a provision in this legislation to increase those civil penalties for opioid manufacturers who fail to follow the law by ten times, from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation. And it doubles the criminal liability from $250,000 to $500,000 per violation.”
Local law enforcement leaders, including King County Undersheriff Scott Somers, Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor, and Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary, highlighted the importance of the Senate’s legislation, and Cantwell’s provisions, in helping them fight back against the opioid epidemic in their communities.
“For those AGs and counties and cities who are filing lawsuits against distributors and entities related to the opioid epidemic to hold them accountable, the bill that Senator Cantwell proposed increases dramatically the penalties for those manufacturers when they know, or have reason to know, that there is suspicious activity going on,” said Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson. “Those penalties need to be increased, and Senator Cantwell is leading the charge in making that happen.”
“I’d like to acknowledge my gratitude to Senator Cantwell for her leadership on the Opioid Crisis Response Act, which takes a number of positive steps to support our public health response to the devastating impact that this opioid epidemic continues to have on people here in King County and across the country,” said Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, the Chief Health Officer for Public Health Seattle and King County.
The provisions proposed and supported by Senator Cantwell in the legislation would:
Crack Down on Illegal Drug Distribution:
Increases civil penalties on manufacturers and distributors of opioids that fail to report suspicious orders for opioids or fail to maintain effective controls against diversion of opioids by ten times, from $10,000 to $100,000;
Increases criminal penalties for failing to maintain effective controls against diversion of opioids from $250,000 to $500,000;
Authorizes grants to state law enforcement agencies to help locate and investigate illegal distribution of opioids, heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil;
Authorizes $280 million for the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program (HIDTA), which provides assistance and coordination between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies whose jurisdictions are in major drug-trafficking areas throughout the country.
Increase Funding and Resources for Opioid Treatment:
Provides permanent authority for qualified physicians to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for up to 275 patients;
Expands the ability of health providers to use telehealth services to treat people with opioid use disorder;
Authorizes $75 million for the Drug Court Program, which has helped reduce substance abuse and criminal recidivism among non-violent offenders;
Authorizes $46 million a year to help prevent fatal overdoses and train first responders about safe practices for dealing with fentanyl and carfentanil to protect them from exposure to these deadly drugs.
Support New Research and Treatment Alternatives:
Authorizes $5 million a year to support hospitals and other acute care facilities that manage pain with alternatives to opioids;
Requires the study of the impact of federal and state laws limiting the length, quantity, or dosage of prescription opioids;
Reauthorizes the State Targeted Response (STR) grants, originally funded in the 21st Century Cares Act, which have provided more than $23 million to Washington state for opioid treatment and prevention programs.
Throughout the United States, opioid sales nearly quadrupled between 1999 and 2014, and by 2012, 259 million opioid prescriptions were being written each year. The massive surge in opioid consumption has also led to increased usage of heroin, with studies showing that nearly 75% of new heroin users become addicted by using prescription opioids.
The resulting opioid and heroin epidemic has devastated communities across the country. Since 2000, more than 300,000 Americans have died from opioid or heroin overdoses. One hundred forty-five people fatally overdose on opioids or heroin each day, and nearly 700 Washingtonians and 42,000 Americans died of an opioids overdose in 2016 alone. The epidemic also has a significant economic impact, costing the United States at least $78 billion every year.
The passage of the Opioid Crisis Response Act comes as Senator Cantwell continues her leadership in the fight against the opioid crisis. In December of 2016, Senator Cantwell supported the 21st Century Cures Act, which provided over $1 billion in new federal funds to combat the opioid epidemic, including more than $23 million in funding for Washington state over two years. In February 2018, Cantwell introduced the CARES Act, to hold opioid manufacturers accountable for misleading advertising and negligent distribution practices. Later that month, Cantwell joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce CARA 2.0, a comprehensive bill to increase funding for programs providing opioid education, treatment, and recovery. Cantwell has also been a fierce defender of the Medicaid program and Washington state’s successful Medicaid expansion, which has opened up substance abuse treatment to more than 30,000 Washingtonians.
After passing the Senate Monday, the legislation now moves on to conference committee with the House of Representatives.
Demanding a Delay for Vote on Trump Supreme Court Nominee, Senators Cantwell, Murray Join Women and Advocates to Shine a Spotlight on Judge Kavanaugh’s Sexual Assault Allegations and His Offensive Record on Women’s Health
Press release issued 9/ 19/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/demanding-a-delay-for-vote-on-trump-supreme-court-nominee-senators-cantwell-murray-join-women-and-advocates-to-shine-a-spotlight-on-judge-kavanaughs-sexual-assault-allegations-and-his-offensive-record-on-womens-health
Seattle, WA – Highlighting both the extreme threat President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh poses to women’s health and the importance of trusting women, today U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health Committee, joined women and health care advocates at a call to action in Seattle’s Central District to emphasize the high stakes of Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination for women and families, and reiterate their calls to delay his nomination process following recently-surfaced allegations of sexual assault. In addition to detailing his offensive record regarding women’s access to reproductive care, critical patient protections, and other rights and freedoms important to millions of people in Washington state and across the nation, the senators voiced strong concerns about the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh, and called on their Republican colleagues to slow down the nomination process to allow for an investigation.
“Making sure survivors of sexual assault are heard is so important. We must treat Dr. Ford’s allegation against Judge Kavanaugh seriously,” said Senator Cantwell. “What we need is a non-partisan investigation into the facts and information, which could help the Judiciary Committee members and others understand exactly what transpired. We should not rush this process and hurry to a vote. We need to get this right.”
