Senators Murray, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Modernize State and Local Tech Systems.

Press release issued 5/20/21

https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=B6F7DE0D-50C4-4B5F-8870-7208C9A55307

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), introduced new legislation today to help state and local governments update their technology and replace outdated systems for accessing essential health care, housing, employment, and other services.

The State and Local Digital Services Act authorizes $100 million to fund tech strike teams at state, local, and Tribal governments, using modern design and development techniques that put users first and fix frustrating government websites. The program is modeled on the US Digital Service and 18F programs, which delivered cost-effective tech upgrades at a significant savings to taxpayers. It updates the Digital Services Act, introduced by Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Murray in the previous Congress.

“Anyone who has had to schedule a vaccine shot or file for unemployment in the past year knows that this pandemic has moved more and more of our government services online—and pushed many of them to the breaking point,” Senator Murray said. “It’s critical that these resources be accessible and reliable. The State and Local Digital Service Act would make commonsense, long overdue investments to help to ensure online government services live up to modern needs and expectations by providing capacity for digital service teams that will save state and local governments money, improve their digital resources, attract top talent to government service, and make it easier for millions of people in Washington state and across the country to get services they need.” 

“People across the country shouldn’t have had to wait weeks to be approved for unemployment insurance, veterans shouldn’t have to grapple with a hard-to-use website to access housing programs, and someone who only has a smartphone shouldn’t be locked out of government services that still aren’t designed for mobile devices,” Senator Wyden said. “Governments should not outsource their mission. They need in-house technology experts to help with research, design, creation, and procurement of digital services. Our new legislation cuts through bureaucracy to deliver upgrades for users, and gets a running start at the huge job of upgrading state and local systems.”

Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) co-sponsored the measure.

Grants could fund a range of tech upgrades, including helping states set up easy-to-use vaccine appointments, providing easy-to-use online licensing forms for farmers, and providing technology procurement support to save taxpayer dollars.

Specifically the bill would:

Authorize $100 million over 7 years for state and local digital service grants administered by GSA, ranging from $200,000 to $3 million per year based on the population they serve. These grants require a 10% cost share and 50% of the grant must be used for talent.

Allow successful awardees to re-apply for additional grants to sustain their new teams.

Restore public trust in government systems by funding new and existing teams of designers, technologists, and civil servants to focus on delivering user-centered digital services.

Remove red tape to allow USDS, 18F, and other federal technology services to provide technical expertise to states and local government entities.

The State and Local Digital Services Act is endorsed by broad array of public interest advocates, including: Center for Democracy and Technology, AnitaB.org, the Tech Talent Project, Bitwise Industries, NAVA Public Benefit Corporation, the Public Interest Tech team and the New Practice Lab at New America.

“When interacting with government online, Americans deserve to have a high-quality experience that is reliable, intuitive and private. But governments don’t always have the funding or staffing they need to modernize the delivery of digital services. The Center for Democracy & Technology is proud to support the State and Local Digital Service Act, which will lead the way to more modern and user-friendly digital government services across the country,” said William T. Adler, Senior Technologist for Elections & Democracy, Center for Democracy & Technology.

"There is no path to delivering on the commitments of the American Rescue Plan without improving the capacity of the states to deliver for the communities they serve. This bill goes a long way to supporting states in improving their digital services and ultimately improving the way they serve their residents," said Tara McGuinness, former senior advisor for President Obama and co-author of Power to the Public: The Promise of Public Interest Technology.

Earlier this month, Senator Murray held a virtual roundtable with community members from Eastern and Central Washington about the need to ensure digital equity and expand broadband access for communities that have been historically underserved and overlooked. In 2019, she introduced the Digital Equity Act to help expand broadband access and bridge the digital divide. During the 2020 election, this bill was included in then-candidate Biden’s broadband platform, and earlier this year, President Biden also unveiled his American Jobs Plan, which includes a $100 billion investment to build high-speed broadband infrastructure to reach 100 percent coverage, promote transparency and competition, reduce the cost of broadband internet service and promote more widespread adoption.

MORE HEADLINES FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC.

Kilmer Highlights How Washington Will Soon Receive State and Local Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) highlighted the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds that the U.S. Department of Treasury is releasing to Washington as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These funds will provide vital resources for Washington families and communities.

Cantwell Statement on the Passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, as President Biden officially signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement:

“I applaud President Biden for signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law. We have seen far too many instances of hate targeting minority communities, and since the start of the pandemic there has been an alarming rise in violent acts towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This bill brings us a step closer towards holding those accountable who commit these violent crimes.” Cantwell said.

Kilmer Statement on the Violence in Israel

Washington, DC - U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer issued the following statement on the recent violence in Israel.

(2) STATE NEWS HEADLINES

Inslee signs police accountability legislative package

The governor signed 12 bills in Pierce County Tuesday.

Nonprofit Community Relief grant program open for eligible Washington state veteran service organizations.

Commerce awards $4 million to make community buildings more energy efficient.

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Sam the Clam reminds boaters to do their part for cleaner waters.

Mukilteo company fined $70,500 for water quality violations.

MUKILTEO – 

The Washington Department of Ecology fined a Mukilteo business $70,500 for failing to ensure its industrial wastewater discharges met state limits for toxic metals and other pollutants.

