In an emailed statement to this newspaper after being asked by this publication for clarification of the news article in the PDN last week.
Readers, Yours truly took it upon myself to get to the bottom of a news story which was posted in the Peninsula Daily News last week entitled: Port Angeles City Council candidate says his account was hacked
It seems to me after reading the below statement by Wojnowski paints a clearer picture, and identifies the one who hacked was an old friend, some friend huh? And the readers responses already labeled this guy as a bigot, something which Wojnowski flatly denies. This all sound like a gotcha job by the PDN on a conservative candidate for city council. The following is emailed messages to this publication on the matter, he done a good job explaining things. It also shows that the PDN went on a full scale attack without knowing all of the facts, and readers went right along with it.
email text:
Thank you Mr. Ripley for showing interest in my candidacy. Let me first reply to your second email.
I did not write those posts. I wasn't even aware of their existence until Mr. Gottlieb made me aware of them in his aggressive questioning. He called me expecting answers right away, to which I explained I couldn't provide insight, as I haven't even seen them.
I told him I would look into it and get back to him. Being very busy right now between full time employment and full time construction season I am working from 7am - 10:30pm depending on the day. After numerous rounds of phone tag, I switched to email. Mr. Gottlieb refused to communicate via email, stating "we don't do interviews via email". I emailed him a statement informing him I'm still looking into the account breach but would be happy to tell him my stance on any questions he my have, but it would have to be in email.
He didn't respond back nor give me time to look into it before writing his article. Since then we have deduced that the account breach was done by an old friend that I haven't spoken to in years.
Anyway to put that to rest, no I didn't write those posts. I am not racist, homophobic or anything in between. I don't care who you are what you believe in or what your lifestyle choice. I support your right, even if you have ill intentions, because those are our given rights. Some people would not agree and would like those rights taken away, put you down, and silence you.
But my candidacy is about choice and allowing Port Angeles a wide array of representation. Vote on what my stance is. If my opinions align with yours, then vote for me because a vote for me is a vote for you, the everyday common person. I am going on 4 years living in Port Angeles - I have no political ties, no affiliations. The only reason I am running is because of a bad experience with an employee at city hall. I thought to myself this is how a citizen is being treated and worse this is a city employee representing the city. So I decided to do something. I could make more money with my time and not subject my wife and child to these types of attacks. Those who know me, know I am a hardworking man that does quality work at fair pricing. I bring that to the council. Artur Wojnowski Candidate for City Council, from an emailed response to this paper's inquiries, Port Angeles Globe)
Below is my statement for candidacy thank you.
I'm Artur, and I'm running for city council.
I was raised in a polish home in suburban Chicago with parents who worked hard all day long to take make just enough to barely make it. There persistent payed off when they went into business for themselves. Their hard work ethic was ingrained in me and I continue working hard in everything that I do.
I studied architecture at local community colleges but soon after started working for the family construction business. During slow time I would work at various big box retail, hospitality, logistics and small mom-pop businesses.
Now I work as a full time maintenance manager for a home owner association where I work with a board to take care of a golf course,swimming pool, roads, building and common areas in the community consisting of 200+ homes and lots.
I am also work in my spare time as a licensed, bonded and insured general contractor. In which I perform variety of different tasks to take care of just about every need. On average I work 78hrs a week between both jobs.
After being here for 3yrs, my wife and have decided that is the area we want to raise our 6yr old son. With this decision in mind and other observations over the 3 yrs of our residency. I have decided to run for city council so that our community has more choices for representation.
With my work and employment experience and younger generations point of view. The community of port Angeles would have a better balance of representation of this diverse community of individuals to continue to grow and prosper.
I am hoping to improve efficiency, cut/reallocate wasteful spending, create an environment that brings in people, businesses/jobs and improvement to our community. We have to look to growth and prosperity increase community satisfaction.
We cannot rely on raising taxes to create revenue to maintain our city and our services. We do not want to turn into the large cities like Chicago, New York, and most of California where there average citizen is no longer represented and forced to leave because they are price pout of the market. We want to like these cities in appeal. We have such wonders all around us.
We are a city second to none, we need to look to the past and learn from our mistakes and look to the future
I will achieve this by first listening to our community, making a list of priority, and working with anyone who is will to help to find multiple avenues to implement and measures to deal with the unpleasant issues we have in port Angeles.
A vote for me is a vote for you. I will represent every voice equally to ensure the future of our community.----Artur Wojnowski, Candidate for City Council (emailed statement to this paper.)
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
EPA Honors Redmond, Washington High School Students for Outstanding Environmental Work to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint
Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized 13 student leaders at the Tesla STEM High School in Redmond, Washington, for their outstanding work to reduce their carbon footprint at school and home. The high school students’ project is among 15 student projects from 13 states to receive the 2016 President’s Environmental Youth Award for their environmental education and stewardship achievements. EPA presented the award at a ceremony today at the Tesla STEM High School.
“Today, we are pleased to honor these impressive young leaders, who demonstrate the impact that a few individuals can make to protect our environment,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “These students are empowering their peers, educating their communities, and demonstrating the STEM skills needed for this country to thrive in the global economy.”
The student Leadership Team of Tesla STEM High School launched “Schools Under 2C,” a group dedicated to raising youth awareness about the environment. Consisting of over 100 students, Schools Under 2C have lead their school to reduce their carbon footprint by over a ton and a half each month. The students have also worked to demonstrate that reducing emissions is not only beneficial to the environment, but saves their school district money as well. The student Leadership Team has challenged other schools across the nation to do the same, and already almost 30 schools, including schools in Australia, Asia and Africa, have joined their program to take on the “Schools Under 2C” Challenge. By leading their school to reduce their carbon footprint, they have set a precedent for the rest of the community.
“It is exciting to watch our students develop a proactive program to address solutions to climate change in our school while educating students in other schools about the need to contain the increase of global temperatures to below 2 degrees,” said Mike Town, Tesla STEM High School teacher and Schools Under 2C sponsor.
Through simple educational programs, the students have been sparking behavioral changes throughout their school. They began monitoring and reducing lighting usage within each classroom, and teachers have pledged to turn off their lights during their planning period and lunch. They have worked with their county’s Green School Program to implement a composting program. The students have also started an educational campaign to encourage students to take “greener” alternative modes of transportation to and from school. They are partnering with the City of Redmond to develop a smart phone app to encourage students to bus, carpool, bike, or walk to school. Using the app, students will be able to track how they travel to school every day and earn rewards for taking cleaner modes of transportation with a prize from a local business.