“This is a test for the United States Senate on how we handle accusations of sexual assault and harassment—and I am hoping that this time we are going to pass it. Because we know just how much is at stake for women’s rights with this Supreme Court nominee. Throughout this fight, we have emphasized what Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination means for women and their autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies. We have heard about what the right to safe, legal abortion has meant for so many people, and why that is threatened with this nomination,” said Senator Murray in her remarks. “People are sharing these deeply personal stories because they understand women’s rights are at stake, women’s health is at stake, women’s economic security is at stake, and women’s lives are at stake. We are not about to stand aside as President Trump and extreme Republicans roll back women’s rights.”
In addition to Senators Cantwell and Murray, local advocates from Planned Parenthood and NARAL reiterated Judge Kavanaugh’s opposition to women’s reproductive health care and the threat that poses to women’s health across the country, and urged Washingtonians to continue raising their voices against Judge Kavanaugh to stop his confirmation to the nation’s highest court. A Seattle woman also shared her personal story of surviving a sexual assault, emphasizing the harrowing message Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination and sexual assault allegations sends to women across the nation.
"By coming forward with this credible allegation of sexual assault, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has sacrificed her privacy and sense of comfort in an effort to do what's best for the country,” said Caitlin Flynn, a Seattle resident and survivor of sexual assault, about the stakes of the nomination process. “For the past year, survivors have been encouraged to say 'Me Too' and we've received assurances that powerful men will be held to account when faced with credible allegations like Ford's. The U.S. Senate now has the opportunity to prove that we really do live in a new era of accountability by sending the message to perpetrators that their time truly is up and they should expect to face repercussions for sexual misconduct."
“Brett Kavanaugh has the ability to tip the balance of the court for generations to come. This is a lifetime appointment that could leave us with devastating consequences,” said Jennifer Allen, CEO of Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii. “His views on indigenous rights, reproductive rights, workers’ rights and voting rights are deeply concerning and should be called into question. In addition, this is a moment of truth for our U.S. Senate. All senators should call for an immediate stop to this process and listen to Professor Christine Blasey Ford. She has courageously come forward to share her story and we believe her. Sexual assault is a violent abuse of power and should disqualify anyone from serving on the highest court in the land. Planned Parenthood believes that all women should have autonomy over their bodies and their lives. Our voices matter and we will continue to speak out against this nominee because the stakes are too high for us not to give it everything we’ve got.”
“We stand with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, activist Caitlin Flynn who spoke out in Seattle today, and all survivors of sexual violence,” said Tiffany Hankins, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. “Survivors of sexual assault should never have to come publicly forward for their stories to be taken seriously but they are incredibly brave to do so. What more do Senators need to know to oppose this nomination? These sexual assault charges come on top of charges of perjury and indications of extremist views that make the majority of Americans oppose his confirmation. Dr. Ford’s story is proof that Kavanaugh is as dangerous to women and our right to bodily autonomy as we have feared. Kavanaugh will be a vote to end Roe v. Wade, criminalize abortion, and punish women. Americans, especially American women, won’t stand by and watch it happen.”
🌏WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
(From the UN News Center & other sources)
It’s ‘time for concrete action’ says UN chief, welcoming inter-Korean agreement
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, on Thursday welcomed the outcome of the third inter-Korean summit this year, and the “important agreements” contained in the Pyongyang Joint Declaration, issued by the leaders of the two Koreas
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1019882
Indigenous peoples ‘lag behind on all social and economic indicators’: UN deputy human rights chief
Progress that destroys traditional culture, language, land and human heritage “is not development, but willful destruction”, the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Wednesday, in defence of indigenous peoples everywhere.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1019792
A third of world’s out-of-school youth live in conflict, disaster-affected countries: UNICEF report
Childhood is a time for growth, a time for school. But conflict or disaster are depriving 104 million young people between the ages of five and 17 of that foundation, according to a new study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1019802
Yemen: ‘Time is running out’ to head off devastating famine, warns UN food agency chief.
As conflict continues to rage in Yemen, leading to widespread economic hardship and a rampant inflation, the World Food Programme (WFP) is sounding the alarm over soaring food prices that are affecting millions of Yemenis.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1019752
South Sudanese soldier who shot UN peacekeeper on Saturday, will face court martial: UN mission chief.
The South Sudanese soldier who shot and wounded a UN peacekeeper on Saturday is facing a court martial, said David Shearer, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), during a press conference in the capital, Juba.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1019782
🌎PAGE 2
Cantwell Challenges Zinke’s Decision To Roll Back Rule That Prevents Waste And Saves Taxpayers Money.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-challenges-zinkes-decision-to-roll-back-rule-that-prevents-waste-and-saves-taxpayers-money
Press release issued 9/ 18/ 19
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, made the following statement regarding the Department of the Interior’s decision to roll back the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Methane and Waste Prevention Rule.
"Even though Congress has already rejected an attack on the Obama-era methane rule, Secretary Zinke has ignored Congressional intent and moved forward with this ill-advised scheme anyway. If this new rule is implemented, companies will be able to waste millions of dollars in taxpayer resources by releasing 180,000 tons of methane pollution per year into our air,” said Senator Cantwell.
The 2016 Obama Methane and Waste Prevention Rule followed through on BLM’s legal responsibility to prevent the waste of valuable taxpayer resources. From 2009 to 2015 alone, 462 billion cubic feet of federal natural gas was wasted – enough to serve 6.2 million households for a year.
In addition, GAO found in 2010 that taxpayers and states lose as much as $23 million in annual royalty revenue due to wasted natural gas – and that about 40% of wasted natural gas on federal onshore leases could be economically captured with existing technology.
The 2016 rule took advantage of available technologies to rein in waste of federal natural gas supplies, reduce harmful air pollution, and provide a fair return on public resources for federal taxpayers, tribes, and states. Other benefits included:
Reducing methane emissions by about 180,000 tons per year. This is equivalent to removing about 950,000 vehicles from the roads or retiring a large coal-fired power plant.
