AG Ferguson: PeaceHealth will return up to $13.4 million to patients who should have received financial assistance.

  

Source Link: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-peacehealth-will-return-134-million-patients-who-should-have

Hospital chain billed thousands of low-income patients without notifying them that they were likely eligible for financial assistance with their hospital bills.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that hospital chain PeaceHealth is refunding up to $13.4 million to more than 15,000 low-income patients of its five western Washington hospitals. The refunds are a result of an Attorney General’s Office investigation into the hospital chain’s financial assistance and collection practices. Ferguson’s investigation found that PeaceHealth billed thousands of low-income patients who likely qualified for financial assistance without informing them of their eligibility.

PeaceHealth operates hospitals in Bellingham, Friday Harbor, Longview, Sedro-Woolley and Vancouver. This resolution impacts patients at all five hospitals. 

“I appreciate PeaceHealth’s cooperation in reaching this resolution that fully refunds Washingtonians for millions of dollars in medical payments, plus interest, without the need for litigation,” Ferguson said. “Washington’s hospital financial assistance law helps working families avoid crushing medical debt by making help available to those who qualify.”

At the time of the unlawful conduct, Washington households making at or below 200% of the federal poverty level were eligible for free care or discounts on out-of-pocket hospital expenses. As a result of a new law proposed by Attorney General Ferguson, Washington law now guarantees individuals making up to 400% of the federal poverty level receive financial assistance on their out-of-pocket hospital expenses, regardless of their insurance. Millions of Washingtonians are eligible for full write-offs for necessary medical expenses received in Washington hospitals. For more information about Washington’s medical financial assistance law, including tools to see if you qualify, visit affordablehospital.wa.gov. 

According to a consent decree, filed today in Whatcom County Superior Court, PeaceHealth will pay approximately $4.2 million in direct refunds — including more than $400,000 in interest — to more than 4,500 patients. This represents full restitution, plus interest, for these impacted consumers. The average payment to these individuals will be more than $900. Eight Washingtonians will receive more than $10,000. Nearly 50 will see refunds of more than $5,000. Washingtonians will receive direct refunds in the form of checks in the mail. 

PeaceHealth is also required to refund up to an additional $9.2 million — including more than $900,000 interest — through a claims process to approximately 11,000 patients who were also likely eligible for help on their medical bills. If they file claims, these 11,000 patients will receive full restitution plus interest. Qualifying patients will receive a letter from the Attorney General’s Office informing them of the resolution and refund process.

The primary difference between the two groups of consumers relates to their estimated income level. The first group likely has a lower estimated income, while the second group likely has a higher level. The additional 11,000 patients can return a simple form proving that they qualify to receive assistance. Impacted patients will qualify for assistance if their income is under the threshold of PeaceHealth’s public-facing financial assistance policy, which was higher than the law required at the time of PeaceHealth’s conduct.  

None of the impacted patients have outstanding medical debt for hospital care they received from PeaceHealth during the time in question.

If patients have questions about whether they qualify for this resolution, they should contact PeaceHealth. The Attorney General’s Office does not have patient data. PeaceHealth can be reached at 877-314-2011. Anyone who feels they are not receiving the financial assistance on their hospital bill they are entitled to should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

In addition to the up to $13.4 million in patient refunds, PeaceHealth will pay $2 million to the Attorney General’s Office. That payment will reimburse the costs of the investigation and help fund the office’s continued work to ensure Washington hospitals are following the state’s medical financial assistance laws.

Case Background

The Attorney General’s Office began investigating PeaceHealth in 2020 as part of the office’s Health Care Initiative.

PeaceHealth locations in Washington are:

St. Joseph Medical Center — Bellingham

Peace Island Medical Center — Friday Harbor

St. John Medical Center — Longview

United General Medical Center — Sedro-Woolley

Southwest Medical Center — Vancouver

Ferguson’s investigation found that PeaceHealth failed to screen patients for financial assistance eligibility prior to attempting to collect payment, failed to meaningfully disclose the availability of financial assistance and collected payment from patients who it knew were likely eligible for financial assistance without disclosing their eligibility.

PeaceHealth runs its patients through a tool that uses public data and analytics to predict which patients may be eligible for financial assistance. However, instead of notifying patients who it found were likely eligible, PeaceHealth billed them for their care. 

Many eligible patients paid for their care without knowing they likely qualified for financial assistance.

If the patient did not pay, or pay the entire balance, after being sent four bills, PeaceHealth did write off the bill, but did not inform the patient of their financial assistance eligibility. 