Besides challenging other schools to join their Schools Under 2C program, they have organized outreach events to raise awareness on environmental issues in the communities. They are still expanding and growing. In the future, through Schools Under 2C, the students will continue educating the next generation on solving environmental issues, one degree at a time.---press release issued June 13th
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-honors-redmond-washington-high-school-students-outstanding-environmental-work
NEWS FLASH!
Steve Scalise Among 5 Shot at Baseball Field; Suspect Is Dead
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A lone gunman opened fire on Republican members of the congressional baseball team at a practice field in a Washington suburb Wednesday, using a rifle to shower the field with bullets that struck five people, including Steve Scalise, the majority whip of the House of Representatives.---NYT
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/us/steve-scalise-congress-shot-alexandria-virginia.html
For more national news headlines see page 2
“Today, we are pleased to honor these impressive young leaders, who demonstrate the impact that a few individuals can make to protect our environment,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “These students are empowering their peers, educating their communities, and demonstrating the STEM skills needed for this country to thrive in the global economy.”
The student Leadership Team of Tesla STEM High School launched “Schools Under 2C,” a group dedicated to raising youth awareness about the environment. Consisting of over 100 students, Schools Under 2C have lead their school to reduce their carbon footprint by over a ton and a half each month. The students have also worked to demonstrate that reducing emissions is not only beneficial to the environment, but saves their school district money as well. The student Leadership Team has challenged other schools across the nation to do the same, and already almost 30 schools, including schools in Australia, Asia and Africa, have joined their program to take on the “Schools Under 2C” Challenge. By leading their school to reduce their carbon footprint, they have set a precedent for the rest of the community.
“It is exciting to watch our students develop a proactive program to address solutions to climate change in our school while educating students in other schools about the need to contain the increase of global temperatures to below 2 degrees,” said Mike Town, Tesla STEM High School teacher and Schools Under 2C sponsor.
Through simple educational programs, the students have been sparking behavioral changes throughout their school. They began monitoring and reducing lighting usage within each classroom, and teachers have pledged to turn off their lights during their planning period and lunch. They have worked with their county’s Green School Program to implement a composting program. The students have also started an educational campaign to encourage students to take “greener” alternative modes of transportation to and from school. They are partnering with the City of Redmond to develop a smart phone app to encourage students to bus, carpool, bike, or walk to school. Using the app, students will be able to track how they travel to school every day and earn rewards for taking cleaner modes of transportation with a prize from a local business.
Besides challenging other schools to join their Schools Under 2C program, they have organized outreach events to raise awareness on environmental issues in the communities. They are still expanding and growing. In the future, through Schools Under 2C, the students will continue educating the next generation on solving environmental issues, one degree at a time.---press release issued June 13th
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-honors-redmond-washington-high-school-students-outstanding-environmental-work
NEWS FLASH!
Steve Scalise Among 5 Shot at Baseball Field; Suspect Is Dead
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A lone gunman opened fire on Republican members of the congressional baseball team at a practice field in a Washington suburb Wednesday, using a rifle to shower the field with bullets that struck five people, including Steve Scalise, the majority whip of the House of Representatives.---NYT
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/us/steve-scalise-congress-shot-alexandria-virginia.html
For more national news headlines see page 2
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Aral Sea ‘Probably Biggest Ecological Catastrophe of Our Time’, Secretary-General Says
Stressing Need to Act Forcefully in Preventing Tragedy from Multiplying
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ statement following his visit to the Aral Sea, in Muynak, Uzbekistan, today:
Visiting the Aral Sea and seeing what was the fourth-largest inland sea in the world almost dead has caused a tremendous shock. This is probably the biggest ecological catastrophe of our time. And it demonstrates that men can destroy the planet.
The Aral Sea’s progressive disappearance was not because of climate change, it was mismanagement by humankind of water resources. But it also shows that if in relation to climate change we are not able to act forcefully to tame this phenomenon, we might see this kind of tragedy multiply around the world.
So let’s use the Aral Sea as a symbol of how humanity can destroy the planet and let’s make it a lesson for us all to be able to mobilize the whole international community to implement the Paris Agreement — Governments, businesses, civil society, cities, States — in order to make sure that tragedies like the one I have seen in Uzbekistan will not be repeated.
http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18565.doc.htm
Related story: Catastrophe of Aral Sea shows 'men can destroy the planet,' warns UN chief Guterres
10 June 2017 – Continuing his visit to Central Asia, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today visited the Aral Sea – once the world's fourth largest inland sea, that has now shrunk to about a quarter of its original size due to human mismanagement – where he urged the world to take lesson from the catastrophe and to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56949
NEWS NOTEBOOK
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims June 2017 as National Ocean Month
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
National Ocean Month celebrates the mighty oceans and their extraordinary resources. This month, we recognize the importance of harnessing the seas for our national security and prosperity.
Thirty-four years ago, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the creation of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, making clear America's sovereign right to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage ocean resources extending 200 nautical miles from our shores. This is the world's largest Exclusive Economic Zone, spanning more than 3.4 million square nautical miles an area larger than the combined landmass of all 50 States. We must recognize the importance of our offshore areas to our security and economic independence, all while protecting the marine environment for present and future generations.
Today, our offshore areas remain underutilized and often unexplored. We have yet to fully leverage new technologies and unleash the forces of economic innovation to more fully develop and explore our ocean economy. In the field of energy, we have just begun to tap the potential of our oceans' oil and gas, wind, wave, and tidal resources to power the Nation. The fisheries resources of the United States are among the most valuable in the world. Growing global demand for seafood presents tremendous opportunities for expansion of our seafood exports, which can reduce our more than $13 billion seafood trade deficit.
See full statement: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/05/31/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-june-2017-national-ocean-month
For more world news and events see page 2
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ statement following his visit to the Aral Sea, in Muynak, Uzbekistan, today:
Visiting the Aral Sea and seeing what was the fourth-largest inland sea in the world almost dead has caused a tremendous shock. This is probably the biggest ecological catastrophe of our time. And it demonstrates that men can destroy the planet.