Modernizing BLM’s almost forty-year-old methane regulations to address changing technologies and increased oil and gas development on federal lands. From 2005 to 2014 alone, the number of applications BLM received under the 1979 rule to vent or flare gas increased 2,500%.
In May 2017, Senator Cantwell led the successful effort to save the BLM Methane Waste Prevention Rule from repeal through the Congressional Review Act. "We've had an explosion of natural gas and oil production in the last ten years. Making sure we update and keep in place a rule to adequately regulate the production of this resource, while cutting down on needless waste, is critically important,” said Senator Cantwell after the Senate voted to prevent the use of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to repeal the BLM Methane and Waste Prevention Rule. “Special interests in Washington tried to override this common-sense rule, and today we stopped them in their tracks."
Despite the May 2017 Senate vote, the Trump administration has made numerous attempts to repeal the Methane Rule, prompting Senator Cantwell to lead a June 2017 letter to Secretary Zinke questioning the Department of the Interior’s decision to suspend parts BLM Methane and Waste Prevention Rule. In a July 2017 letter to President Trump, Senate Cantwell urged him to reverse dangerous decisions by his administration to suspend the BLM and EPA methane rules.
On November 2, 2017, Senator Cantwell led a bicameral group of 81 lawmakers in urging Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke not to suspend or unlawfully delay implementation of the BLM’s methane waste prevention rule. The lawmakers disputed the department's stated rationale for attempting to repeal the rule and requested public hearings and an extension on the public comment period regarding any changes to the rule.
Earlier this year, following the District Court of California ruling that BLM must immediately implement the 2016 Methane Waste Prevention Rule. Senator Cantwell said “Secretary Zinke and President Trump may think they are above the law, but yesterday’s ruling on the BLM methane waste prevention rule makes it crystal clear they are not. Instead of wasting more taxpayer dollars on this ill-advised crusade, the administration must immediately start implementing this rule, protecting the public from unhealthy methane pollution and saving the American people money.”
Sen. Cantwell Announces Additional $7 Million for New Runway at Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport.
Press release issued 9/ 18/ 18
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cantwell-announces-additional-7-million-for-new-runway-at-pullman-moscow-regional-airport-
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, announced that the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport will receive an additional $7 million in funding for the ongoing construction of a new runway. This additional funding comes after Senator Cantwell helped secure $16 million in July of this year to begin the construction.
“Securing this additional funding is critical to getting the new runway project done and creating more economic opportunity for everyone on the Palouse,” Senator Cantwell said. “I will continue to fight for Washington’s small airports and making smart investments in infrastructure throughout the Northwest, especially in our rural communities.”
The $7 million the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport will receive comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides funding for airport development and planning. The grant will help the airport pave, flight check, and open the new runway for full service in the fall of 2019.
The impact of air service on the economy cannot be overstated. In Washington state, 97% of Gross Business Income is generated by businesses within 10 miles of an airport, and 70% by businesses within five miles of an airport.
As the former Chair and current top Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, Senator Cantwell has been a strong advocate of federal grant money to help Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, as well as for airport projects throughout the state of Washington. Earlier this year, Cantwell helped secure $10 million to help fund the ongoing realignment project of the existing runway at the airport. In 2017, she secured $5.2 million for Pullman-Moscow to begin the runway realignment project.
Since 2014, Senator Cantwell has helped secure more than $50 million in funding for airport improvements in the state. And in March 2018, she worked with her colleagues to secure a $1 billion increase in funding for the Airport Improvement Grant program, which has provided funding for Pullman-Moscow and many other projects throughout the state.
🌍MORE WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
Bring the United Nations closer to the people, urges Assembly President in her inaugural speech.
The new session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on Wednesday with its President pledging to use her year in office to bring the world body closer to the people and strengthen their sense of ownership and support for the UN.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1019712
Make the guns fall silent. ‘Immediately and everywhere': South Sudan envoy
Warring parties in South Sudan must demonstrate their willingness to a peaceful end to their conflict by “making their guns fall silent. Immediately and everywhere,” said Nicholas Haysom, outgoing UN Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, on Tuesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/09/1019732
From the US Mission to the UN:
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
" The United States continues to support the people of South Sudan and their aspirations for freedom, peace, and prosperity. We welcome the commitment of the region to come together to address common peace and security priorities for the benefit of its citizens. We want to see this commitment translate into a lasting peace for the people of South Sudan."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8618
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Syria
" Iran is responsible for creating the Syria we see today – a broken and violent country. The Syrian people know full well who did this to them. No one will forget. We must prevent the people of Syria from facing yet another catastrophe at the hands of the Assad regime. And the only way forward is a lasting ceasefire, as called for in UN Security Council Resolution 2254."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8617
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
" As part of the preparation for timely and credible elections, the United States welcomes the efforts by the Afghan government to advance a peace process with the Taliban."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8616
🌏PAGE 3
Kilmer Tours Region with House Budget Chair for Bipartisan Exchange
Press release issued 9/ 18/ 18
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/_kilmer-tours-region-with-house-budget-chair-for-bipartisan-exchange
WASHINGTON, DC—This week, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) hosted Representative Steve Womack (R-AR) for a bipartisan exchange that highlighted the ways the federal budget affects the unique culture and economy of Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula.
Rep. Womack is the Chairman of the House Budget Committee and the Co-Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform, on which Kilmer also serves.
“The budget decisions Congress makes directly impact our region's economy and thousands of the region’s families,” Representative Kilmer said. “Both of us agree that the best way to find common ground is to seek it. I enjoyed getting to know Chairman Womack better, showing him where I grew up and bringing him to some of the best parts of our unique region. I’m a big believer that if Democrats and Republicans make the effort to understand one another’s perspectives we have a much better shot at moving this economy - and the Congress - forward.”