Resolution details

In addition to paying restitution to patients and money to the Attorney General’s Office to fund continued enforcement of the state’s medical financial assistance laws, PeaceHealth is required to:

Notify all patients of the availability of financial assistance prior to attempting to collect payment, and offer to screen the patient for eligibility, 

Provide patients with a financial assistance application if the patient appears to be eligible after screening, or if the patient requests one, and

Refrain from billing or attempting to collect payment until the patient’s financial assistance application is processed.

Assistant Attorneys General Audrey Udashen and Will O’Connor, investigators Bau Vang and Matthew Befort, paralegal Jen Killoren and legal assistant Joshua Bennett handled the case for the Attorney General’s Office.

If you were billed for, or paid for health care at a Washington hospital but believe you were eligible for financial assistance, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office. 

Previous AGO enforcement of Washington’s charity care law

Ferguson filed three other lawsuits against Washington hospitals for violating Washington’s Consumer Protection Act by preventing low-income patients from accessing charity care. 

In February 2022, Ferguson filed a consumer protection lawsuit against five Swedish hospitals and nine Providence-affiliated facilities for failing to ensure that eligible low-income Washingtonians receive the discounts to which they are legally entitled, and aggressively collecting money from charity care eligible low-income Washingtonians. All of the hospitals are part of Providence St. Joseph Health, a national, non-profit health system based in Washington. That lawsuit is ongoing, and currently slated for trial in February.

As the result of a 2017 lawsuit, CHI Franciscan provided $41 million in debt relief and $1.8 million in refunds, in addition to rehabilitating the credit of thousands of patients who were not offered charity care when they were eligible at eight of its hospitals in Washington. CHI Franciscan also paid $2.46 million to the Attorney General’s Office to cover the costs of the investigation and enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act.

Ferguson also sued Capital Medical Center in Olympia the same year over its charity care practices. To resolve the lawsuit, Capital provided at least $250,000 in refunds and more than $131,000 in debt relief. In addition, Capital paid $1.2 million to the Attorney General’s Office.

Expanding access to medical financial assistance

 

Starting in July 2022, four million Washingtonians are qualified for free or discounted care at hospitals across Washington as a result of legislation that Ferguson requested.

The legislation requires large hospital systems to provide more financial assistance. Approximately half of all Washingtonians are now eligible for free or reduced-cost care at hospitals that represent approximately 80 percent of the licensed beds in the state. 

Ferguson worked with prime sponsor Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton, and Reps. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, and Nicole Macri, D-Seattle, on HB 1616 to strengthen Washington’s law.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES

AG Ferguson wins largest-ever federal Emmett Till grant for Indigenous cold case project.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office will partner with tribes across Washington to research, identify and create an inventory of cold cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous people that date back more than 40 years. /WAAG

Free Entrepreneurship Expo Nov. 30 wraps up Global Entrepreneurship Month training sessions.

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce will wrap up its annual Global Entrepreneurship Month activities on Nov. 30 with an online Entrepreneur Expo.  The free virtual Zoom session will cover a wide range of topics for current and prospective startups and small business owners, including artificial intelligence, funding opportunities, and Gen Z in the workplace. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. online./WAAG

Hanford Site agencies to hold cleanup dialogue meeting in Kennewick on Dec. 5.

KENNEWICK  – 

The public is invited to ask questions and learn about Hanford Site cleanup during an in-person Hanford Dialogue meeting in Kennewick on Tuesday, Dec. 5./DOE

Payroll employment grows in September; unemployment rate holds steady

OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy gained an estimated 7,900 jobs (seasonally adjusted) and the monthly unemployment rate remained constant at 3.6% in September./ESD

WDFW adopts new rule to offer incentives for chronic wasting disease testing.

SPOKANE- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) this week adopted a rule change allowing the Department to offer an incentive to hunters who have their harvested deer and elk tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD)./WDFW

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSINAL DELEGATION

Senator Murray Announces Nearly $2 Million to Clean Up Hazardous Sites, Research Impact of Environmental Stressors on Children

Senator Murray: “Cleaning up hazardous brownfield sites and understanding the effects that agricultural pesticides have on children’s health are important steps towards protecting our environment and families in Washington state.”/ FROM A PRESS RELEASE

Murray, Blumenthal, Wyden, Rep. Himes Introduce Legislation to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT-04), in introducing the Lori Jackson – Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence. Every month, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner and nearly 1 million women alive today have reported being shot or shot at by intimate partners, according to Everytown for Gun Safety./ FROM A PRESS REALEASE ISSUED

3) WORLD< NATIONAL <BUSINESS

WORLD:

Second Committee Approves Nine Draft Resolutions, Including Texts on International Tax Cooperation, External Debt, Global Climate, Poverty Eradication