The Aral Sea’s progressive disappearance was not because of climate change, it was mismanagement by humankind of water resources. But it also shows that if in relation to climate change we are not able to act forcefully to tame this phenomenon, we might see this kind of tragedy multiply around the world.
So let’s use the Aral Sea as a symbol of how humanity can destroy the planet and let’s make it a lesson for us all to be able to mobilize the whole international community to implement the Paris Agreement — Governments, businesses, civil society, cities, States — in order to make sure that tragedies like the one I have seen in Uzbekistan will not be repeated.
http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18565.doc.htm
Related story: Catastrophe of Aral Sea shows 'men can destroy the planet,' warns UN chief Guterres
10 June 2017 – Continuing his visit to Central Asia, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today visited the Aral Sea – once the world's fourth largest inland sea, that has now shrunk to about a quarter of its original size due to human mismanagement – where he urged the world to take lesson from the catastrophe and to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56949
NEWS NOTEBOOK
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims June 2017 as National Ocean Month
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
National Ocean Month celebrates the mighty oceans and their extraordinary resources. This month, we recognize the importance of harnessing the seas for our national security and prosperity.
Thirty-four years ago, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the creation of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, making clear America's sovereign right to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage ocean resources extending 200 nautical miles from our shores. This is the world's largest Exclusive Economic Zone, spanning more than 3.4 million square nautical miles an area larger than the combined landmass of all 50 States. We must recognize the importance of our offshore areas to our security and economic independence, all while protecting the marine environment for present and future generations.
Today, our offshore areas remain underutilized and often unexplored. We have yet to fully leverage new technologies and unleash the forces of economic innovation to more fully develop and explore our ocean economy. In the field of energy, we have just begun to tap the potential of our oceans' oil and gas, wind, wave, and tidal resources to power the Nation. The fisheries resources of the United States are among the most valuable in the world. Growing global demand for seafood presents tremendous opportunities for expansion of our seafood exports, which can reduce our more than $13 billion seafood trade deficit.
See full statement: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/05/31/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-june-2017-national-ocean-month
For more world news and events see page 2
Monday, June 12, 2017
U.S. and Mexico Strike Deal on Sugar to Protect U.S. Growers and Refiners, Ensure Supply to Consumers
US Dept. of Commerce press release dated June 6th
We have gotten the Mexican side to agree to nearly every request made by U.S. industry to address flaws in the current system and ensure fair treatment of American sugar growers and refiners,” said Secretary Ross. “I am glad to say that Minister Guajardo and his colleagues have been honest and collaborative partners in seeking a fair and sustainable solution – this bodes well for our long-term relationship.”
These new agreements between the Governments United States and Mexico, as well as the Mexican sugar industry, prevent dumping of Mexican sugar and corrects for subsidies the Mexican sugar industry receives. The agreement addresses the concerns of the U.S. sugar industry and prevents harm to other U.S. industries, including confectioners, beverage producers, and corn growers, that might have resulted if no agreement were reached.
“Unfortunately, despite all of these gains, the U.S. sugar industry has said it is unable to support the new agreement, but we remain hopeful that further progress can be made during the drafting process,” continued Secretary Ross. “We look forward to continuing discussions with them as we finalize the agreement. We remain confident that this deal defends American workers across many industries and is the best way to ensure stability and growth.”
The revised suspension agreement has five major elements:
Price – The agreement increases the price at which raw sugar must be sold at the mill in Mexico from 22.25 cents per pound to 23 cents per pound. For refined sugar, the price at the mill must increase from 26 cents per pound to 28 cents per pound. These prices exclude packaging and transportation. This will protect the U.S. sugar industry from harm caused by Mexico “dumping” sugar in the United States.
Raw vs. Refined Split – The new agreement also reduces the percentage of refined sugar that may be imported from 53% to 30%. This results in a significant increase in the amount of raw sugar available to U.S. sugar refiners while ensuring that subsidized refined Mexican sugar imports do not injure U.S. refiners.
Purity/Polarity – The dividing line between refined and raw sugar was reduced from 99.5 to 99.2 purity, referred to in the industry as “polarity.” This means that “estandar,” a very common variety of sugar from Mexico, will count against the 30% limit on refined sugar. This will further protect against unfair competition from subsidized refined Mexican sugar imports.
Enforcement – Mexico agreed to increased enforcement measures and to accept significant penalties for violations, including a reduction in the amount of sugar allowed to be imported equal to twice the amount of any sugar found to be in violation of the modified agreements. In addition, Commerce can increase this reduction to three times the amount if necessary to deter further wrongdoing.
Additional U.S. Needs – Mexico accepted the above significant modifications on the condition that Mexico be granted a right of first refusal to supply 100% of any “additional need” for sugar identified by USDA after April 1 of each year. Additional need is defined as demand for sugar in excess of the demand USDA had predicted for that crop year. USDA will specify whether the additional need sugar is raw or refined without regard to the 70/30 split. The dividing line between raw and refined additional need sugar is 99.5 polarity, but raw sugar must be shipped in bulk in an ocean-going vessel, increasing the likelihood it will enter a U.S. refinery for further processing. Importantly, when the Export Limit is increased pursuant to a request by USDA prior to April 1, such sugar shall be subject to the pre-April 1 70/30 split and the 99.2 polarity divide, an added protection for U.S. domestic refiners. Further, USDA retains the flexibility to specify the polarity of post-April 1 additional needs sugar specifically needed to rectify certain extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances that seriously threaten the economic viability of the U.S. sugar refining industry.
press release: https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/06/us-and-mexico-strike-deal-sugar-protect-us-growers-and-refiners-ensure
News notebook
WA DFI: NASAA Cybersecurity Roundtable June 23
Cyberattacks have become one of the greatest threats globally to our financial sector. Cybersecurity is an issue for firms of all sizes, and a growing issue for securities regulators at all levels.
NASAA is hosting a free, one-day roundtable to bring together leading experts to discuss critical cybersecurity issues for securities regulators and regulated entities.
The roundtable will take place in Washington DC, but will also be available via webcast.