Representative Womack said: “Working across the aisle shouldn’t be a novel idea. It was great to spend time with Congressman Kilmer and discuss issues that impact our districts and the nation. I welcomed the opportunity to listen to one another, respectfully share our insights, and find common ground. We both want to deliver stronger policies and results for our constituents back home – they deserve better than partisan gridlock. Congress has a lot of work to do, and I look forward to building on our bipartisan dialogue.”
Senator Murray on Proposed Cuts to Refugee Admissions: Trump Abdicating Our Country’s Long-Held Values and Rebuking National Security Experts.
Press release issued 9/ 18/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ID=5546C23D-0B28-4928-A5BD-71335CC32792
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after the Trump administration proposed capping the number of refugees allowed into the U.S. to 30,000 during the next fiscal year, the lowest level since the refugees admissions program began in 1980.
“It’s incredibly disappointing to see President Trump once again using fear and division in place of sound policy,” Senator Murray said. “By slamming the door on families fleeing atrocities around the world, he is not only abdicating our country’s long-held values and commitment to the global community, he is rebuking the recommendations of national security experts who know that a robust refugee program is a strategic piece of our military, diplomatic, and intelligence interests abroad. Bureaucracy and backlogs are not an acceptable excuse, and I will continue to do everything in my power to shine a spotlight on the President’s mean-spirited agenda that targets those who are suffering on the world’s watch. This is not what America should be about now, or ever.”
Last month, Senator Murray lead an official request with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to President Trump, urging him to step up his efforts and honor America’s legacy as a safe haven for families fleeing persecution.
🗽NATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES
WHITE HOUSE: Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism.
On September 23, 2001, by Executive Order 13224, the President declared a national emergency with respect to persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by grave acts of terrorism and threats of terrorism committed by foreign terrorists, including the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in New York and Pennsylvania and against the Pentagon, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks against United States nationals or the United States.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/text-notice-continuation-national-emergency-respect-persons-commit-threaten-commit-support-terrorism/
Statement from the President on the National Biodefense Strategy and National Security Presidential Memorandum--White House press release dated 9/ 18/ 18
Today, I have taken action to better protect the American people by releasing a National Biodefense Strategy and signing a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) that will strengthen our Nation’s defenses against biological threats to health and safety. The implementation of these actions will promote a more efficient, coordinated, and accountable biodefense enterprise. Taken together, they represent a new direction in the Nation’s defense against biological threats.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-president-national-biodefense-strategy-national-security-presidential-memorandum/
US STATE DEPT: Country Reports on Terrorism
Sept. 19: Country Reports on Terrorism 2017 provides a more detailed review of last year’s successes and challenges so we can consider how to strengthen our counterterrorism efforts going forward. As we look to the rest of 2018 and beyond, the U.S. remains committed to working with our allies and partners to confront the shared threat of global terrorism.
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/09/286038.htm
DOD: Time is Now to Execute National Defense Strategy, Shanahan Says
WASHINGTON --
The National Defense Strategy unveiled earlier this year has had time to percolate through the force. Now it is time to execute it, the deputy secretary of defense said at the annual Air Force Association meeting here today.
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1639618/time-is-now-to-execute-national-defense-strategy-shanahan-says/
DOD: ‘It’s Not Over,’ Guard says of N.C. Hurricane Relief Mission
FORT BRAGG, N.C. --
Soldiers continue to help evacuate residents in flood-ravaged communities along North Carolina’s coastal plains six days after Hurricane Florence made landfall.
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1640069/its-not-over-guard-says-of-nc-hurricane-relief-mission/
🌎PAGE 4
Senator Murray: Senate Republicans Attacking, Trying to Bully Dr. Ford In Attempt to Rush Judge Kavanaugh Onto Supreme Court.
Press release issued 9/ 20/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on the news that Senate Republicans are attempting to force Dr. Ford to appear at a hearing on Monday without an investigation or including other relevant witnesses.
“We have heard Dr. Ford bravely talk about her experience of being sexually assaulted by Judge Kavanaugh when she was 15 years old, and now we are seeing Dr. Ford being attacked once again—this time by Republican leaders intent on protecting Judge Kavanaugh and putting him on the Supreme Court no matter what. Republican leaders should be ashamed of themselves for demanding that Dr. Ford show up at a time they have chosen for political reasons, on extreme short notice, without any fair investigation having been done, without any additional relevant witnesses being called, and while she and her family are in hiding and facing death threats. She has made it clear that she is willing to testify, so there is absolutely no reason for Senate Republicans to try to bully her or attack her for very reasonably requesting a basic level of fair treatment and human decency.
“The attacks and threats against Dr. Ford are horrific and they are exactly the reason why she, and so many women in her position, are hesitant to speak up. Senate Republicans are sending women across the country who may have more experiences to share about Judge Kavanaugh or anyone else a loud and clear message: if you have been assaulted or harassed by a powerful Republican man, you better not talk about it or you’re going to pay a price. But I want her and every other woman to know: I stand with you, I believe you, I will fight for you and against those intent on tearing you down—and I know millions of women and men across the country will as well.
“The goal of Republican leaders couldn’t be clearer, and couldn’t be more wrong: They view this as the way to get Judge Kavanaugh confirmed as quickly as possible, not a process for allowing the Senate to conduct fair investigations and hearings and perform its constitutional advice and consent role. Republican leaders have absolutely no reason to rush this—except politics.
“Dr. Ford has spoken clearly, and she should be listened to, believed, and treated with decency and respect. She has said she is willing to testify, and Republican leaders should do the right thing and delay this hearing, allow a fair and full investigation, and only then move forward with fair hearings that include all relevant witnesses. If they don’t then women and men across the country will see this for exactly what it is.”