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Initial and continued claims for regular benefits increased during the week of May 9 – May 15.

WDFW invites public comment on proposed rules to set salmon fishing seasons.

(3) THIS WEEK'S HEADLINE NEWS

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

COVID-19: UN chief urges G20 to create task force to scale up vaccines for all.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday urged the world’s richest economies to take a central role in ending the COVID-19 pandemic by stepping up support for vaccines for all people, everywhere. 

UN agencies appeal for funds as COVID-19 surge eclipses South Asia.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Friday launched a $164 million appeal for personal protective gear, together with COVID-19 testing and control equipment, to save lives amidst the deadly wave of infections which continues to sweep across South Asia.

UN chief welcomes Gaza ceasefire announcement between Israel and Hamas.

The UN chief has welcomed the ceasefire declared between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, following 11 days of rocket and air attacks, which have left more than 240 reportedly dead and thousands injured, the majority in the occupied Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

‘Spirt of unity, partnership and collaboration’ needed to realize Sudan’s aspirations.

Moving from Sudan’s current fragile transition period towards stable civilian rule, requires a continued “spirt of unity, partnership and collaboration”, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Thursday.

Gaza children living in ‘hell on earth’, UN chief says, urging immediate end to fighting.

The past ten days have witnessed a “dangerous and horrific” surge in deadly violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), particularly Gaza, and in Israel, the UN chief told the General Assembly on Thursday. 

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a Security Council Briefing on Libya/ USUN

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the UN General Assembly Stakeout Following the Announcement of a Ceasefire.

NATIONAL HEADLINES:

President Biden Directs Agencies to Analyze and Mitigate the Risk Climate Change Poses to Homeowners and Consumers, Businesses and Workers, and the Financial System and Federal Government Itself--WH FACT SHEET

Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Greenlandic Premier Mute Egede, Greenlandic Foreign Minister Pele Broberg, And Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod At a Joint Press Availability--US STATE DEPT.

Future of Warfare, Strategy Will Dictate Special Ops Action--DOD

FBI Employee Indicted for Illegally Removing National Security Documents, Taking Material to Her Home--DOJ

Washington State's Melito Ramirez Named America's First ‘Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE)’ Awardee--Dept. of Education

ICE to Close Two Detention Centers--DHS

CDC Investigating New Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Linked to Backyard Poultry.

BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS:

Why Isn’t Accountable.US Asking People to Quit the ACLU?--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Has Global Agricultural Trade been Resilient under COVID-19?--USDA

Treasury Distributes $6.1 billion to Assist Renters and Landlords Through Emergency Rental Assistance Program--US TREASURY

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell outlines the Federal Reserve's response to technological advances driving rapid change in the global payments landscape.

IRS urges groups to share information to help those without permanent addresses get benefits including Economic Impact Payments, upcoming advance Child Tax Credit.

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR LAUNCHES ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT, CAREER WORKSHOPS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO TRANSITIONING MILITARY SPOUSES--US LABOR DEPT.

FTC Challenges Merger of Two Pennsylvania Cement Producers, Alleging It would Harm Regional Competition.

(4) COMMENTARIES & LOCAL MEETINGS

Leftist Racial Agitation Damages and Divides America.--PJ MEDIA

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The conflict between Hamas and Israel is about a stubborn fact: Israel exists, and Hamas wishes it didn’t exist.--Patriot Post

Jan. 6 Commission Will Be DOA in Senate

It would be just another partisan vehicle with which to pursue Trump.--American Spectator

Brent Bozell Letter to Facebook: We Must Reconsider Section 230 Protection--News Buster

Referendum Deals Damaging Blow to Faucists--NEWSMAX

Tulsi Gabbard blasts Lori Lightfoot’s ‘blatant anti-White racism,’ calls for resignation--Washington Times

The 2024 GOP field is Trump and everyone else

When it comes to the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, there is former President Donald Trump, and then there is everyone else.--Washington Examiner

LOCAL MEETINGS:

 Clallam County meetings.

Clallam County Commission work session for 5/24/21

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1264

Clallam County board meeting for 5/25/21

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7266

City of Port Angeles Council Meeting Agenda

This meeting will be conducted virtually.

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/10343/05252021-Work-Session

Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 5/25/21

https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05252021-521

City Of Sequim regular meeting for 5/24/21

https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2427

special Sequim council meeting for 5/28/21

https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2426

City of Forks Council meeting for 5/24/21

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Agenda05242021.pdf

Clallam County PUD meeting for 5/24/21

https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/5-24-21-WEB-Packet.pdf

PASD Board Meeting

When: Thu, May 27, 7pm – 9pm

Where: 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA, Lincoln Center

Description

Regular Meeting

 Jefferson County meetings

Jefferson County commission meeting for 5/24/21

https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=7f0a7ede-c885-43bc-bc97-484d6b1090e4&prefilter=845,5958

City of Port Townsend council meeting for 5/24/21

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=2293

Port of Port Townsend meeting for 5/26/21

https://portofpt.com/event/may-26-commission-meeting/

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BIBLE VERSE: Galatians 5:13 (New King James Version)

 

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