To learn more, visit http://www.nasaa.org/about-us/events/cybersecurity-roundtable/
Press release from WA DFI: http://www.dfi.wa.gov/industrynews/nasaa-cybersecurity-roundtable-june-23
For more business and finance news see page 2
We have gotten the Mexican side to agree to nearly every request made by U.S. industry to address flaws in the current system and ensure fair treatment of American sugar growers and refiners,” said Secretary Ross. “I am glad to say that Minister Guajardo and his colleagues have been honest and collaborative partners in seeking a fair and sustainable solution – this bodes well for our long-term relationship.”
These new agreements between the Governments United States and Mexico, as well as the Mexican sugar industry, prevent dumping of Mexican sugar and corrects for subsidies the Mexican sugar industry receives. The agreement addresses the concerns of the U.S. sugar industry and prevents harm to other U.S. industries, including confectioners, beverage producers, and corn growers, that might have resulted if no agreement were reached.
“Unfortunately, despite all of these gains, the U.S. sugar industry has said it is unable to support the new agreement, but we remain hopeful that further progress can be made during the drafting process,” continued Secretary Ross. “We look forward to continuing discussions with them as we finalize the agreement. We remain confident that this deal defends American workers across many industries and is the best way to ensure stability and growth.”
The revised suspension agreement has five major elements:
Price – The agreement increases the price at which raw sugar must be sold at the mill in Mexico from 22.25 cents per pound to 23 cents per pound. For refined sugar, the price at the mill must increase from 26 cents per pound to 28 cents per pound. These prices exclude packaging and transportation. This will protect the U.S. sugar industry from harm caused by Mexico “dumping” sugar in the United States.
Raw vs. Refined Split – The new agreement also reduces the percentage of refined sugar that may be imported from 53% to 30%. This results in a significant increase in the amount of raw sugar available to U.S. sugar refiners while ensuring that subsidized refined Mexican sugar imports do not injure U.S. refiners.
Purity/Polarity – The dividing line between refined and raw sugar was reduced from 99.5 to 99.2 purity, referred to in the industry as “polarity.” This means that “estandar,” a very common variety of sugar from Mexico, will count against the 30% limit on refined sugar. This will further protect against unfair competition from subsidized refined Mexican sugar imports.
Enforcement – Mexico agreed to increased enforcement measures and to accept significant penalties for violations, including a reduction in the amount of sugar allowed to be imported equal to twice the amount of any sugar found to be in violation of the modified agreements. In addition, Commerce can increase this reduction to three times the amount if necessary to deter further wrongdoing.
Additional U.S. Needs – Mexico accepted the above significant modifications on the condition that Mexico be granted a right of first refusal to supply 100% of any “additional need” for sugar identified by USDA after April 1 of each year. Additional need is defined as demand for sugar in excess of the demand USDA had predicted for that crop year. USDA will specify whether the additional need sugar is raw or refined without regard to the 70/30 split. The dividing line between raw and refined additional need sugar is 99.5 polarity, but raw sugar must be shipped in bulk in an ocean-going vessel, increasing the likelihood it will enter a U.S. refinery for further processing. Importantly, when the Export Limit is increased pursuant to a request by USDA prior to April 1, such sugar shall be subject to the pre-April 1 70/30 split and the 99.2 polarity divide, an added protection for U.S. domestic refiners. Further, USDA retains the flexibility to specify the polarity of post-April 1 additional needs sugar specifically needed to rectify certain extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances that seriously threaten the economic viability of the U.S. sugar refining industry.
press release: https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/06/us-and-mexico-strike-deal-sugar-protect-us-growers-and-refiners-ensure
News notebook
WA DFI: NASAA Cybersecurity Roundtable June 23
Cyberattacks have become one of the greatest threats globally to our financial sector. Cybersecurity is an issue for firms of all sizes, and a growing issue for securities regulators at all levels.
NASAA is hosting a free, one-day roundtable to bring together leading experts to discuss critical cybersecurity issues for securities regulators and regulated entities.
The roundtable will take place in Washington DC, but will also be available via webcast.
To learn more, visit http://www.nasaa.org/about-us/events/cybersecurity-roundtable/
Press release from WA DFI: http://www.dfi.wa.gov/industrynews/nasaa-cybersecurity-roundtable-june-23
For more business and finance news see page 2
Sunday, June 11, 2017
WDFW: State shellfish managers set Puget Sound crab seasons
press release issued June 9th
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jun0917a/
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced summer crab-fishing seasons for areas of Puget Sound, starting June 16 with an opening in three marine areas.
Sport crab fishing gets underway Friday, June 16, in marine areas 4 (Neah Bay – East of the Tatoosh-Bonilla line), 5 (Sekiu) and 11 (Tacoma/Vashon Island), while Hood Canal opens June 24. Most other areas of the Sound will open for recreational crab fishing July 1, although two areas around the San Juan Islands open later in the summer to protect molting crab.
Seasons for the upcoming fishery are posted on WDFW's crab fishing website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/. The website includes details on fishing regulations, as well as an educational video on crabbing.
Bob Sizemore, shellfish policy lead for WDFW, said recent test fisheries indicate that Dungeness crab remain abundant throughout most of Puget Sound.
"We are monitoring crab abundance and structuring fisheries in each region to maintain healthy populations," Sizemore said. "Crabbing should be good from opening day all the way through the end of the summer season, although much of the catch south of Seattle this year will be red rock crab."
The daily limit throughout Puget Sound is five Dungeness crab, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6¼ inches. Fishers may catch six red rock crab of either sex per day, provided those crab measure at least 5 inches across.
In all areas of Puget Sound, recreational crabbing is scheduled Thursdays through Mondays each week (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) during the following periods:
Marine areas 4 (Neah Bay east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5 (Sekiu) and 11 (Tacoma/Vashon): Open June 16 through Sept. 4.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) and the portion of Marine Area 9 in Hood Canal south of a line from Olele Point to Foulweather Bluff: Open June 24 through Sept. 4.
Marine areas 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait), 8-1 (Deception Pass), 8-2 (Port Susan/Everett), the remainder of 9 (Admiralty Inlet), 10 (Seattle/Bremerton) and 13 (south Puget Sound): Open July 1 through Sept. 4.
Marine Area 7 South (San Juan Islands/Bellingham): Open July 15 through Sept. 30.
Marine Area 7 North (Gulf of Georgia): Open Aug. 17 through Sept. 30.
Crab fishers may not set or pull shellfish gear from a vessel from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise. All shellfish gear must be removed from the water on closed days.