The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today concluded its seventy-eighth session, approving nine draft resolutions and two draft decisions on a range of topics, voting on a draft addressing international tax cooperation./UN PRESS RELEASE

With People Suffering, Planet Burning, Secretary-General Stresses to Group of 20 Summit ‘We Are One Earth and One Family with One Future, So Let’s Act Like It’

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Virtual Group of 20 Summit, hosted by India, today./ UN PRESS RELEASE

Secretary-General Welcomes Agreement between Israel, Hamas, Calling It ‘an Important Step in the Right Direction’/ UN PRESS RELEASE

Joint Statement on the DPRK’s November 21 Space Launch Vehicle

Albania, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States strongly condemn the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) November 21 launch of a space launch vehicle (SLV) using ballistic missile technology, in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions. In addition to launching three SLVs this year, the DPRK has launched 29 ballistic missiles, including four ICBMs. This behavior threatens international and regional peace and security, and seeks to undermine the Security Council’s credibility and the global nonproliferation regime./UN PRESS RELEASE

Austin Kicks Off Meeting on Ukraine Defense.

The U.S.-led international coalition that has rallied behind Ukraine remains undeterred as Russia continues its war of aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today as he convened a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group./STATE DEPT.

NATION:

FACT SHEET: Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Latest Steps to Support Small Businesses/WH

U.S. Endorses Responsible AI Measures for Global Militaries.

The United States government is leading global efforts to build strong norms that will promote the responsible military use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Last week, the State Department announced that 47 states have now endorsed the "Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy" that the government first launched at The Hauge on Feb. 16./DOE

Cyber Scam Organization Disrupted Through Seizure of Nearly $9M in Crypto.

The Justice Department announced today the seizure of nearly $9 million worth of Tether, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar. These seized funds were traced to cryptocurrency addresses allegedly associated with an organization that exploited over 70 victims through romance scams and cryptocurrency confidence scams, which are widely known as “pig butchering.”/DOJ

CF Dallas, LLC, in Coordination with Sofia Produce, LLC Dba Trufresh, Voluntarily Recalls Select Fresh-Cut Fruit Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination/ FDA

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2024

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2 percent in 2024./Social Security Dept.

BUSINESS: 

USDA and the U.S. Small Business Administration Strengthen Partnership to Create Jobs and Economic Growth in Rural America/USDA

FTC Authorizes Compulsory Process for AI-related Products and Services.

The Federal Trade Commission has approved an omnibus resolution authorizing the use of compulsory process in nonpublic investigations involving products and services that use or claim to be produced using artificial intelligence (AI) or claim to detect its use./FTC

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FINAL RULE REQUIRES STATE MERIT STAFF TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROGRAMS, IMPROVES DELIVERY FOR JOBSEEKERS, EMPLOYERS/DEPT OF LABOR

Former Virginia Ambulance Service Owner Found Guilty of Tax Evasion, Filing False Returns and Obstructing the IRS/DOJ

IRS announces delay in Form 1099-K reporting threshold for third party platform payments in 2023; plans for a threshold of $5,000 for 2024 to phase in implementation/IRS

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS FOR: 11/25/23

https://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/in-focus-local-meeting-for-112523.html

Inslee issues executive order to strengthen plain language writing and design requirements.

 

Link Source: https://governor.wa.gov/news/2023/inslee-issues-executive-order-strengthen-plain-language-writing-and-design-requirements

November 15, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signed an executive order Wednesday that requires state agencies to create and adopt a plain language policy. Plain language writing and design ensures information is concise, inclusive and easy to understand.

Executive Order 23-02 directs agencies to prioritize their most-viewed, public-facing materials. Then, agencies will simplify and review the content on a regular basis to ensure these documents follow plain language writing and design principles. Agencies will also assign certain employees to take plain language training, and the Department of Enterprise Services will update its plain language curriculum.

Using plain language minimizes confusion and errors. It also supports efforts to make information available in multiple languages and improves accessibility for people who use screen readers or other accessibility tools.

Inslee has connected the state’s equity efforts to how important it is for the public to access easy-to-understand information.

“Any complexity adds to inequity,” Inslee remarked at a July 2021 meeting about digital equity. “The more complex [something is], the more challenging because of language or disability to navigate [a system], you’re just putting up more U-turns and dead ends.”

Inslee has championed a statewide Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) approach to serve Washingtonians, and accessible communication is part of PEAR efforts. The updated order also supports a multilingual environment where more than 230 languages are spoken in the state.