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ID=22D4EBBF-F185-4BCF-A270-18B595056BC5
Championed by Senator Murray, bipartisan package includes over 70 proposals from five Senate committees; moves one step closer to final passage.
Press released on 9/ 17/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ID=B938B826-4F26-485B-AFEB-6419827F6EB8
Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, cheered the Senate passage of the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation including over 70 proposals from five Senate committees to tackle the growing challenge of opioid misuse in communities in Washington state and around the country. In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Murray shared stories she heard during her conversations with patients, families, medical providers, government officials, community leaders, and more in Washington state, and how those stories helped inform the policies included in the bill to address the root causes and ripple effects of opioid misuse.
“This agreement is a much-needed and long-overdue step forward to help those on the frontlines of this epidemic to address its root causes and ripple effects, including some of the issues I heard about firsthand in Washington state. I heard from hospital staff about how many of the babies they deliver are born with neo-natal abstinence syndrome—battling symptoms of opioid withdrawal—which is why I fought to make sure this agreement includes support for state efforts to improve plans of safe care for children born to mothers battling addiction, and also ensures the Health Department is implementing strategies already identified to protect moms and babies from the effects of opioid substance use. I heard from an elementary school principal about how some of his students are having trouble focusing in class as they deal with the trauma of a family member’s addiction at home, which is why I fought to make sure this agreement includes provisions to develop a taskforce and grants to help support trauma-informed care programs, and increase access to mental health care for children in their communities—including their schools…even as I work to get this agreement across the finish line, I’m going to keep fighting for more support, more resources, and more solutions for the families in Washington state, and across the country, who are facing the heartbreak of this epidemic.”
Senator Murray, a longtime champion of efforts to curb to addiction, worked at length to help find federal solutions to the nation’s growing opioid epidemic, including travelling extensively throughout Washington state over the past several years to better understand the impact of the opioid epidemic on families and communities, and sharing these stories with her Senate colleagues in Washington, D.C. as she has worked for policies to help stem the tide of opioid misuse. Recently, Senator Murray worked successfully to strengthen federal investments in efforts to end opioid misuse and address the ripple effects of the opioid crisis on families and communities, including securing a $2.7 billion increase in funding to address the opioid crisis in a bipartisan spending deal Congress passed earlier this month.
🗽MORE NATIONAL HEADLINES
DOJ: Physician and Two Clinic Operators Found Guilty for Their Roles in $17 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
A federal jury found a physician and two clinic owners and operators guilty yesterday for their roles in a $17 million Medicare fraud scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/physician-and-two-clinic-operators-found-guilty-their-roles-17-million-medicare-fraud-scheme
Foreign National Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme
A Honduran national was sentenced to 24 months in prison yesterday for theft of government funds in connection with his role in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois.--DOJ
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/foreign-national-sentenced-prison-his-role-stolen-identity-refund-fraud-scheme
DEPT OF INTERIOR: Interior Department Finalizes New Waste Prevention Rule
The new rule re-establishes long-standing requirements and eliminates duplicative regulations that hurt states and Tribes.
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-finalizes-new-waste-prevention-rule
EPA: OAR Wrap Up: Proposed Rules Saving More Than $115 Million Annually in Regulatory Costs.
WASHINGTON — Over the course of one week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed three separate rules — the Refrigerant Management Rule Amendments, Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Program Technical Amendments, and Oil & Gas Targeted Improvements — totaling more than $115 million in regulatory cost savings. In addition, EPA has officially converted four regional haze Federal Implementation Plans (FIP) into State Implementation Plans (SIPs).
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/oar-wrap-proposed-rules-saving-more-115-million-annually-regulatory-costs
U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, Districts and Postsecondary Institutions Recognized; Green Strides Tour Announced.
Forty-six schools and six districts were honored today at the 2018 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools ceremony for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-green-ribbon-schools-districts-and-postsecondary-institutions-recognized-green-strides-tour-announced
📈PAGE 5: BUSINESS & FINANCE
IRS warns of scams related to natural disasters.
WASHINGTON ― In the wake of Hurricane Florence, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that criminals and scammers try to take advantage of the generosity of taxpayers who want to help victims of major disasters.
Fraudulent schemes normally start with unsolicited contact by telephone, social media, e-mail or in-person using a variety of tactics.
Some impersonate charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers.
Bogus websites use names similar to legitimate charities to trick people to send money or provide personal financial information.
They even claim to be working for or on behalf of the IRS to help victims file casualty loss claims and get tax refunds.
Others operate bogus charities and solicit money or financial information by telephone or email.
Help for disaster victims
Comprehensive information on disaster-related tax issues, including provisions for tax relief, can be found on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov. In the case of a federally declared disaster, affected taxpayers may also call the IRS Special Services Help Line, 866-562-5227, with disaster-related tax questions. Details on available relief can be found on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.
Donate to real charities
To help taxpayers donate to legitimate charities, the IRS website, IRS.gov, has a search feature, Tax Exempt Organization Search, that helps users find or verify qualified charities. Donations to these charities may be tax-deductible.
Contribute by check or credit card. Never give or send cash.
Don’t give out personal financial information — such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers and passwords — to anyone who solicits a contribution.
Taxpayers suspecting fraud by email should visit IRS.gov and search for the keywords “Report Phishing.” More information about tax scams and schemes may be found at IRS.gov using the keywords “scams and schemes.”
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-warns-of-scams-related-to-natural-disasters
USDA BLOG: Cranberries at the Heart of Conservation
The Glacial Lake Cranberries farm, located in Cranmoor, Wisconsin, has been in Mary Brown’s family since 1923. Her 6,000 acres consists of 330 acres of cranberries, 2,600 acres of forest, and 3,000 acres of reservoirs that support the cranberry acres. Her 96 fruit beds produce 10 million pounds of fruit yearly. She runs the operation with her son, Stephen, four employees that live on the property year-round, seasonal staff, and help from family.