Sizemore reminds Puget Sound crabbers that they are required to record their harvest of Dungeness crab on their catch record cards immediately after retaining crab. Separate catch record cards are issued for the summer and winter seasons.
Catch record cards are not required to fish for Dungeness crab in the Columbia River or on the Washington coast.
This weeks bible lesson see page 2
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jun0917a/
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced summer crab-fishing seasons for areas of Puget Sound, starting June 16 with an opening in three marine areas.
Sport crab fishing gets underway Friday, June 16, in marine areas 4 (Neah Bay – East of the Tatoosh-Bonilla line), 5 (Sekiu) and 11 (Tacoma/Vashon Island), while Hood Canal opens June 24. Most other areas of the Sound will open for recreational crab fishing July 1, although two areas around the San Juan Islands open later in the summer to protect molting crab.
Seasons for the upcoming fishery are posted on WDFW's crab fishing website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/. The website includes details on fishing regulations, as well as an educational video on crabbing.
Bob Sizemore, shellfish policy lead for WDFW, said recent test fisheries indicate that Dungeness crab remain abundant throughout most of Puget Sound.
"We are monitoring crab abundance and structuring fisheries in each region to maintain healthy populations," Sizemore said. "Crabbing should be good from opening day all the way through the end of the summer season, although much of the catch south of Seattle this year will be red rock crab."
The daily limit throughout Puget Sound is five Dungeness crab, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6¼ inches. Fishers may catch six red rock crab of either sex per day, provided those crab measure at least 5 inches across.
In all areas of Puget Sound, recreational crabbing is scheduled Thursdays through Mondays each week (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) during the following periods:
Marine areas 4 (Neah Bay east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5 (Sekiu) and 11 (Tacoma/Vashon): Open June 16 through Sept. 4.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) and the portion of Marine Area 9 in Hood Canal south of a line from Olele Point to Foulweather Bluff: Open June 24 through Sept. 4.
Marine areas 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait), 8-1 (Deception Pass), 8-2 (Port Susan/Everett), the remainder of 9 (Admiralty Inlet), 10 (Seattle/Bremerton) and 13 (south Puget Sound): Open July 1 through Sept. 4.
Marine Area 7 South (San Juan Islands/Bellingham): Open July 15 through Sept. 30.
Marine Area 7 North (Gulf of Georgia): Open Aug. 17 through Sept. 30.
Crab fishers may not set or pull shellfish gear from a vessel from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise. All shellfish gear must be removed from the water on closed days.
Sizemore reminds Puget Sound crabbers that they are required to record their harvest of Dungeness crab on their catch record cards immediately after retaining crab. Separate catch record cards are issued for the summer and winter seasons.
Catch record cards are not required to fish for Dungeness crab in the Columbia River or on the Washington coast.
This weeks bible lesson see page 2
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Local News Spotlight: Character Assassinations, are just as bad.
First of all making jokes about assassinating the current or any former president, and posting it on facebook is about as smart as, jumping out of a plane without a parachute! But, in the case of even making jokes about assassination can carry prison time for most folks, the Secret Service takes these matters seriously. It's been a very disturbing trend happening on the pages of social media outlets, such as facebook.
Equally disturbing of identity theft being done by hackers, who invade facebook accounts stealing material from accounts, and then posting trash talk on facebook using a stolen account names. So, given the fact that many facebook subscribers have been hacked, one question comes to mind was this another case of facebook trolls doing dirty tricks on this city council candidate? Another question comes up, how did the Peninsula Daily News get wind of these postings in the first place? This whole thing is a little too convenient wouldn't you say that these postings become relevant now that Wojnowski is running for office? Why not several months earlier?
Related stories...
Peninsula Daily News: Port Angeles City Council candidate says his account was hacked
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/politics/port-angeles-city-council-candidate-says-his-account-was-hacked/
Quotes: " A City Council candidate whose Facebook page included a March 2013 posting that joked about assassinating then-President Barack Obama said last week his account was hacked. Artur Wojnowski, a candidate for Port Angeles City Council Position 3, suspended his account on Friday. He disavowed the entry and several other 2013 posts he said were not his."
Editorial note: When this story was posted in the PDN you saw comments from readers already spewing out phrases that this guy is a racist, without knowing all the facts. Some say he already lost the election before it even started. Sounds to me the PDN, and whoever leaked the information was bent on character assassination.
The Lighter Side of Assassination?
In the wake of Kathy Griffin holding up a mock severed head of President Trump, it's disturbingly obvious that murderous thoughts about our leaders are now considered by the left to be light, humorous fare, a balm for their anxieties.----CNSN NEWS
Editorial Note: Sounds to me that Griffin found out posing for a picture that was suggestive like that wasn't too funny. Now she is playing the victim. But, what about the photographer, he isn't sorry about taking that picture, anyone cared to investigate him?
How to tell if your Facebook has been hacked (and what to do)---CNET
There are several different ways hackers use a breached Facebook account. Automatic logins through Facebook allow hackers access to many different site accounts once they've taken over your Facebook. Spammers also hack Facebook accounts to gain access to your following. From your profile, a hacker can additionally gather a lot of personal information about you that can be used to steal your identity.
Peninsula Daily News: Employee sues top Clallam prosecutor, alleging sexual harassment
Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols has been sued by an office manager who claims that she was sexually harassed for two years. Tina Hendrickson filed a complaint and demand for jury trial June 1 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma.
Editorial note: Another example of making quit judgements, and character assassination even before a trial? I imagine there are people already passing judgements on this without knowing all the facts.
Character Assassination, can be just as bad as the other form of assassination, impugning someone's character without all the facts puts a cloud of doubt over that person, which they have to walk around with. I think people should refrain making rash judgement calls before all the facts are made known. Not saying I'm perfect by no means, sometimes I let my emotions run wild, and make snappy judgement calls before knowing all the facts, but we strife to overcome using our emotional responses to pass judgement on others.
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK!
Clallam County Work session agenda highlight item:
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe presentation regarding a project to realign portions of Chicken Coop and Zaccardo Roads The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe (JSKD would like to realign portions of the Chicken Coop and Ziccardo Roads into a single perpendicular intersection to SR 101.
