The new program will use Washington wage standards to determine eligibility for low- and no-carbon heating and cooling options.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – People across the county, including here in Washington, have benefitted from federal energy bill and weatherization support since the 1980s. Now, a new Washington State Department of Commerce program will take the best parts of the federal program and shape them to our specific needs.
The new State Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP) will use $35 million in Climate Commitment Act funding to support more people in Washington in paying their utility bills and switching to low- and no-carbon heating and cooling options. It’s open to people making up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), or about $70,000 in Seattle and $55,000 in Spokane for an individual. This expands eligibility to more than 1.2 million people across Washington, an increase from 500,000 with the federal Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
This wider net reflects the increased cost of living in Washington. LIHEAP’s benefit maxes out at 150% of the federal poverty level, which is about $23,000 for an individual no matter where they live in Washington.
Commerce already implements the state’s LIHEAP program through a network of partner organizations across the state. SHEAP will use those same relationships to support more people.
Partner agencies have had funding from the bill assistance program beginning Sept. 1. Since then, it’s already helped people in their communities.
“Blue Mountain Action Council is grateful to have the State’s new Home Energy Assistance Program, which is already changing lives in our region,” said Danielle Garbe Reser, the CEO of the Blue Mountain Action Council, which serves Walla Walla County and other parts of southeast Washington. “One recent case we had was a disabled woman who is working but cannot make ends meet on her salary. She’s been choosing between eating and paying her bills because she is over income for SNAP benefits. She told our team that she was so grateful for this energy bill assistance because when she doesn’t eat, her health conditions are worse. We’ll also be screening her for weatherization support in case we can upgrade her home to help her bring her energy bills down even more. Thank you for giving us this flexibility to help more people.”
“Legislators and the governor have given us tools to ensure that low-income households can seize the benefits of our clean energy transformation,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “Commerce is making sure vulnerable and low-income households across Washington can access these cost-saving technologies and bill pay support.”
“This new program enhances the existing relationship between Commerce’s energy bill pay assistance and weatherization programs, providing both immediate assistance and long-term savings in a healthier home,” said Commerce Energy Division Assistant Director Michael Furze. “Providers will help reduce emissions by replacing older, inefficient heating systems with new, safer, and more energy efficient systems like heat pumps. They may also identify other energy saving opportunities in homes. Weatherization preserves housing and makes homes more comfortable.”
“Community needs have only increased,” said Commerce Community Services Division Assistant Director Cindy Guertin-Anderson. “When families can’t pay their utility bills, there are real health and safety consequences. Maintaining safe living conditions becomes a growing challenge under financial constraints, as families are forced to choose between paying for adequate heating and cooling or other essential expenses. These programs are critical to Washington state’s poverty reduction and economic justice efforts.”
Two resources under one program helps customers without adding administrative burden
SHEAP has two components: $21 million for energy bill assistance; and $14 million for weatherization, which includes efficiency improvements and potentially installing new equipment, like electric heat pumps. The program spans two divisions at the Department of Commerce.
Consumers interested in support should reach out to local community agencies, which will implement the funding. Funding to each agency was allocated based on agency feedback and area need, an environmental justice assessment, review of health disparities tools, and LIHEAP demand.
These same community agencies can help customers determine if they are eligible for utility bill assistance. Unlike the Washington Families Clean Energy Credits Program (WFCEC) that was administered by utilities, community agencies will send SHEAP assistance payments to utilities on a customers’ behalf.
The Legislature requested a program like SHEAP in the last budget cycle, said LIHEAP Program Manager Brian Sarensen. Commerce turned to its current partners in implementing LIHEAP for feedback about program design, then went to work creating allocation models. By mirroring existing policy and building on an established network, SHEAP is able to offer more community support, he said. SHEAP also undertook an environmental justice assessment to ensure no communities were left behind.
Although LIHEAP and SHEAP benefits can stack, that’s not the goal, said Sarensen. “Our intent is to serve more people, particularly members of our communities who aren’t currently served by LIHEAP,” he said.