The order replaces a 2005 executive order signed by then-Gov. Christine Gregoire that was limited to fewer agencies. In 2010, President Barack Obama signed a federal measure, the Plain Language Act of 2010. Much of Washington state government continues to be one of the nationally known adopters of plain language principles over time. Inslee’s new order builds on these policies and installs leadership within each agency to improve public-facing communication.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS:

SEATTLE — Today Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the first criminal prosecution by his new Organized Retail Crime Unit, and the first leader for the Unit. 

The Attorney General’s Office charged Shawn Nanez, a 33-year-old from Bremerton, in King County Superior Court with felony first-degree organized retail theft. The criminal charges stem from 11 thefts totaling more than $50,000 in merchandise from Target stores in King and Kitsap counties. The 11 thefts occurred in a two-month period between April and May 2022. Video footage showed Nanez using a tool to break into security cases that contained electronic items like speakers and headphones. He then took the items out and loaded them into a shopping cart. He walked out of the stores without paying for any of the items. After his arrest on June 3, 2022, Nanez told investigators he sold the merchandise to a third party for cash./WAAG

Children Finding Family: Public Welcome as Courts Complete Adoptions and Celebrate National Adoption Day Nov. 16-17

November 13, 2023

Several dozen children in Washington foster care will be adopted into new families this week as courts and child welfare offices across the state celebrate National Adoption Day by welcoming families and the public into courthouses, and many by completing adoptions during the celebrations./WA COURTS

Commerce awards nearly $3 million to help cities plan for increasing middle housing options.

Grants will support adoption of local actions that aim to accommodate projected housing needs at all income levels through different types of units, providing more affordable housing options

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Department of Commerce today announced nearly $3 million for 54 cities across 16 Washington counties to support the adoption of local comprehensive plan policies and zoning codes to allow more middle housing in residential neighborhoods. Increasing the availability and variety of different housing types is essential to address the shortage that continues to drive up home prices and rents, threatening the potential for homeownership and financial security of many Washington residents in communities throughout the state, not just urban centers./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.

State and EPA ready grants to restore salmon habitat, improve water quality near Puget Sound.

OLYMPIA  – 

In areas where native trees and vegetation are allowed to thrive along a riverbank, streams typically have better water quality, provide more suitable habitat for salmon and are more resilient to climate change./DOE

WA DFI Issues Action Against GSPartners, Citing Certificate Sales and Multi-Level Marketing Program Violate State Securities Law/DFI

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Cantwell, Rounds Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Tribal Access to Economic Development Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen tribal economic development programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Rural Economic-Development Assistance and Consultation to Help (REACH) Our Tribes Act would improve USDA’s tribal consultation, data reporting, and interagency collaboration for economic development./PRESS RELEASE

In Two Years of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, WA Has Received $5.3 Billion for Nearly 1,200 Transportation Projects

Ports, railroads, airports, & highways will operate more safely & efficiently thanks to once-in-a-generation investment in American infrastructure; Entities across WA - from Spokane Itnl Airport to Washougal’s rail underpass to the Port of Tacoma’s Husky Terminal - are making multimillion dollar upgrades this year with new infrastructure funds/PRESS RELEASE

Senator Murray Announces Over $8.7 Million for Five Projects Across WA to Restore Fish Habitats and Boost Ecosystem Health/PRESS RELEASE

Senator Murray Celebrates Second Anniversary of Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law That Has Sent Nearly $8 Billion to Washington State So Far

Nearly $8 billion in funding for WA has been announced so far from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than 465 projects in WA identified for funding/PRESS RELEASE

3) WORLD< NATIONAL< BUSINESS

WORLD:

Concluding Its Session, Third Committee Approves 11 Draft Resolutions, Including Texts on Youth, Girl Child, Racism, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) concluded its work today, approving 11 draft resolutions on issues ranging from the rights of the child and protection of migrants to the elimination of racism and programmes involving youth./UN PRESS RELEASE

Bureau of General Assembly Palestinian Rights Committee Welcomes Security Council Resolution 2712 (2023) Demanding Compliance with International Law in Gaza/ UN PRESS RELEASE

With Violent Conflicts Increasing, Speakers Say Security Council Reforms Crucial to Ensure International Peace, Stability, as General Assembly Begins Debate

Appointments Made to Committees on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Contributions, Investments, Independent Audit Advisory Committee, Auditors Board/ UN PRESS RELEASE

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

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Philippines 123 Agreement Signing Ceremony/US STATE DEPT.

