Part of the funding for this gambit, is from Federal Covid-19 funding!
The media seems to cheer this! Inslee knows he is in trouble with Washingtonians, there's calls for recall! For is misuse of emergency powers!
Those Covid19 fund should be distributed to the needy, low income people, including farmers, and small businesses. Not use as part of a incentive for people to get shots in their arms!
Glad to see I'm not the only one seeing this for what it is. I read Face Book comments from news articles posted by the local media establishment. People should take these shots, simply because it's the right thing to do, not because of hoping getting some kind of monetary gain, because it can save your live.---Peter Ripley
Inslee announces vaccination incentives
Incentives for all vaccinated, regardless of when, include lottery drawings, higher education financial assistance, game systems and smart speakers, and event and flight tickets.
From the Governor's medium page.
https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-announces-vaccination-incentives-3a3fc36a0c27
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a suite of new incentives to help encourage unvaccinated Washingtonians to get the COVID shot.
The Washington State Lottery will be conducting a “Shot of a Lifetime” giveaway series during the month of June, working with state agencies, technology companies, sports teams and higher education institutions across the state to offer a myriad of different prizes to vaccinated individuals.
This includes people who have been vaccinated in Washington, regardless of when. The incentives are not just for new vaccinations.
The incentives announced today include:
Lottery cash drawings, with prizes totaling $2 million
Higher education tuition and expense assistance
Sports tickets and gear
Gift cards
Airline tickets
Game systems and smart speakers
“These generous programs will encourage more Washingtonians to take this life-saving vaccine,” Inslee said during a press conference Thursday. “I hope people will see this as an opportunity to reopen even sooner than June 30th if we can stay motivated, stay informed and get more people vaccinated faster throughout the month of June.”
According to the most recent data from the Department of Health (DOH), approximately 63% of Washingtonians 16 years and older have initiated their vaccinations. The state hopes that the incentives announced today will entice unvaccinated people to initiate their vaccinations and raise the statewide rate to save more lives and protect more people.
Washington is set to reopen fully on June 30, or when the percentage of eligible adults who have initiated vaccination reaches 70%, whichever comes first.
Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah said that he hopes incentives unveiled today help push Washington closer to the 70% reopening goal.
“Our state has made tremendous progress, with well over half of our population 16 and older fully vaccinated, but there are still far too many people who have not started vaccination,” Shah said. “We hope this effort encourages people to get their vaccine to protect themselves and their communities as we push toward reopening at the end of this month.”
Cash prizes
Starting next week, the Lottery will conduct one drawing for $250,000 every week for four weeks for all vaccinated individuals. At the end of the four weeks, there will be an additional, final drawing for a $1 million prize.
Vaccinated Washingtonians don’t need to do anything to be entered in the four drawings. The Lottery will automatically gather names from the DOH statewide immunization database.
The governor was joined by Marcus Glasper, director of the Washington State Lottery, for the announcement.
“Washington’s Lottery is proud to partner with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Health on this important promotion,” Glasper said. “As the state’s principal agency on conducting lottery drawings, we are honored to be able to play even a small role in administering a promotion that helps ensure that our state’s residents are healthy and protected as we continue to move towards ending the pandemic.”
Higher education assistance
Inslee also announced a suite of higher education incentives, including tuition and book assistance at institutions across the state.
Nearly $1 million will be dispersed directly to the public four-year universities and two-year community and technical colleges to run their own drawing for free tuition and expenses for vaccinated students.
The state will also be offering 30 prizes of one year of tuition college credits to 12–17-year-olds through the Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET program). These credits will go directly to families.
Tickets
Also included in the incentives announced today are various ticket prizes offered by Washington companies and sports teams.
Potential prizes include:
Alaska Airlines
2 free airline tickets to anywhere Alaska flies
Seattle Mariners
4 tickets to an upcoming game
Full suite to an upcoming game
Seattle Sounders
4 tickets to a game in August, plus two autographed jerseys
Seattle Storm
10 tickets a game for the rest of the season
Seattle Seahawks
4 club level seats, plus parking passes
Seattle Kraken
Concert tickets
OL Reign
Four 2021 season tickets, plus a team-signed jersey
Game systems and smart speakers
The governor also announced that several technology companies are offering technology and software to help the state’s efforts to get people vaccinated.
Microsoft will be giving away 300 Xboxs and GamePasses to vaccinated individuals, and Nintendo will be giving away Nintendo Switches. Google will give away 25 Google Nests and Amazon will be giving away 100 Echo Dots.
Gift Cards
In addition to the above incentives, the Washington State Department of Commerce partnering with the Association of Washington Business (AWB) and local Chambers of Commerce will be purchasing $1 million of gift cards to local businesses through local chambers of commerce to be given away at vaccine locations. Commerce and AWB will be sharing additional details soon about the locations and dates where this program will roll out.
The Washington State Department of Health will also have $500,000 in gift cards to give away over the summer as part of their Care-a-Van mobile vaccination effort. The gift cards will be for different kinds of retail offerings — from groceries to fishing gear to top soil.