Allen Carbert manages Commerce’s Weatherization unit. Through Weatherization, households can qualify for efficiency upgrades, such as adding insulation, sealing cracks, and even installing ductless heat pumps for heating and cooling.
Although some of the Weatherization activities seem small, it can add up to big savings and improvements for home environment. Gov. Jay Inslee visited a homeowner in Marysville earlier this year to who commented that weatherization improvements had significantly reduced her monthly utility bill.
Replacing old, inefficient gas furnaces and other systems with electric heat pumps will help more people cut down on their carbon footprints, which also helps the state meet its climate goals, he said.
“This addresses equity issues to ensure people aren’t left behind as we move to a green energy model,” he said.
Bill assistance and weatherization will both be available by Oct. 1. Community agencies in counties across Washington will work with consumers individually to determine their need and potential amount of assistance.
By nesting the two aspects of the program together, it reduces redundancies and means they can easily refer consumers depending on their need.
“Everything is in alignment,” Sarensen said. “This is a simple way to refer customers after their intake and assessment.”
More information about the new program, including who to contact for help, is available online.
Funding for SHEAP is provided by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
MORE STATE HEADLINES:
Ecology fines 35 plastic producers $416,000 for not using enough recycled plastic.
OLYMPIA –
Thirty-five companies were fined a combined total of $416,554 for not complying with Washington’s recycled content law. The plastic producers did not include enough recycled material in trash bags and beverage containers covered under the law./DOE
New grant program aims to restore, protect Puget Sound riparian areas.
In early November, we will start seeking proposals for projects designed to improve and protect the overall health of Puget Sound’s riparian areas and make them more resilient to the detrimental effects of climate change./DOE
New report shows Employment Security Department’s reemployment program helps job seekers earn more and find work faster./ESD
Fish and Wildlife Commission seeks public input on proposed changes to Coastal Dungeness Crab Policy./WDFW
State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers.
Jefferson County
In August 2024 the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission indefinitely suspended the pharmacy assistant license of Christine Elizabeth Meslang (VB61438923). Meslang failed to comply with the 2023 agreement by failing to contact a monitoring program./DOH
NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
King Street Rail Yard to Receive Major Upgrades, Allowing State-of-the-Art Trains to Service Seattle
Upgrades will remove final obstacle to Washingtonians enjoying brand-new Amtrak Airo trainset; Seattle will be first city in the U.S. to deploy Airo trains./From press release issued 10.2.24
WA Law Enforcement & Tribes Receive $6.9M From DOJ For Resources to Fight Fentanyl Crisis, Gun Violence, Violence Against Women
Grants go to municipal police departments across the state, as well as the Quileute, Kalispel, & Colville Tribes; Money to help prosecution of sex & domestic violence crimes, speed ID of fentanyl overdoses, reduce sex crime DNA testing backlog./From press release issued 10.2.24
Senator Murray Delivers $5 Million in Workforce Training Funds for Central Washington./Press release issued./10.2.24
WORLD< NATIONAL< BUSINESS
WORLD:
Third Committee Begins Annual Session Amid ‘Perfect Storm’ of Global Crises, as Delegates Explore Ways to Advance Social Development
Ageing Population ‘Not Just Statistic, But Call to Action,’ Says Expert; Literacy Improves across Lifespans, Stresses Another Speaker./UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/gashc4403.doc.htm
Sixth Committee Hears Concerns Over Evolving Threats of Terrorism in Sahel, New Technologies, Interference in Domestic Affairs, as Debate Continues./UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/gal3716.doc.htm
Decolonization Committee Chair, in Organizational Meeting, Urges Collaboration, as Delegates Contest Time Constraints During Busy Work Programme./UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/gaspd800.doc.htm
U.S. Cooperation with Gabon
The United States welcomes Transition President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to reaffirm and deepen the sixty-four years of strong partnership and cooperation between the people of the United States and Gabon. Through this visit, the United States is seeking to strengthen and elevate our partnership with Gabon on matters of mutual interest, including strong partnerships to protect the environment, foster economic development, and strengthen regional security./US STATE DEPT.
https://www.state.gov/u-s-cooperation-with-gabon/
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security./USUN
NATION:
Remarks by President Biden on his Administration’s Continued Response Efforts to Hurricane Helene./WH
Related news story: Sources: FEMA’s Failure Leaves Hurricane Helene Victims Crying Out For Help./The Federalist
Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Convicted In Charity Fraud Scheme.