NATION:

With Continuing Resolution, Service Members to Get Paid Through Holidays/DOD

Justice Department's Procurement Collusion Strike Force Holds Its First Summit to Discuss Strategies to Combat Emerging Threats/DOJ

CDC and FDA Expedite the Availability of Additional Doses of New RSV Immunization for Infants/CDC

Global measles threat continues to grow as another year passes with millions of children unvaccinated/CDC

Federal Judge Enters Consent Decrees Against Utah-Based Dietary Supplement Distributor and Manufacturer of Balance of Nature Products/FDA

BUSINESS

USDA Announces Planned Trade Missions for 2024, Shares Next Steps for Regional Agricultural Promotion Program

Regional Agricultural Promotion Program and trade missions will help to build on two record years for U.S. agricultural exports/USDA

U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS Propose New Rules to Drive Clean Energy Investments/US TREASURY

Pharmacy Owners and Doctor Convicted for $145M Health Care Fraud, Money Laundering, and Tax Evasion Scheme/DOJ

Global Linkages: Supply, Spillovers, and Common Challenges

Governor Lisa D. Cook

At “Global Linkages in a Post-Pandemic World” 2023 Asia Economic Policy Conference, sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Center for Pacific Basin Studies, San Francisco, California/THE FED

Government Shutdown: State-by-State Impact

If the federal government shuts down, small businesses, members of the military, and residents, workers and tourists in every state would be affected./US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS FOR 11/18/23

https://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/in-focus-local-meetings-for-111823.html

Chief investigator hired to lead AG Ferguson’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Cold Case Unit.

  

Source Link: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/chief-investigator-hired-lead-ag-ferguson-s-missing-and-murdered-indigenous

Veteran investigator and tribal member Brian George to lead new unit

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that Brian George, a 27-year law enforcement veteran and enrolled member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, will lead the investigations work for the office’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Cold Case Unit. It is the first unit of its kind in the nation.

The cold case unit’s primary purpose is to assist local and tribal law enforcement agencies to solve cold cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women and people. The unit will be housed within the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Division.

George comes to the office following more than 25 years of service with the Washington State Patrol, most recently as the director of the Washington State Fusion Center. The Fusion Center supports federal, state, and tribal agencies, regional and local law enforcement, public safety and homeland security by providing intelligence and information statewide. He started his career as an officer with the Suquamish Tribal Police Department.

“Hiring a leader for my office’s new cold case unit is an important step as we pursue justice and accountability in these cases,” Ferguson said. “Our first-of-its kind unit represents the commitment of our state to do all we can to support law enforcement and Indigenous families affected by this crisis.”

“It’s taken a lot of work to get to this point, and there’s more to do,” George said. “This is meaningful, important work supporting law enforcement in bringing closure to families who have been waiting too long. I’m eager to get started.”

In addition to George, the unit will include investigators and a case navigator whose primary function is to work with and maintain regular, consistent communication with families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people, and to convey information between the investigators and families using culturally appropriate and trauma informed practices. The office is reviewing applications for the investigator positions, and expects to post the navigator position this month.

American Indian and Alaskan Native women and people experience violence at much higher rates than other populations. The National Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that homicide is the sixth-leading cause of death for Indigenous women and girls and the third-leading cause of death for Indigenous men. A recent federal study reported that Native American women are murdered at rates 10 times the national average in some jurisdictions.

According to data from the Homicide Investigation Tracking System in the Attorney General’s Office, Indigenous victims are 5% of the unresolved cases throughout the state, while making up less than 2% of the population. Due to reporting practices, racial misclassification, data collection and jurisdictional issues, the actual disparity is likely even more significant.

Background on the Cold Case Unit

In 2021, the Attorney General’s Office convened the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force. In 2022, the Task Force unanimously recommended the creation of a cold case unit in the Attorney General’s Office focused on cases involving Indigenous people.

In 2023, Attorney General Bob Ferguson partnered with Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Anacortes, and Senator Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, to propose legislation creating a Cold Case Investigations Unit focused on solving cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people.

The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Inslee.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS

Washington State Public Works Board opens application cycle for $15.8 million in broadband funding.

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Public Works Board today opened applications for broadband funding, offering $15.8 million in grants and low-interest loans for broadband construction projects. Projects in distressed counties are eligible for 30% grant and 70% loan funding, until funds are exhausted./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.

Ecology, Olympia Brewery owner reach settlement over 2019 spill.

OLYMPIA  – 

The Washington Department of Ecology has reached a settlement agreement with Tumwater Development, LLC over penalties and costs from a 2019 spill at the site of the former Olympia Brewery./DOE

WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs starting Nov. 12.

OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed today coastal razor clam digging opportunities will begin Nov. 12./WDFW

Fish and Wildlife Commission meets Nov. 17 to decide on species listing recommendation.