The Washington State Parks will also be giving away 80 “one week of free camping” gift cards, worth $250 each, and the Washington Department for Fish and Wildlife will be giving away 80 $100 gift certificates for fishing and hunting licenses. Also included will be 400 Discover Passes, which allow access to recreation on State public lands.
“Choices have consequences. The vaccine is our best and safest chance to get back to pre-pandemic levels of activity,” Inslee said. “It is a personal choice, but one that affects the lives of millions. The choices we make affect our neighbors, our friends and our families. So, I hope more people make the right choice, to learn more about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and to get vaccinated.”
If you or a loved one has yet to get vaccinated, make an appointment at VaccineLocator.doh.wa.gov.
Eligibility
All vaccine incentive prizes will be drawn from the DOH immunization database to determine winners. The only action that Washingtonians need to take to win any of the prizes is to get vaccinated. All individuals who have been previously vaccinated are eligible.
The incentives are open to all Washington residents regardless of citizenship, but proof of Washington residency is required.
Employees currently working at the Office of the Governor, Washington State Lottery and Department of Health and their households are not eligible for these incentives.
relate news stories:
Ross: Washington finally has a vaccine lottery!--My Northwest
$2M in prizes being offered in Washington as incentive to get COVID-19 vaccine shots--Seattle Times
Quote: " The funding is a mixture of state funds and federal COVID-19 relief funds, but Washington State Lottery Director Marcus Glasper said the exact breakdown is still being worked out."
(2) IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES & FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC:
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2021 NE WA WOLF-LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT GRANTS
OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is now accepting applications for the Northeast Washington Wolf-Livestock Management grants.
Read the Request for Proposals to learn the general requirements and review the application instructions. The NE Washington Wolf-Livestock Management Grant application is available on our website and must be submitted to WSDA by 5 p.m., Thursday, June 10.
Applications are open to nonprofit, community-based organizations. The nonprofits must have advisory boards with personnel from relevant agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service or the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Other similar agencies may be acceptable.
First established during the 2017 legislative session, these grants are meant to support community-based efforts for using nonlethal methods of deterring wolves from livestock.
The grants are intended to support projects equally within four eligible counties - Stevens, Pend Oreille, Okanogan and Ferry counties. This year, the state Legislature provided $952,000 to continue this grant program for the 2022-2023 biennium.
Visit agr.wa.gov/grants and click on the Northeast Washington Wolf-Livestock Management Grant webpage to see the projects funded in earlier rounds. Email NEWolfGrant@agr.wa.gov with any questions about the grant program.
https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=32442
Public invited to comment on state draft commercial fish net pen guidance.
OLYMPIA –
The Department of Ecology is now accepting public comments on draft guidance designed to improve how commercial marine net pens are authorized, overseen, and managed in Washington.---DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2021/June-1-Net-Pen-Guidance
Cleaning up: New model remedies for contaminated historic orchard lands.
A pesticide called lead arsenate was widely used throughout Central Washington to control codling moth infestations on fruit trees in the early half of the 20th century (between 1900 and 1950). This resulted in widespread lead and arsenic contamination on historic orchard lands — mostly in Yakima, Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, and parts of Benton counties. Nearly 115,000 acres of land in Central Washington are considered historic orchard lands and are potentially contaminated by lead and arsenic. --DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/June-2021/Learn-about-our-new-model-remedies-for-cleaning-up
A no-contact advisory issued for Pomeroy Park and Illahee State Park, Kitsap County.
On 5/28/2021, Kitsap Public Health District issued a no-contact advisory at Pomeroy Park and Illahee State Park due to elevated bacteria levels during routine sampling. Signs are posted at public access points. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected area until further notice.
Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.---DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/May-2021/Fecal-Matters-A-no-contact-advisory-issued-for-Pom
FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC:
Kilmer, Strickland Lead Bipartisan WA Congressional Delegation Letter Urging VA to Improve Veterans’ Access to Health Care
Cantwell Hails Stop to Arctic Refuge Drilling
Senator Cantwell has led Senate efforts to protect pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for almost two decades.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-hails-stop-to-arctic-refuge-drilling
Senator Murray Helps Introduce Safe Gun Storage Act to Save Lives.
Legislation directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish federal safety standards for firearm locks and firearm safes.
( 3) THIS WEEKS HEADLINE NEWS:
WORLD HEADLINES:
Still time to reverse damage to ‘ravaged’ ecosystems, declares UN chief, marking Environment Day.