A federal jury in the District of Nevada convicted a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and gubernatorial candidate yesterday on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud for executing a scheme to defraud charitable donors by falsely claiming she was raising money to memorialize police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty./DOJ
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-las-vegas-city-councilwoman-convicted-charity-fraud-scheme
Allies, Partners Conduct Operations in South China Sea./DOD
Potential public health risk among individuals ordering counterfeit prescription medications from online pharmacies./CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s1002-counterfit-prescription-online-pharmacies.html
HUD Awards $5 Million to HBCUs to Conduct Housing and Community Development Research
Winston-Salem State University and Tennessee State University will launch research centers to study housing and community development challenges and opportunities in underserved areas./HUD
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_24_263
BUSINESS:
U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS Announce 30 Million Americans in 24 States Eligible For Direct File in Filing Season 2025./US TREASURY DEPT.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2629
Biden-Harris Administration Invests in Rural Communities to Lower Energy Costs and Create Jobs in 34 States as Part of Investing in America Agenda./USDA
Previously Extradited Foreign National Sentenced for Role in Multimillion-Dollar Business Email Compromise Schemes Targeting Educational Institutions and Businesses in Texas and North Carolina./DOJ
Building a Community Banking Framework for the Future
Governor Michelle W. Bowman
At the 2024 Community Banking Research Conference, sponsored by the Federal Reserve System, the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, St. Louis, Missouri./THE FED
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/bowman20241002a.htm
Treasury and IRS issue guidance on long-term, part-time employees in 403(b) retirement plans and announce delayed applicability date for related final 401(k) regulation./IRS
IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS:
IN FOCUS: Commissioner Franz Announces Approval to Transfer DNR Lands to Pierce County for Affordable Housing.
Board of Natural Resources has Unanimously Approved Transfer of Approximately Four Acres for Affordable Housing
The Washington State Board of Natural Resources has unanimously approved a transfer of approximately four acres of state trust land to Pierce County for future affordable housing. The parcels near Graham have been zoned residential and could accommodate up to 28 lots of affordable housing units, both single-family and duplex. The Board approved the transfer at its regular meeting on October 1st.
“The PCCDC is excited about the Fredrickson project because of the positive community impact and the role of revenue in supporting local schools and junior taxing districts as a trust beneficiary, along with our commitment to utilizing DNR land for affordable housing in Pierce County,” said Gary Hawkinson, Pierce County Community Development Corporation Chair.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) aims to advance housing projects on its lands to address the lack of available and affordable housing. Washington State has identified the need to build over a million homes in the next 20 years, which is over 50,000 new homes yearly. DNR has a diverse commercial leasing portfolio, making housing a natural addition to the public benefits state lands provide.
“Solving the housing crisis across our state requires new partnerships and creative answers, which is why I am committed to being part of the solution and leveraging public land for this public benefit,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
The parcel is valued at $998,000, and the proceeds from the transfer will be deposited into the Real Property Replacement Account to purchase future trust lands. DNR generates more than $250 million annually by managing trust lands, which are required to generate revenue to support schools, colleges, and critical local services across Washington state. That revenue comes from sustainable forest management, agricultural, clean energy, and commercial real estate leases.