Cranberries have been growing there even longer, though. The farm was originally purchased in 1873 for lumber until the owners discovered an abundance of wild cranberries. “They built dikes and ditches around the native stands of vines and started cultivating the fruit,” Mary said. Wisconsin is the top state in the country for cranberries, and many producers use native vines.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/09/20/cranberries-heart-conservation
A New Industrial Revolution for Plastics.
Remember “plastics make it possible!” – the advertisement campaign from the 1980s? There’s a new kind of plastic in town 30 years later – bioplastics.
Biobased bioplastics are plastics made from renewable resources – agricultural feedstocks such as corn, soybeans, or sugarcane. The starches, oils, and sugars from these feedstocks are extracted, modified, and used as the chemical building blocks for these new bioplastic products. This is valuable because these feedstocks are sources of “new” carbon because of their renewability. Petroleum/oil-based products contain “old” carbon. The amount of new carbon in a product can be an important measurement for the product’s sustainability. Bioplastics can also be made from used cooking oil, straw, food waste, and natural gas. These second-generation feedstocks used for bioplastic products are gaining in popularity.---USDA BLOG
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/09/19/new-industrial-revolution-plastics
Chamber to Congress: Pass Opioid Bill
Opioid addiction is destroying hundreds of thousands of lives, devastating communities across the nation, and depriving America of workers when it needs them the most. The personal costs are devastating. The economic toll is staggering. It’s time for a multifaceted response to this crisis.
That’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is urging Congress to complete action on the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018. Among other important provisions, this bipartisan legislative package includes the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act, which requires the U.S. Postal Service to crack down on illicit Fentanyl shipments. The package also facilitates the disposal of controlled substances of hospice patients, secures funding to help states fight drug addiction, advances research of non-opioid pain therapies, and supports community-led private-public partnerships to combat addiction.---US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BLOG
https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/chamber-congress-pass-opioid-bill
U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ACOSTA DELIVERS KEYNOTE REMARKS AT APPRENTICESHIP TEXAS CONFERENCE IN SAN ANTONIO.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta delivered the keynote address at the Texas Workforce Commission's 2nd Annual ApprenticeshipTexas Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Secretary Acosta spoke on the Trump Administration's efforts to expand apprenticeships across all industries.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20180920
THE FED: Agencies propose rule regarding the treatment of high volatility commercial real estate.
Three federal banking agencies on Tuesday invited public comment on a proposal to modify the agencies' capital rules for high volatility commercial real estate exposures, as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act.
The proposal also asks for comment on certain terms contained in the revised definition of high volatility commercial real estate. The changes, when finalized, would apply to all banking organizations subject to the agencies' capital rules. Comments will be accepted for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20180918a.htm
FTC Shuts Down Purveyors of Fake Documents Used for Fraud, Identity Theft
Websites sold fake pay stubs, other documents
The operators of websites that sold fake documents used to facilitate identity theft and other frauds have agreed to permanently shut down their businesses as part of separate settlements with the Federal Trade Commission.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/09/ftc-shuts-down-purveyors-fake-documents-used-fraud-identity-theft
US TREASURY DEPT: U.S.-UK Financial Regulatory Working Group Joint Statement.
London – U.S. and UK participants held the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-UK Financial Regulatory Working Group (Working Group) on September 12, 2018 in London. The Working Group was formed to deepen our bilateral regulatory cooperation with a view to the further promotion of financial stability; investor protection; fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and capital formation in both jurisdictions. This cooperation is especially important given transition in the UK’s regulatory relationships as it withdraws from the European Union.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm485
U.S. Department of Commerce Issues Affirmative Final Antidumping Duty Determinations on PET Resin from Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, and Taiwan.
" The strict enforcement of U.S. trade law is a primary focus of the Trump Administration. Since the beginning of the current Administration, Commerce has initiated 122 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – this is a 221 percent increase from the comparable period in the previous administration.
Antidumping and countervailing duty laws provide American businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of the unfair pricing of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 456 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade."
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/09/us-department-commerce-issues-affirmative-final-antidumping-duty
Texas Couple Indicted on Forced Labor and Related Charges
Defendants Mohamed Toure, 57, and Denise Cros-Toure, 57, of Ft. Worth, Texas, were charged today in a five-count indictment with forced labor, alien harboring for financial gain, and conspiracies to commit forced labor and alien harboring, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McGallicher of the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Services’ Houston Field Office. Defendant Toure was also charged with making false statements to federal agents. The defendants were arrested on April 26, 2018, after being charged by criminal complaint. ---DOD
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-couple-indicted-forced-labor-and-related-charges
🌎PAGE 6: STATE NEWS HEADLINES
Agreement to boost salmon returning to Pacific Northwest waters
Pacific Salmon Treaty agreement finalized; agreement will support improved salmon recovery to benefit orcas.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that representatives from the United States and Canada have agreed to recommend their governments approve new coast-wide fishing agreements under the Pacific Salmon Treaty.
The agreement outlines each nation’s fishery management plans for chinook, coho and chum stocks from 2019 to 2028. If approved, the treaty will result in more salmon returning to Washington and Oregon waters, where many populations are listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. ----Governor's Medium page article
https://medium.com/wagovernor/agreement-to-boost-salmon-returning-to-pacific-northwest-waters-f78642ce7a66
Washington state receives $21.5 million to tackle opioid epidemic.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that Washington will receive an additional $21.5 million to support state efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
The funding is part of more than $1 billion in State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to states to prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today. Washington will use its funding to further our state’s opioid response plan, building upon an $11 million grant the state received in 2017.---press release issued 9/ 19/ 18
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/washington-state-receives-215-million-tackle-opioid-epidemic
AG’S HANFORD WORKER SAFETY LAWSUIT LEADS TO BIG WIN FOR WORKERS.