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet virtually on Nov. 17 to issue a decision on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)’s recommendation to uplist the western gray squirrel to a Washington endangered species./WDFW

This specialized crisis line continues to grow and support Native people in Washington state

OLYMPIA – Washington state’s Native and Strong Lifeline celebrates its first anniversary this Friday, November 10. It’s the nation’s first suicide prevention, crisis, and help line fully staffed and run by Native crisis counselors that serves American Indian and Alaska Native people. Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) operates the line./DOH

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION.

 Cantwell Calls on Defense Department to Identify Funding Needs to Address PFAS Testing Backlog

In letter, Senators urge DoD to address “growing backlog of contaminated sites across the country”; Dangerous “forever chemicals” found in drinking water near military bases, including in Spokane, Yakima, Tacoma, Whidbey Island, and other areas of Washington state./ From a press release 11/9/23

Federal Action Needed to Help Tribes Confront the Fentanyl Crisis, Say Cantwell, Lummi Chair Hillaire at Senate Hearing

“We've talked to Tribal leaders in Spokane, Colville, Yakama, Cowlitz, Jamestown, Puyallup, Tulalip…we must increase treatment and recovery capacity,” says Cantwell Cantwell’s fentanyl crisis response has included listening sessions in nine WA communities and legislative action, plus direct intervention revealed by Chairman Hillaire in testimony at today’s hearing/ In a Press release dated 11/8/23

REPRESENTATIVE DEREK KILMER ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION.

“Over most of the past decade, each time I boarded the plane to DC, I would email my kids, Sophie and Aven, to explain to them why I was leaving – and what I’d be working on while we were apart. 

When they were little, those letters were elementary. “This week, I’ll be working for more jobs in our region” or “I’ll be fighting this week against things that might make it harder for you to have clean air or good health care.” My letters always ended with “Be good. I love you.”/ Press release issued 11/9/23

Murray, Durbin, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Designate Palestinian Territories for Temporary Protected Status or Authorize Deferred Enforced Departure for Palestinians in U.S./ From a press release issued 11/8/23

Senator Murray Chairs Hearing on President’s Funding Requests, Underscores Need to Act on Request to Tackle Growing Child Care Crisis

Senator Murray: “If we don’t act soon, the child care crisis is going to keep getting worse—and it will continue hurting our economy in the process.”/ Press release issued 11/8/23

3) WORLD, NATION, & BUSINESS HEADLINES

WORLD

Second Committee Approves Three Resolutions, Including Text Demanding Israel Cease Exploitation of Natural Resources in Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syrian Golan

The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today approved three resolutions, voting on two of them, including one demanding that Israel cease the exploitation, damage, cause of loss or depletion and endangerment of the natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in the occupied Syrian Golan./ UN PRESS RELEASE

Security Council Elects Five Judges to International Court of Justice after Five Rounds of Voting

Out of Nine Candidates, One Re-elected to Further Term of Office

The Security Council, meeting independently from but concurrently with the General Assembly today, elected five judges to the International Court of Justice beginning on 6 February 2024./ UN PRESS RELEASE

Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the International Court of Justice Election/USUN

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press

REMARKS TO THE PRESS

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon.  So we just had a very productive 2+2 session with Secretary of Defense Austin and our Indian counterparts.  This builds on the important visit that Prime Minister Modi made to the United States followed by President Biden’s visit here for the G20.  And we continue – India and the United States – to deepen our partnership, to deepen our collaboration on everything from emerging technologies to defense to people-to-people ties, as well as our shared diplomacy to try to advance an Indo-Pacific region that’s free, that’s open, that’s prosperous, that’s resilient./ US STATE DEPT.

Austin Marks 'Transformative' Ties With India at Talks in New Delhi

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III lauded the strong partnership between the U.S. and India following his talks today with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi./DOD

NATION:

DOD Implores Congress to Provide Ukraine Defense Funding.

The Defense Department is beseeching Congress to pass the supplemental budget request that President Joe Biden initially made in August to continue to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs, said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, who held a news conference today./DOD

Justice Department Secures Agreement with South Dakota Hotel and Sports Lounge to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination Against Native Americans/DOJ

Jamaican National Sentenced for Role in Fraudulent Sweepstakes Scheme that Targeted Elderly Victims/DOJ

Biden-Harris Administration Premiers Public Service Announcement Elevating the Teaching Profession

PSA is part of “Teachers: Leaders Shaping Lives” campaign to elevate the teaching profession and promote educator diversity/DEPT. OF EDUCATION

Federal Housing Administration Proposes Update to Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Assignment Claims Eligibility to Strengthen Market Liquidity

Proposal posted for feedback will ensure long-term program viability and expanded availability for senior homeowners./HUD

BUSINESS:

Couple Charged for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Pyramid Scheme.