The JSKT is also working with WSDOT to make several improvements to SR101 such as turn pockets and acceleration lanes adjacent to this new intersection. Parametrix Engineering is performing design and consulting services for the JSKT and has prepared several exhibits illustrating the proposed project and would like to present this to the BOCC so they have an understanding of the scope and benefits of this project. At some point this project will require future conveyances of new R/W from the JSKT to the County and acceptance of these new portions of these roads by the BOCC. Also vacation of the now unused portions of both Chicken Coop Road and Ziccardo Road will need to be done in accordance with State RCW's and County ordinances.
see details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1058&meta_id=10586
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1058
Clallam County regular session on Tuesday, agenda item highlight item;
Notice that the following Supplemental Appropriations will be adopted by Resolution on June 27
Notíce is hereby given Clallam County will adopt by Resolution of the Board, supplemental budget approprÍations in the following funds pursuant to RCW 36.40.100, at 10 a.m. on June 27, 20L7 in the CommÍssíoners' Meeting Room (160) of the Clallam County Courthouse.
Non-Departmental, Opportunity Fund - Due to Carlsborg sewer project construction delay in 2016 additional construction costs and revenue reimbursements were not included in20L7 budget/$1,395,524
Public Works, Carlsborg Sewer Project
. The Carlsborg sewer project construction was delayed in 2016 making it necessary to carry forward estimated expenses and revenue in the 2017 budget; amount reflects adjustment for final amount due from the Opportunity Fund for the pass-through of the Publíc Works Trust Fund construction loan $1,395,524
¡ Side sewer connections revenue for the Carlsborg sewer project/9238 Copies of the budget change forms may be viewed at the office of the Board of Clallam County Commissioners from B a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
See full details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=327&meta_id=10627
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=327
In other local and regional meetings for next week....
Sequim City Council agenda highlight item: Bell Hill Estates preliminary major subdivision
See full agenda: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1651
Jefferson County Commission meeting agenda highlight item: AGREEMENT re: Jefferson County Central Services Director; In the Amount of $9,169.20 per month; Jefferson County Administrator; Mark McCauley
See full agenda: http://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WEBLINKEXTERNAL/0/edoc/1691263/A061217.pdf
City of Forks agenda highlight item: Resolution amending airport improvement project.
See full agenda: http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Agenda-2017-6-12.pdf
Daily Bible verse: bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.----Colossians 3:13 NKJV
Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
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)
http://www.pacofc.org/index.php
Equally disturbing of identity theft being done by hackers, who invade facebook accounts stealing material from accounts, and then posting trash talk on facebook using a stolen account names. So, given the fact that many facebook subscribers have been hacked, one question comes to mind was this another case of facebook trolls doing dirty tricks on this city council candidate? Another question comes up, how did the Peninsula Daily News get wind of these postings in the first place? This whole thing is a little too convenient wouldn't you say that these postings become relevant now that Wojnowski is running for office? Why not several months earlier?
Related stories...
Peninsula Daily News: Port Angeles City Council candidate says his account was hacked
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/politics/port-angeles-city-council-candidate-says-his-account-was-hacked/
Quotes: " A City Council candidate whose Facebook page included a March 2013 posting that joked about assassinating then-President Barack Obama said last week his account was hacked. Artur Wojnowski, a candidate for Port Angeles City Council Position 3, suspended his account on Friday. He disavowed the entry and several other 2013 posts he said were not his."
Editorial note: When this story was posted in the PDN you saw comments from readers already spewing out phrases that this guy is a racist, without knowing all the facts. Some say he already lost the election before it even started. Sounds to me the PDN, and whoever leaked the information was bent on character assassination.
The Lighter Side of Assassination?
In the wake of Kathy Griffin holding up a mock severed head of President Trump, it's disturbingly obvious that murderous thoughts about our leaders are now considered by the left to be light, humorous fare, a balm for their anxieties.----CNSN NEWS
Editorial Note: Sounds to me that Griffin found out posing for a picture that was suggestive like that wasn't too funny. Now she is playing the victim. But, what about the photographer, he isn't sorry about taking that picture, anyone cared to investigate him?
How to tell if your Facebook has been hacked (and what to do)---CNET
There are several different ways hackers use a breached Facebook account. Automatic logins through Facebook allow hackers access to many different site accounts once they've taken over your Facebook. Spammers also hack Facebook accounts to gain access to your following. From your profile, a hacker can additionally gather a lot of personal information about you that can be used to steal your identity.
Peninsula Daily News: Employee sues top Clallam prosecutor, alleging sexual harassment
Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols has been sued by an office manager who claims that she was sexually harassed for two years. Tina Hendrickson filed a complaint and demand for jury trial June 1 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma.
Editorial note: Another example of making quit judgements, and character assassination even before a trial? I imagine there are people already passing judgements on this without knowing all the facts.
Character Assassination, can be just as bad as the other form of assassination, impugning someone's character without all the facts puts a cloud of doubt over that person, which they have to walk around with. I think people should refrain making rash judgement calls before all the facts are made known. Not saying I'm perfect by no means, sometimes I let my emotions run wild, and make snappy judgement calls before knowing all the facts, but we strife to overcome using our emotional responses to pass judgement on others.
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK!
Clallam County Work session agenda highlight item:
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe presentation regarding a project to realign portions of Chicken Coop and Zaccardo Roads The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe (JSKD would like to realign portions of the Chicken Coop and Ziccardo Roads into a single perpendicular intersection to SR 101.
The JSKT is also working with WSDOT to make several improvements to SR101 such as turn pockets and acceleration lanes adjacent to this new intersection. Parametrix Engineering is performing design and consulting services for the JSKT and has prepared several exhibits illustrating the proposed project and would like to present this to the BOCC so they have an understanding of the scope and benefits of this project. At some point this project will require future conveyances of new R/W from the JSKT to the County and acceptance of these new portions of these roads by the BOCC. Also vacation of the now unused portions of both Chicken Coop Road and Ziccardo Road will need to be done in accordance with State RCW's and County ordinances.
see details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1058&meta_id=10586
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1058
Clallam County regular session on Tuesday, agenda item highlight item;
Notice that the following Supplemental Appropriations will be adopted by Resolution on June 27
Notíce is hereby given Clallam County will adopt by Resolution of the Board, supplemental budget approprÍations in the following funds pursuant to RCW 36.40.100, at 10 a.m. on June 27, 20L7 in the CommÍssíoners' Meeting Room (160) of the Clallam County Courthouse.