Federal government will pay $925,000, must test and begin implementing new technology to destroy hazardous vapors or lawsuit may resume
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy will conduct testing and, if successful, begin implementing a new system to treat or capture hazardous tank vapors at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation within the next three years, under the terms of an agreement submitted to a federal court today.
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-s-hanford-worker-safety-lawsuit-leads-big-win-workers
Commerce awards $9.9 million to preserve 1,179 affordable housing units.
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.9 million in grants and loans from the state’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF) for 23 housing preservation projects in communities throughout Washington. See the complete list.
The funds will preserve 1,179 multifamily rental and shelter units, 790 of which will be occupied by households earning 30 percent or less of the area median income. Estimated total cost to complete preservation work is in excess of $64 million, meaning that each state dollar invested will leverage $5.4 additional from other sources. Funding partnerships with private, public, nonprofit and community organizations will ensure completion of these projects.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/commerce-awards-9-9-million-to-preserve-1179-affordable-housing-units/
WDFW plans controlled burns on wildlife areas in Eastern Washington
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will be conducting controlled burns on department lands in Okanogan, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Kittitas, and Yakima counties to reduce wildfire risks and enhance wildlife habitat.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/sep1718b/
Labor market continued to improve in August.
OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy added 9,100 jobs in August and the state’s seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for August was 4.5 percent according to the Employment Security Department. The August unemployment rate decreased slightly from the July 2018 unemployment rate of 4.6 percent and is the lowest rate for August since 1976.
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/labor-market-continued-to-improve-in-august-2018
Join state committee working to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
OLYMPIA - If you’re interested in issues affecting people with disabilities and want to influence state decision makers, apply by Sept. 30 to become a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE).
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/join-state-committee-working-to-improve-the-lives-of-people-with-disabilities
DOH: Pierce County registered nurse suspended: charged with first-degree murder
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission suspended a Pierce County registered nurse’s license after he was criminally charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/2018NewsReleases/18131HartmanGaryRNSuspensionNewsRelease
🌎PAGE 7: More State news & local meetings
Seaworld, salmon, senators and saving orcas – NOAA’s role has limits
“There are no silver bullets”
The patience and equanimity of the NOAA officials was impressive at the recent public meetings that were held to discuss the status of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. After sharing details, the staff opened the mic to the public – NOAA was there to listen, and listen they did as the public poured out concerns, demands, and judgments primarily on the lack of sufficient salmon and on the presence of SeaWorld in the medical treatment given to the now deceased orca calf, Scarlet (J50).---From a shared Seattle PI article by Congressman Kilmer, 9/ 18/ 18.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/seaworld-salmon-senators-and-saving-orcas_noaas-role-has-limits
TRANSPORTATION: Senators Murray and Cantwell Announce New Federal Investments in Washington State Transit Agencies.
Six new grants will support bus and bus facility capital improvements in transit agencies across Washington state, including rural and tribal communities.
Press release issued on 9/ 20/ 18
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced more than $12 million in federal investments in six transit agencies across Washington state, helping communities promote safe, reliable transit service. The grants, which include a major $9.7 million investment in Olympia’s Intercity Transit, were awarded through the Federal Transit Administration’s Buses and Bus Facilities Program, which helps transit agencies make capital investments and improve transit options for workers, students, and families. Both Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Cantwell, a senior Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, are champions of the competitive grant program, working to reinstate the program in the 2015 FAST Act and helping secure $400 million in additional funding for the program in the federal spending bill passed in March 2018, which helped support these new investments.
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A7DE887B-DB65-47A0-9C9B-60715E2BD0E7
More state related headlines...
State’s Boating Program encourages hunters to boat safely
OLYMPIA – Sept. 20, 2018 – With the upcoming opening of waterfowl and upland game hunting seasons, Washington State Parks’ Boating Program wants people who hunt from boats to be safe and know the boating laws before they head out on the water.
Most hunting and angling take place on boats less than 16-feet long. Small boats are known for their instability. Recreational boating data from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Boating Program shows that most drowning victims were using vessels less than 21 feet in length. In addition, the primary causes of boating fatalities are capsizing, falling overboard and swamping.
http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=423
State Parks, partners offer youth snowmobile safety class
Chelan County law enforcement will teach courses in Puyallup, Spokane
OLYMPIA – Sept. 20, 2018 – The Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Snowmobile Association (WSSA) are offering a free snowmobile safety class for youth ages 12 to 16 at WSSA’s 27th Annual Snowmobile and Power Sports Expo and Swap Meet.
http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=422
L&I proposes significant drop in workers' comp rates for 2019
Tumwater – The price of workers' compensation insurance in Washington will likely drop significantly in 2019. Today the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) proposed a 5 percent decrease in the average premium employers pay for the coverage.
https://lni.wa.gov/News/2018/pr180919a.asp
New State Library partnership provides access to thousands of news sources for Washington researchers.
OLYMPIA — Students, teachers, and patrons of public libraries can now read and research an unprecedented amount of information from more than 11,000 news sources thanks to a new partnership between the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State Kim Wyman, and NewsBank Inc.
https://www.sos.wa.gov/office/news-releases.aspx#/news/1319
GiveSmart for Hurricane Florence victims: Your guide to helping wisely.
