TAA support will include reemployment, retraining resources for roughly 150 workers
WASHINGTON DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced it has approved a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition to support roughly 150 workers in Pend Oreille County laid off by Ponderay Newsprint Company. Among other benefits, the federal support will provide workers with income support, funds to participate in reemployment and retraining programs, and a tax credit for health care.
The announcement follows a letter sent by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to the U.S. Department of Labor in support of the TAA petition.
“It is critical that the workers laid off by Ponderay Newsprint receive the retraining and reemployment resources available through TAA certification,” Cantwell wrote in her letter to Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia. “Trade Adjustment Assistance will allow them to recover more quickly, support their families, and continue to contribute to their communities and our economy.”
Senator Cantwell helped secure a provision in the COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress in December that provides a one-year extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). This credit significantly reduces health care premium costs for TAA-eligible individuals enrolled in COBRA health insurance plans.
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(2) Inslee statement on security measures for 2021 legislative session.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-security-measures-2021-legislative-session
Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today on actions the state is taking to ensure the safety and security of Washingtonians, legislators, state employees and the buildings of the Capitol Campus as the Legislature is set to convene the 2021 session on Monday.
“As legislators begin their work on behalf of the people of the state of Washington, we must do whatever we can to ensure that they can do that work without fear, intimidation or harassment. The actions we saw in both Washington, D.C. and Olympia earlier this week were completely unacceptable and will not be repeated in our state capital again.
“There will be acres of areas for people to exercise their First Amendment rights on the Capitol Campus. There will be restricted access in certain areas that are open only to legislators and staff. These areas will be clearly delineated by fencing and security personnel.
“But in light of the most recent insurrection activity, the state cannot tolerate any actions that could result in harm, mayhem or interruption of function of democratic institutions. Any illegal intrusion of the Capitol, state buildings or restricted areas will not be tolerated and strictly enforced.
“To that end, I have activated the Washington State National Guard to be in Olympia in coordination with the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement. I am authorizing up to 750 members of the Guard and a large number of Washington State Patrol troopers will be on hand, in addition to the regular Capitol Campus security contingent.
“The National Guard’s role will be to support the Washington State Patrol in their mission to protect Washingtonians, legislators, their staff and the buildings of the Washington State West Capitol Campus.
“I thank the citizen soldiers of the National Guard who are coming from their private lives and families to protect democracy.
“We sincerely hope for peaceful actions but if that does not happen, we will be prepared.”
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(3) TODAY'S HEADLINE NEWS
WORLD NEWS:
Mapping coral reefs from space.
A plan to use satellite imaging to build up a global picture of coral reefs, to better understand how to protect them from warming seas brought on by climate change, is being supported by the UN Environment Program (UNEP).
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/01/1081722
Secretary-General appoints Mette Knudsen of Denmark Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Mette Knudsen of Denmark as his new Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).---UN PRESS RELEASE
https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sga2008.doc.htm
Secretary-General Appoints Volker Perthes of Germany Special Representative, Head, United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Volker Perthes of Germany as his new Special Representative for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS).
https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sga2009.doc.htm
Designation of Iraqi Militia Leader in Connection with Serious Human Rights Abuse---US STATE DEPT.
NATIONAL:
Memorandum on Providing an Order of Succession Within the United States International Development Finance Corporation--WH
Executive Order on Providing an Order of Succession Within the Environmental Protection Agency--WH
DOD Office Works to Prevent Trafficking in Persons
A little known Defense Department office is working to ensure the fair treatment of workers by employees and contractors in countries all over the world.--DOD
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Trump Administration Invests $16 Million in High-Speed Broadband in Rural Illinois, Oregon and South Carolina
Re Connect Funding to Connect 4,312 Rural Households to High-Speed Internet e-Connectivity.--USDA
The Path Forward: Operation Warp Speed Leader Sees Vaccine Distribution for Essential Workers, Elderly Starting Next Week--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ISSUES TWO WAGE AND HOUR OPINION LETTERS
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced two opinion letters that address compliance issues related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). An opinion letter is an official, written opinion by the Department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) on how a particular law applies in specific circumstances presented by the person or entity that requested the letter.--Labor Dept.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20210108-0
STATEMENT BY U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR EUGENE SCALIA ON THE DECEMBER JOBS REPORT.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement regarding the December 2020 Employment Situation Report.--Dept. of Labor
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20210108
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(4) Commentary & Weekly meetings
Editor's Comment: Why the Democrats can't wait until the 20th of January for Trump to leave office, using the events of what happened at the Capital building following a rally for Trump, using that event to launch another impeachment? It's out of fear.
During the Rush Limbaugh show yesterday he laid it out, it was because of fear.
Following are segments of the show:
The Swamp Is Scared of the Next 12 Days
https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2021/01/08/the-swamp-is-scared-of-the-next-12-days/
Quote: They are scared to death — they are terrified — that Trump is gonna pardon people who are dangerous to the establishment. Call it the swamp if you want. Because let me tell you, nothing’s changed. The people in the Washington establishment, why did they want to stop Trump in the first place? Because they didn’t want what they have been up to (which is no good) for years to ever come out.--Rush Limbaugh
The MAGA Agenda Won’t Go Away — And That’s What Bothers Them.
Quote: I’m not denying that they’re out there. But a majority of Americans? No. Make America Great Again is a concept of ideas rooted in the founding of our country, the writing of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence. And it remains the bulwark. It remains the definition of America — both terms of morality and virtue and decency in politics — that people want to strive for.--Rush Limbaugh
Editor's Note: I have to ask who is doing a coup attempt against a current sitting president again by this rash impeachment? It's the Democrats, and Rhino Republicans that's who, using the tragic events at capital hill. In fact there's report some of the rioters were implants from Antifa. Folks, anyone can pick up a Trump flag saying they supported Trump, and go ahead and make mayhem!
Something having someone say they follow the Lord, and not even try and live the life style of a Christian. There are fakers everywhere, thing on that.
LOCAL MEETINGS
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County Commission work session for 1. 11. 21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1245
Clallam County regular session for 1.12.21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7247
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 1.12.21
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122021-469
City of Sequim Council meeting for 1/11/21
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2354
City of Forks Council meeting for 1/11/21
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Agenda-20210111.pdf
Clallam PUD meeting for 1/11/21
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Agenda-20210111.pdf
PASD Board Meeting
When Thu, January 14, 7pm – 9pm
Where 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA, Lincoln Center
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting –January 11, 2021