Non-Departmental, Opportunity Fund - Due to Carlsborg sewer project construction delay in 2016 additional construction costs and revenue reimbursements were not included in20L7 budget/$1,395,524
Public Works, Carlsborg Sewer Project
. The Carlsborg sewer project construction was delayed in 2016 making it necessary to carry forward estimated expenses and revenue in the 2017 budget; amount reflects adjustment for final amount due from the Opportunity Fund for the pass-through of the Publíc Works Trust Fund construction loan $1,395,524
¡ Side sewer connections revenue for the Carlsborg sewer project/9238 Copies of the budget change forms may be viewed at the office of the Board of Clallam County Commissioners from B a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
See full details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=327&meta_id=10627
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=327
In other local and regional meetings for next week....
Sequim City Council agenda highlight item: Bell Hill Estates preliminary major subdivision
See full agenda: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1651
Jefferson County Commission meeting agenda highlight item: AGREEMENT re: Jefferson County Central Services Director; In the Amount of $9,169.20 per month; Jefferson County Administrator; Mark McCauley
See full agenda: http://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WEBLINKEXTERNAL/0/edoc/1691263/A061217.pdf
City of Forks agenda highlight item: Resolution amending airport improvement project.
See full agenda: http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Agenda-2017-6-12.pdf
Daily Bible verse: bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.----Colossians 3:13 NKJV
Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
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)
http://www.pacofc.org/index.php
Friday, June 9, 2017
Inslee signs executive order to support safe testing and operation of autonomous vehicles
Self-driving cars may sound futuristic, but Washington state is leading the way right now on developing autonomous vehicles that are safe and could help save lives, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs.
Gov. Jay Inslee today signed an executive order to support safe testing and operation of autonomous vehicles (AVs). The executive order establishes an interagency workgroup to work with local, regional and federal officials, stakeholders and industry groups, recommend changes or clarifications to state polices and rules about AVs, and examine other emerging automated transportation technology. The order also enables pilot programs for organizations developing AV equipment and technology.
The governor signed the executive order at Echodyne, a radar technology startup in Bellevue that is working to ensure AVs stay safe and affordable.
“Washington state is already a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. We are an early-adopter that welcomes innovation and the safe testing and operation of AVs,” Inslee said. “AVs could help save countless lives, reclaim time spent in traffic, improve mobility and be an important tool in our efforts to combat climate change.”
Safety of these vehicles is a top consideration for the governor and for the companies developing this technology.
“The governor’s executive order helps prepare us for the future by supporting the safe testing and operation of autonomous vehicle technology,” said Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol.
“AVs could dramatically improve traffic safety by reducing highway fatalities,” added Darrin Grondel, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. “Each year, 33,000 people die in traffic collisions in the United States, and 94 percent of those crashes are linked to human error.”
press release issued June 7th, read full article
https://medium.com/wagovernor/hands-off-the-wheel-c414fa6b11bb
NEWS NOTEBOOK
Kilmer Statement on No Health Insurers Filing Plans for Grays Harbor for 2018
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after no health insurers filed plans for Washington state’s 2018 individual health insurance market in Grays Harbor County. The move would leave more than 2,000 people in the county currently enrolled in the individual market without insurance.
“For years, I have been working to get Congress to change how healthcare is provided in rural communities because this matters to people,” said Kilmer. “When Congress or the President play politics and destabilize the insurance market leading to today's news, that hurts people. It hurts folks in our region in need of treatment, or who want to take their kids to the doctor, or who are concerned about the cost of the treatment and medication they need. While I wasn't in Congress when the Affordable Care Act was passed, I’ll keep working to get folks to stop playing politics and focus on improving the system so people in rural areas have access to affordable, quality coverage.”
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-statement-on-no-health-insurers-filing-plans-for-grays-harbor-for-2018_
For more state news headlines see page 2
Thursday, June 8, 2017
SEN. PATTY MURRAY: Proposed cuts particularly cruel in light of recent report finding that nearly 12,000 people in Seattle and King County are currently experiencing homelessness
press release issued June 7th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A7319C1B-DE22-4247-A10B-509C9947217B
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing housing, questioned Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Sec. Ben Carson about President Trump’s proposal to slash 15 percent from the housing budget, including programs supporting critical efforts in Washington state to eradicate homelessness and increase access to affordable housing. Sen. Murray questioned Sec. Carson on HUD’s misplaced budget priorities in light of a recent report finding homelessness and housing insecurity on the rise in Washington state, asking Sec. Carson directly about HUD’s plan for combatting homelessness in Washington state and nationwide in addition to requesting clarity on his position regarding the effectiveness of Housing First interventions that prioritize moving homeless families and individuals into permanent homes as swiftly as possible.
Sen. Murray has been a consistent champion for HUD programs that work to get people off the street and into safe, appropriate housing, including McKinney Vento, Section 8 vouchers, and HUD-VASH, helping to restart the initiative for homeless veterans in 2008. Sen. Murray questioned Sec. Carson about his budget’s proposal to slash funding for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) that reduce homelessness across Washington state. In addition to questions on homelessness, Sen. Murray also asked Sec. Carson to explain the Department’s position on several housing issues impacting Washington state families, including HUD’s formula for calculating Section 8 housing that must account for rising housing prices in cities like Vancouver, Tacoma, and Seattle, and proposed cuts to programs supporting affordable housing and offering rental assistance.
Senators Murray, Cantwell Oppose Trump Administration’s Proposal to Auction Off DOE Transmission Assets
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in a letter to U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and a bipartisan group of Western senators voiced their strong opposition to a provision in the President’s Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request to auction off the transmission assets of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and other Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) through the Department of Energy.
“[Bonneville Power Administration and other PMAs] have provided reliable and affordable electric service and are crucially important to rural communities in our states. Sale of the PMAs transmission facilities would not advance the President’s infrastructure objectives. In fact, privatization of existing assets could affect opportunities for new infrastructure investments. Moreover, any private entity buying PMA assets will want to recover their investment. The resulting rate increases would take money out of the pockets of consumers and businesses in our states,” the Senators said in their letter to Secretary Perry.