OLYMPIA — The 2018 hurricane season has brought a devastating blow to residents of North and South Carolina with the arrival of Hurricane Florence. Washingtonians are already reaching out to help relief efforts for those whose homes and lives were affected by the storm, and Secretary of State Kim Wyman is urging everyone to be cautious of charity scams relating to hurricane assistance.
https://www.sos.wa.gov/office/news-releases.aspx#/news/1318
📢LOCAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS.
Clallam County Administrator Withdraw announcement
The Clallam County Board of Commissioners (BOCC), upon review of required pre-hire administrative processes, have elected to withdraw the conditional job offer to County Administrator candidate David Fraser. The County is now exercising its option with Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to re-start the search process on a national level for filling the position of Clallam County Administrator.
SGR CEO Ron Holifield has advised that the County should receive a fresh pool of applicants in this new search, expected to be concluded over the next two and one-half months. The BOCC are cognizant of the needed time and effort to appropriately fill this critical position and are willing to invest this additional time in order to find and appoint the right person for this position.
Current Clallam County Administrator Jim Jones will be retiring on October
26th. The BOCC will be speaking with Jim as to his availability to continue on in a consultant basis for the foreseeable future.
http://websrv7.clallam.net/forms/uploads/ci20180920113904.pdf
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
County Commission meetings:
Work session for 9/ 24/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1125
Agenda highlights:
County Commission regular session agenda for 9/ 25/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=394
Agenda highlights:
- Resolution adopting the following Supplemental Appropriations:
Sheriff’s 24/7 Sobriety Fund – Budget change to receipt and expend remaining reimbursement funding from Washington Traffic Safety Commission/US Department of Transportation in support of the 24/7 Sobriety Program currently deployed in the jail. This amount was originally intended to be spent in 2017/$9,230
Sheriff – Jail – Reimbursement from Sobriety Fund for Corrections Deputy overtime, travel, equipment for the time period of November 2017 through July 2018 while operating the Sobriety Program in the Jail/$44,370
Superior Court – Parents for Parents Coordinator extra help, non-benefited part-time position/$25,000
Department of Community Development – Long Range Planning – Expenditure of funds in Department of Ecology Grant G1400671 work will be completed in 2018/$635,000
- Consideration of resolution adopting the following Debatable Emergencies:
Human Resources – Risk Management – Additional Funding is needed for the increased cost of medical benefits resulting from the new union contracts/$2,813
Human Resources – Workers Compensation Claims – Additional Funding is needed for the increased cost of medical benefits resulting from the new union contracts/$263
Human Resources – Additional Funding is needed for the increased cost of medical benefits resulting from the new union contracts/$2,175
Parks and Facilities – Additional Funding is needed for the increased cost of medical benefits resulting from the new union contracts/$12,000
Parks and Facilities - Fair – Additional Funding is needed for the increased cost of medical benefits resulting from the new union contracts/$1,500
Parks and Facilities – Additional Funding is needed for the cost of medical benefits for William Swetlow, who has recently joined the union/$4,850
Parks and Facilities – Additional Funding is needed for the cost of medical benefits for Angie Bronson, who has recently joined the union/$2,000
Indigent Defense – Agreement with the Public Defender contract, an updated review of caseloads has been completed. It has been determined that additional funding is required/$12,000
http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=394&meta_id=28185
- Resolution adopting the following Budget Reduction:
Department of Community Development – Long Range Planning – Expenditure of funds in Department of Ecology grant G1600011 will be delayed until 2019/($1,000,000).
PORT OF PORT ANGELES MEETING AGENDA FOR 9/ 25/ 18
https://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09252018-324
Agenda highlight: Port Resolution #18-1181 - CERB Funding Award d (pg. 33-35) In agenda packet
In July 2018 the Port was offered combination of loan and grant funding by the State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) Prospective Development Program for the construction of a wash-down facility at the Marine Trades Industrial Park.
CITY OF SEQUIM COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FOR 9/ 24/ 18
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1931
Agenda highlight: Ordinance 2018-011 - Establishing Revenue Thresholds for Certain Businesses and Providing Denial, Suspension, Revocation, and Appeal Standards and Procedures.
CITY OF FORKS AGENDA FOR 9/ 24/ 18
http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/agenda92418.pdf
Agenda highlight: August 2018 Treasurer's report.
JEFFERSON COUNTY AGENDA FOR 9/ 24/ 18
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=230f936e-1438-436f-bcf2-6a52a09d889f&prefilter=845,5958
Agenda highlights:
AGREEMENT re:Upper Hoh Road,M.P.8 Emergency Repair -Paving and Striping, County Project No. 18020380, CRAB RAP Project No. 1618-03; In the Amount of $26,960; Jefferson County Public Works; Lakeside Industries, Inc. 8.
AGREEMENT re: Upper Hoh Road,M.P.8 Emergency Repair –Guardrail, County Project No. 18020380, CRAB RAP Project No. 1618-03;In the Amount of $28,999; Jefferson County Public Works; Dirt and Aggregate Interchange, Inc.
9.AGREEMENT NO. LA8904, Supplement No. 1 re: Upper Hoh Road, M.P. 9.7-M.P. 9.8 Emergency Repair Project Prospectus And Local AgencyAgreement, County Project No. 18019880, Federal Aid No. ER-1601(016); In the Amount of $63,970; Jefferson County Public Works; Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
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🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE: Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.---Romans 15:7 NIV
Weekly Bible Study
What Is a Real Christian?
Are you really a Christian? What is a Christian? Some people speak of anyone who believes in Christ as a Christian. To other people, anyone with high moral standards is a Christian. Some even speak of "Christian atheists."---Gospel Way
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)
👲Riddle Genie
last week's question: A rooster lays an egg on the top of the roof. Which way does it roll?
Last week's answer: Roosters don’t lay eggs.
New Question: A cowboy rides into town on Friday, stays for three days, then leaves on Friday. How did he do it?
Answer next week!