A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas returned an indictment yesterday charging a Texas couple for operating an illegal pyramid scheme that defrauded thousands of participants of more than $10 million./DOJ

Biden-Harris Administration Invests More Than $1.2 Billion in Rural Cooperatives to Increase Economic Opportunity and Advance Equity in Rural America/USDA

IRS Achieves Key Paperless Processing Initiative Goal, Outlines Improvements for Filing Season 2024/ US TREASURY

Opening Remarks

Chair Jerome H. Powell

At "Monetary Policy Challenges in a Global Economy," a policy panel at the 24th Jacques Polak Annual Research Conference, hosted by the International Monetary Fund, Washington, D.C./THE FED

FTC Publishes Proposed 2024 Budget for Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority/ FTC

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS FOR 11/11/23

https://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/in-focus-local-meetings-for-111123.html

Ecology seeks community input on local air quality issues.

Source link: https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/ecology-seeks-community-input-on-local-air-quality

SPOKANE, WASH.  – 

The Washington Department of Ecology is working with partners in eastern Washington to expand the state’s air monitoring network. The goal is to better track and start to address air pollution in overburdened communities that are highly impacted by pollution. 

As part of the planning for this expansion, Ecology and the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency will hold in-person open houses next week in Spokane to hear from community members about their air pollution concerns. Ecology will hold similar events in George and Mattawa later in the month.

The open house meetings will be held:

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 3-7 p.m.

Central Spokane Public Library, 906 West Main Ave., Spokane 

Thursday Nov. 9, 3-7 p.m.

The Hive – Spokane Public Library, 2904 East Sprague Ave., Spokane 

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 3-7 p.m.

George Community Hall, 403 West Montmorency Blvd., George 

Thursday, Nov. 16, 3-7 p.m.

Wahluke High School, 505 North Boundary Road, Mattawa 

Anyone who is worried about the outdoor air where they live, work, or play is invited to visit one of the open houses to share their experience and to learn more. They can also provide input to help Ecology identify additional monitoring locations in their community.

The open houses are part of new air quality and environmental justice work – funded under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) – that is focused on Washington communities that are historically overburdened with health, social and environmental inequities and highly impacted by air pollution. 

“The success of this work involves many steps and depends on ongoing relationships with local communities,” said Abigail Ruskey, environmental justice planner in Ecology’s Air Quality Program. “These upcoming events are an opportunity for informal conversations to help us make sure we’re putting effort and resources where they will do the most good.”

Ecology staff and air quality experts will be at the meetings to provide information on air quality and the new program, and to listen to the public’s input. Light refreshments will be served.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS:

Washington seeks to link carbon market with California, Québec.

OLYMPIA  – 

Connecting Washington’s cap-and-invest program to similar carbon markets in California and Québec could create a stronger, more durable system with significant benefits for our state. That is the conclusion that Washington Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson made in her preliminary decision today. The decision clears the way for the agency to begin discussions with those potential partners on what a combined program might look like. /DOE

Plastic bottles and bags to be made with more recycled content.

OLYMPIA  – 

You can find plastic trash everywhere. It’s one of the most common items in roadside litter. Plastic bottles and containers end up in our lakes and rivers, and plastic refuse mars our parks and public spaces. Moreover, the fossil fuels that go into making these products contribute to climate change. /DOE

2023 Washington Governor’s Smart Communities Award recipients announced.

Annual awards recognize excellence, creativity, collaboration in land use planning and development

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce is pleased to announce the 11 winners of the 2023 Governor’s Smart Communities Awards. Presented annually since 2006, the Smart Communities Awards program recognizes local governments and their partners for exceptional land use planning and development. The awards showcase effective implementation of the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA)./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.

Fall 2023 Division of Consumer Services Newsletter

Fall 2023 news and updates from DFI's Division of Consumer Services./DFI

Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program accepting project proposals to restore and protect Puget Sound shorelines, estuaries.

OLYMPIA – The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) is now accepting proposals for small grant projects that advance Puget Sound shoreline restoration and protection./WDFW

Pierce County dentist suspended on charges of unsafe practices while using moderate sedation.

