OLYMPIA – Employment Security Department (ESD) Commissioner Suzi LeVine shared this statement regarding 2020 tax forms being sent to unemployment claimants this week:
“As tax filing season begins, it’s important to remember that unemployment benefits are taxable. Over 1 million workers received unemployment benefits from ESD in 2020. This week we began the annual process we conduct of sending customers a tax form, called a 1099-G, that they’ll need when filing with the IRS. Claimants can learn more about unemployment benefits and 1099-G forms at esd.wa.gov/1099.
“While experiencing unprecedented levels of unemployment in 2020, we were one of many states that was hit with a nationwide unemployment imposter fraud attack. The team has worked diligently to ensure that none of the victims we confirmed with fraudulent claims filed in their name before Jan. 1, 2021 will receive a 1099-G for benefits.
“However, we continue to receive fraud reports and must thoroughly investigate each one in turn. People who’ve already reported fraud to us but get a 1099-G should not submit another report. Instead, they’ll get a corrected 1099-G when we’ve finished our investigation and confirmed fraud. To learn more, please visit our website to get tax info for fraud victims.
“We also expect that, for some people, receiving a 1099-G for unemployment benefits could be their first indication of imposter fraud. People who believe they’re victims of fraud should also visit our website for next steps and get tax info for fraud victims.”
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Ecology launches environmental review of proposed pumped storage energy project near Goldendale.
DOE press release released 1/14/21
Public input needed to shape the scope of the environmental study
GOLDENDALE –
The Washington Department of Ecology is seeking comment on what should be considered when preparing an environmental impact statement for a new hyyropower project proposed along the Columbia River in Klickitat County.
Free Flow Power Project 101, LLC (FFP Project), is proposing to build a closed-loop water storage system that releases water from an upper reservoir downhill to a lower reservoir to generate energy. The power produced would feed into the electrical grid at nearby John Day Dam.
The lower reservior would be located on a portion of the former Columbia Gorge Aluminum smelter site. Water for the project would be drawn from the Columbia River under a permit that once served the aluminum plant. Project plans call for the lower reservoir to be filled once, with supplemental fills annually.
Ecology is asking community members, stakeholders, tribes and others to weigh in on what should be studied in the scope of a full EIS for the Goldendale Pumped Storage Energy Project, including project alternatives, site impacts and what types of mitigation should be considered.
Scoping comments will be accepted through Feb. 12, 2021, and may be made online or in writing to Sage Park, Washington Department of Ecology, 1250 West Alder Street, Union Gap, WA 98903-0009, Attn: Goldendale Scoping.
People can learn more about the project, and make formal comments on the scope of the project during two online meetings:
Jan. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m., online at https://tinyurl.com/GoldendaleEnergyJan27 or by phone at 415-655-0001, access code 177 243 8033
Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon, online at https://tinyurl.com/GoldendaleEnergyFeb3 or by phone at 415-655-0001, access code 141 470 2345project website.
More information about the meetings and the project documents can be found on the project website.
The EIS will examine possible significant and adverse impacts resulting from the construction and operation of the proposed project. This includes impacts to both the natural environment and nearby communities through study of air quality, plant and animal habitat, transportation, water and cultural resources.
The EIS also will analyze how impacts can be reduced or eliminated through mitigation. A draft EIS is expected to be available for public review and comment sometime in 2022.
An EIS is an impartial, comprehensive study used as a resource for decision-makers and the public.
In OTHER STATE HEADLINE NEWS...
Roadmap to recovery update: All regions staying in Phase 1 for now
OLYMPIA – Today, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced that based on Governor Jay Inslee’s Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan, all eight (8) regions in Washington will remain in Phase 1 until at least Monday, January 25, 2021.--DOH
Culp for Governor campaign lawsuit against Wyman, election officials, dismissed--Sec. of State.
OLYMPIA — Late yesterday, the Culp for Governor campaign withdrew its case against Secretary of State Kim Wyman and several county auditors demanding an audit of Washington’s 2020 General Election. The notice of dismissal was filed “with prejudice,” meaning the lawsuit cannot be refiled.
Temperance and Good Citizenship Day is Jan. 15
OLYMPIA — This academic year, Temperance and Good Citizenship Day is Friday, Jan. 15, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Office of the Secretary of State are helping schools register the next generation of voters.--Sec. of State.
UTC approves rate increases for Lake Chelan Boat Company, Inc.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has approved rate increases for Lake Chelan Boat Company, Inc.
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(3) IN OTHER NEWS HEADLINES
WORLD NEWS:
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned another fatal attack carried out against a peacekeeping convoy that left a ‘blue helmet’ from Egypt dead, and another seriously injured on Friday.--UN News Center
Child labour ‘robs children of their future’, scourge must end urges UN.
Although child labour has decreased significantly over the last decade, one-in-ten children are still caught up in harmful work, the UN’s labour agency said on Friday, kicking off a year-long bid to eradicate the practice. --UN News Center
Cameroon: Authorities urged to seek justice for recent deadly attacks.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged authorities in Cameroon to take steps to prosecute perpetrators behind two recent deadly attacks in the Anglophone provinces of the country, his Spokesperson said on Friday. --UN News Center
Deadly earthquake hits Indonesia: Dozens killed, hundreds injured.
At least 35 people have been killed and hundreds of others injured after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the West Sulawesi Province of Indonesia on Friday morning, according to the UN humanitarian coordination office (OCHA).
NATIONAL NEWS:
U.S. Completes Troop-Level Drawdown in Afghanistan, Iraq.--DOD
Compounding Pharmacy Mogul Sentenced for Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud Scheme
A Mississippi businessman was sentenced today for his role in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans, and their respective family members, as well as private health care benefit programs.--DOJ
HUD Invites Agencies to Apply to The MTW Demonstration Program to Study Work Requirements And Landlord Incentives---HUD
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Infrastructure and Workforce Development Are Key to Rebuilding America---US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Treasury Finalizes Payroll Support to Aid Airline Industry Employees--US TREASURY DEPT.
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COMMENTARIES & LOCAL MEETINGS.
How Big Government And Big Tech Conspire Against Voters
Biden's COVID 'Rescue' Plan
Editor's Note: Yes, but rest assured the Democrats, along with help of the media give Biden the credit!
Alan Dershowitz to Newsmax TV: House Violated Constitution--NEWSMAX
THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS...
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION WORK SESSION AGENDA FOR 1/19/21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1246
CLALLAM COUNTY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA FOR 1/19/21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7248
CLALLAM BOARD of HEALTH MEETING FOR 1/19/21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7248
CITY OF PORT ANGELES COUNCIL MEETING FOR 1/19/21
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/9426/Agenda-Packet-01192021
OMC BOARD MEETING FOR 1/20/21
https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/AGENDA-January-20-2021.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA
For 1/19/21
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1669