DNR can directly transfer state trust lands to Tribes and local governments, with counties, cities, school districts, or port districts able to purchase these lands from the state at fair market value. DNR uses the proceeds from transfers to fund the purchase of replacement properties elsewhere in the state to support schools and critical local services.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County Work session for 10.7.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10072024-1314
Clallam County Commission meeting for 10.8.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10082024-1315
DDAC meeting for 10.8.24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10082024-1312
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 10.8.24
https://portofpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Comm-Pkt-10-8-24.pdf
PASD Board of Directors Regular Meeting for 10.10.24
https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/pasd/Board.nsf/Public
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 10.7.24
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/4b00660b-e8a2-4002-a936-fe07e46e6520
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA for 10.7.24
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3567
Port of Port Townsend Commission meeting for 10.9.24
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-10-09-CommMtg-Agenda.pdf
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE:
Isaiah 55:6 (New International Version)
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Weekly Bible Lesson:
Put Away the Wicked Man
The church at Corinth had many problems. They were divided because they respected men more than they respected Jesus Christ. They also accepted as a Christian a man who was a sinner. This man was guilty of the sin of fornication. He had taken the wife of his own father to be his wife. We can read about this in chapter five of First Corinthians.--TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/put-away-the-wicked-man
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Come and See
https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/
THIS WEEKS VIDEOS:
Glenn Beck Makes the MORAL Case for Mass Deportation
America’s political and military enemies are using asymmetric warfare on us, and we don’t even know it. Their means of attack? Immigration. The progressive vision for this tactic is meant to overwhelm the system, collapse it, and then rebuild. But our global enemies — from Russia to Iran — are using it to destroy the system completely. Thanks to the Biden-Harris mass migration policy, Glenn argues we are at the precipice of another 9/11-style attack. He takes you inside secret meetings in South America that some of the world’s scariest terrorists are attending — like the supreme leader of Hamas and the chief of operations for Hezbollah.
Their game plan starts with recruiting Venezuelan gang members, taking them to Iran for “training,” encouraging criminal activity south of the U.S.-Mexico border, and then facilitating the spread of that violence to our own streets in America (like we saw with Tren de Aragua gangs terrorizing citizens in Aurora, Colorado). Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportation for illegal aliens is not racist. It is not heartless. It is — as JD Vance said in the CBS VP debate — common sense. Mass deportation has a long history of working under presidents like Hoover, Eisenhower, Clinton, and Obama. So why the crocodile tears now? Where are the tears for victims of open-border policies in states like New York, Colorado, Florida, and Georgia? The border crisis is no longer some abstract, faraway issue for the U.S. Border Patrol to deal with. It’s a national threat for the entire country. And catastrophe is coming.---Glenn Beck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJqrCfbx9W8
Mark Levin Audio Rewind - 10/4/24
On Friday’s Mark Levin Show, our government has certain responsibilities and it’s not redistribution of wealth. Their core functions are to secure the border, keep our streets safe, and help with natural disasters. President Biden, Kamala Harris, and their administration are way over their head with Hurricane Helene's aftermath because they are incompetent, lazy, and driven by ideology. Alejandro Mayorkas said 3 months ago that “FEMA is tremendously prepared for hurricane season.” Now he says FEMA doesn’t have money to make it through the season. Well, which is it? The latest reports are that FEMA is seizing shipments of goods and is blocking citizens trying to help the victims.
Also, Jack Smith and Judge Chutkan are getting in their last attempt to try and stop Trump before the election. The rumor is that if Donald Trump is elected President and Democrats take the House of Representatives, they will take Smith’s document and try to use it to impeach Trump and cripple his presidency. Chutkan and Smith should be disbarred. Later, Eric Hovde calls in to discuss his Senate run against extreme liberal Sen. Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin. She’s a rubber stamp for the progressive left and Hovde will work with Trump to save America. Finally, Rep Cory Mills calls in from North Carolina where he has been helping assist devastated communities from Hurricane Helene. Mills explains the incompetence of the Biden-Harris administration’s response.--Mark Levin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0alNDyVPjg
President Trump Returns for a Historic Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania - 10/5/24--RSBN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0JtLHHggAE
Sunday Morning Worship | September 29, 2024 C. of C
http://myconcordstreet.org/media
NIGHT OWL COMICS
https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