Amidst the triple environmental threat of biodiversity loss, climate disruption and escalating pollution, Secretary-General António Guterres launched “an unprecedented effort to heal the Earth”, on the eve of World Environment Day.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1093382
UN health agency urges nations to donate 250 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Some two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been distributed globally but only 0.5 per cent have reached low-income countries where frontline health workers and the elderly have yet to receive a shot, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1093372
Yemen: Health, environment and economy remain under threat from stricken oil tanker
There has been no further investigation into the state of the FSO Safer, a stricken tanker anchored just 4.8 nautical miles off the Yemen coast, meaning the risk of a massive oil leak continues to grow with each passing day, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1093352
UNRWA chief calls for ‘clear and unequivocal guarantees’ on staff safety in Hamas-controlled Gaza.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1093332
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Chemical Weapons in Syria--USUN
https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-briefing-on-chemical-weapons-in-syria-4/
On the 32nd Anniversary of Tiananmen Square--US STATE DEPT.
https://www.state.gov/on-the-32nd-anniversary-of-tiananmen-square/
NATIONAL HEADLINE NEWS:
JUNE 03, 2021--WH
Combating Climate Change Factors Into Defense Budget Request.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has said there is little that the department does that isn't impacted by climate change. The President's Fiscal 2022 Defense Budget Request reflects that reality. --DOD
U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Seeks Information on the Nondiscriminatory Administration of School Discipline.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued a Request for Information asking members of the public to submit written comments on the administration of school discipline in schools serving students in pre-k through grade 12. This information will assist OCR in determining what policy guidance, technical assistance, or other resources may help schools improve school climate and safety, and ensure equal access to education programs and activities, consistent with the civil rights laws that OCR enforces.
Media Statement from CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, on 40 years since CDC published its first report on HIV in the United States--CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/hiv-40-years.html
Couple Who Falsely Claimed to be Farmers Sentenced in $1.1 Million COVID-Relief Fraud
A Florida couple was sentenced to prison today for their participation in a scheme to file four fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $1.1 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. --DOJ
HUD SECRETARY MARCIA FUDGE ANNOUNCES $35 MILLION CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS IMPLEMENTATION GRANT DURING VISIT TO CAMDEN, NJ
Federal grant will leverage funding to revitalize Ablett Village public housing, Cramer Hill Neighborhood--HUD
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_21_096
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
An Uber-Interesting Poll
As observers of labor policy know, unions and their allies have undertaken a concerted effort in recent years to undermine independent contracting, and that effort has led to misguided policies like California’s notorious legislation known as AB 5, the ramifications of which are still unfolding. ---US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
https://www.uschamber.com/article/uber-interesting-poll
Treasury Sanctions Influential Bulgarian Individuals and Their Expansive Networks for Engaging in Corruption.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0208
USDA to Invest $1 Billion to Purchase Healthy Food for Food Insecure Americans and Build Food Bank Capacity
First Investment of the New ‘Build Back Better’ Initiative Will Serve as a Bridge from Pandemic Assistance to Food System Transformation--USDA
Jet Flight, Mail Bags, and Banking Regulation
Vice Chair for Supervision Randal K. Quarles--THE FED
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/quarles20210603a.htm
Claims Process Opens for Consumers Who Were Victimized by Fraudulent MoneyGram Transfers--FTC
Consumers who lost money to fraudsters and paid through MoneyGram between 2013 and 2017 can now file a claim to get their money back. This claims process is the result of settlements with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice charging that MoneyGram violated previous agreements with the government to crack down on fraudulent money transfers.
IRS reminds taxpayers living and working abroad of June 15 deadline.
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers living and working outside of the United States that they must file their 2020 federal income tax return by Tuesday, June 15. This deadline applies to both U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad, including those with dual citizenship.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminds-taxpayers-living-and-working-abroad-of-june-15-deadline
STATEMENT BY US SECRETARY OF LABOR WALSH ON THE MAY JOBS REPORT
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh issued the following statement on the May 2021 Employment Situation Report.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20210604
(4) NEWS COMMENTARIES & LOCAL MEETINGS:
Being on social media doesn’t make you a journalist | Editorial--Seattle Times
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/being-on-social-media-doesnt-make-you-a-journalist/
( I wanted to share this to show how snotty these people are!)
Washington court decides who’s a journalist, for now | Brier Dudley / Free Press editor
Big Tech’s Anti-Semitism Problem
Google and Facebook fail the simple test of having a consistent policy on hate speech.---Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/articles/80371-big-techs-anti-semitism-problem-2021-06-04
Like a True Socialist, AOC Blames Others For Her Nana's Woes--NEWSMAX
https://www.newsmax.com/michaeldorstewitz/alexandriaocasiocortez/2021/06/04/id/1023941/
Washington State Mandates Critical Race Theory In All Public Schools
While critical race theory training is pitched as a way to ensure 'equity' in the classroom, in truth, it’s far more sinister.--The Federalist
Pandemic Challenged Us, but Did Not Derail Us--Daily Signal
https://www.dailysignal.com/2021/06/04/pandemic-challenged-us-but-did-not-derail-us/
LOCAL MEETINGS
Clallam County meetings:
Clallam County Commission work session for 6/7/21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1266
Clallam County Board meeting for 6/8/21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7268
The Port of Port Angeles meeting secluded for 6/8/21
(Canceled.)
PASD Board Meeting
When: Thu, June 10, 7pm – 9pm
Where: 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA, Lincoln Center.
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 6/7/21
Port Townsend City Council meeting for 6/7/21
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1678
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 6/9/21
https://portofpt.com/event/june-9-commission-meeting/