OLYMPIA – The Dental Quality Assurance Commission suspended the Pierce County dentist license (DE00009351) and moderate sedation permit (CS10000438) of Thi D. Nguyen pending further legal action./DOH

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:

KILMER STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF PARTISAN, INCOMPLETE SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL LEGISLATION

KILMER ADVOCATES FOR A FUNDING PACKAGE THAT SUPPORTS ALLIES, DELIVERS HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, AND UPHOLDS DEMOCRACY WORLDWIDE./ FROM PRESS RELASE ISSUDE 11/02/23

KILMER ANNOUNCES $1.35 MILLION FOR CLEAN ENERGY RESEARCH IN SEQUIM

SEQUIM’S PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY TO SPEARHEAD EXTRACTION OF CRITICAL MINERALS FOR ENERGY APPLICATIONS/ PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/3/23

Cantwell Holds Fentanyl Briefing with Dept. of Homeland Security, ONDCP, and Dept. of Commerce Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, held a briefing on the role of commerce and transportation in the fentanyl crisis for a bipartisan group of committee colleagues. Briefers included representatives from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce (DOC)./ PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/1/23

Cantwell, Hickenlooper Bill to Clean Up Space Junk Passes Senate Unanimously

ORBITS Act would support technologies to clear the nearly 1 million pieces of dangerous orbital debris that endanger astronauts and satellites/ PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/1/23

Senator Murray Secures Senate Passage of Three Bipartisan Appropriations Bills; Legislation Includes Hundreds of Millions for WA State Priorities and Local Projects

ICYMI: Senate overwhelmingly passes MilCon-VA, Ag-FDA, and Transportation-HUD appropriations bills; As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murray authored and secured Senate passage of the “minibus” bill/ PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/1/23

Senator Murray Calls for Humanitarian Pause in Israel-Hamas War, Release of Hostages, Humanitarian Aid for Civilians in Gaza

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement calling for a humanitarian pause in the Israel-Hamas war to allow critical humanitarian aid to reach innocent civilians in Gaza, while reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism./ PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/2/23

3) WORLD, NATION, and BUSINESS:

WORLD:

First Committee Coalesces Around UN Disarmament Machinery Drafts, But Differences Persist over ‘ICT’ Security, Regional Disarmament in Mediterranean Region

Twenty-Two More Drafts Sent to General Assembly for Adoption/ UN PRESS RELASE

Sustained, Structured Conversation around Risks, Challenges, Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence Vital, Secretary-General Tells Safety Summit

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks on the occasion of the United Kingdom AI [artificial intelligence] Safety Summit, in London today/ UN PRESS RELEASE

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Israeli President Isaac Herzog Before Their Meeting/ US STATE DEPT.

Explanation of Vote After the Vote on a UN General Assembly Resolution on the Cuba Embargo/ USUN

Defense Department Continues to Stress Law of War With Israel/DOD

NATION:

Two Nigerian Nationals Sentenced to Prison for International Scheme That Defrauded Elderly U.S. Victims.

Two Nigerian nationals who were extradited to the United States from Spain were sentenced to 128 and 87 months in prison for their roles in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme. With today’s sentencing, five defendants who were extradited from the United Kingdom and Spain in connection with this matter have been sentenced./DOJ

In Celebration of 2nd Anniversary, Justice Department’s Office for Access to Justice Publishes Report on Economic Justice Policies that Reduce Reliance on Fines and Fees/DOJ

U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Reaches Agreement to Resolve Sexual Harassment Investigation of Arcadia University in Pennsylvania/ DEPT. of EDUCATION

Federal Housing Administration Changes Appraisal Requirements for Certain Manufactured Homes to Enhance Financing Flexibility for Borrowers

Updated requirements for valuation of manufactured homes contribute to FHA’s efforts to increase the availability and affordability of manufactured housing as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan./HUD

FDA Proposes to Ban Food Additive, Continues Assessments of Additional Chemicals.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed to revoke the regulation authorizing the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food. The agency concluded that the intended use of BVO in food is no longer considered safe after the results of studies External Link Disclaimer conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found the potential for adverse health effects in humans/ FDA

BUSINESS:

Rising Crime Is a Risk for Businesses. What Can Be Done?

Crime continues to be a major problem for businesses large and small across the country. Federal, state, and local officials have pursued anti-crime efforts but further action is needed. Here are the Chamber's policy recommendations./ US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Responsible Parties Reach Settlement for More Than $33 Million to Restore Natural Resources in Portland Harbor/ DOJ

U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS Open Registration for Car Dealers to Receive Direct Tax Credit Payments to Expand Access to Clean Vehicles, Help Car Dealers Grow Businesses/ TREASURY DEPT

USDA Announces Early Release of Select Commodity Tables for Agricultural Projections to 2033/USDA

Digital asset public hearing rescheduled for Nov. 13

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the hearing on proposed regulations regarding digital asset transactions currently scheduled for Nov. 7 has been rescheduled for Nov. 13, 2023./IRS

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETING FOR 11/4/23