The letter concludes by stating, “There are improvements that can and should be made to the operations of some PMAs, but the dismantling of them is simply not sound governmental policy. Instead, we look forward to working with you to make needed investments in PMA infrastructure and ensuring the future value of this important federal asset.”---press release issued June 7th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=14F772DB-89B7-417B-87FB-6960F539ACE4
While VA works on a long-term plan to reduce wait times and improve veteran care, the Trump Administration is pushing provisions that would weaken the entire VA system
(Washington, D.C.) – Today in a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) questioned Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David Shulkin about whether he supports Trump Administration initiatives that would weaken VA in the coming years, moving the agency toward privatization. Sen. Murray, a senior member of the Committee and the daughter of a World War II veteran, is staunchly opposed to dismantling VA and has urged her colleagues in Congress to support a series of reforms to strengthen veteran care. In today’s hearing, Sen. Murray asked Secretary Shulkin about particular provisions that would destabilize the system.---press release issued June 7th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8D4FEAB1-9AF9-429B-AB3B-13F6CBBAD48D
For more news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC, and advocacy news stories see page 2
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A7319C1B-DE22-4247-A10B-509C9947217B
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing housing, questioned Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Sec. Ben Carson about President Trump’s proposal to slash 15 percent from the housing budget, including programs supporting critical efforts in Washington state to eradicate homelessness and increase access to affordable housing. Sen. Murray questioned Sec. Carson on HUD’s misplaced budget priorities in light of a recent report finding homelessness and housing insecurity on the rise in Washington state, asking Sec. Carson directly about HUD’s plan for combatting homelessness in Washington state and nationwide in addition to requesting clarity on his position regarding the effectiveness of Housing First interventions that prioritize moving homeless families and individuals into permanent homes as swiftly as possible.
Sen. Murray has been a consistent champion for HUD programs that work to get people off the street and into safe, appropriate housing, including McKinney Vento, Section 8 vouchers, and HUD-VASH, helping to restart the initiative for homeless veterans in 2008. Sen. Murray questioned Sec. Carson about his budget’s proposal to slash funding for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) that reduce homelessness across Washington state. In addition to questions on homelessness, Sen. Murray also asked Sec. Carson to explain the Department’s position on several housing issues impacting Washington state families, including HUD’s formula for calculating Section 8 housing that must account for rising housing prices in cities like Vancouver, Tacoma, and Seattle, and proposed cuts to programs supporting affordable housing and offering rental assistance.
Senators Murray, Cantwell Oppose Trump Administration’s Proposal to Auction Off DOE Transmission Assets
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in a letter to U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and a bipartisan group of Western senators voiced their strong opposition to a provision in the President’s Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request to auction off the transmission assets of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and other Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) through the Department of Energy.
“[Bonneville Power Administration and other PMAs] have provided reliable and affordable electric service and are crucially important to rural communities in our states. Sale of the PMAs transmission facilities would not advance the President’s infrastructure objectives. In fact, privatization of existing assets could affect opportunities for new infrastructure investments. Moreover, any private entity buying PMA assets will want to recover their investment. The resulting rate increases would take money out of the pockets of consumers and businesses in our states,” the Senators said in their letter to Secretary Perry.
The letter concludes by stating, “There are improvements that can and should be made to the operations of some PMAs, but the dismantling of them is simply not sound governmental policy. Instead, we look forward to working with you to make needed investments in PMA infrastructure and ensuring the future value of this important federal asset.”---press release issued June 7th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=14F772DB-89B7-417B-87FB-6960F539ACE4
While VA works on a long-term plan to reduce wait times and improve veteran care, the Trump Administration is pushing provisions that would weaken the entire VA system
(Washington, D.C.) – Today in a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) questioned Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David Shulkin about whether he supports Trump Administration initiatives that would weaken VA in the coming years, moving the agency toward privatization. Sen. Murray, a senior member of the Committee and the daughter of a World War II veteran, is staunchly opposed to dismantling VA and has urged her colleagues in Congress to support a series of reforms to strengthen veteran care. In today’s hearing, Sen. Murray asked Secretary Shulkin about particular provisions that would destabilize the system.---press release issued June 7th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8D4FEAB1-9AF9-429B-AB3B-13F6CBBAD48D
For more news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC, and advocacy news stories see page 2
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
EPA to Extend Deadline for 2015 Ozone NAAQS Area Designations
press release issued June 6th
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-extend-deadline-2015-ozone-naaqs-area-designations
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt sent a letter to governors today to inform them of EPA’s efforts related to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone promulgated in October 2015. EPA is extending the deadline for promulgating initial area designations, by one year, for the 2015 ozone NAAQS.
States have made tremendous progress and significant investment cleaning up the air. We will continue to work with states to ensure they are on a path to compliance,” said Administrator Scott Pruitt.
The National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone is an outdoor air regulation under the Clean Air Act. As part of the process to determine what areas of the country are able to meet the current air quality standards, states are currently submitting their proposals for area designations under the 70 parts per billion (ppb) standard, which was lowered from 75 ppb in 2015. Areas designated as being in “nonattainment” of the standard face consequences, including: increased regulatory burdens, restrictions on infrastructure investment, and increased costs to businesses.
EPA is giving states more time to develop air quality plans and EPA is looking at providing greater flexibility to states as they develop their plans. And, pursuant to the language in the recently-enacted FY2017 Omnibus funding bill, Administrator Pruitt is establishing an Ozone Cooperative Compliance Task Force to develop additional flexibilities for states to comply with the ozone standard.
Additionally, the Agency is taking time to better understand some lingering, complicated issues so that air attainment decisions can be based on the latest and greatest information. This additional time will also provide the agency time to review the 2015 ozone NAAQS, prior to taking this initial implementation step.
Although the new ozone standard was set on October 1, 2015, there remains a host of complex issues that could undermine associated compliance efforts by states and localities. The Agency is evaluating these issues, primarily focused on:
Fully understanding the role of background ozone levels;
Appropriately accounting for international transport,
And, timely consideration of exceptional events demonstrations.
“We share the goal of clean air, a robust economy and stronger, healthier communities. We are committed to working with states and local officials to effectively implement the ozone standard in a manner that is supportive of air quality improvement efforts without interfering with local decisions or impeding economic growth,” said Administrator Pruitt.
Since 1980, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants have dropped by 63 percent and ozone levels have declined by 33 percent. Despite the continued improvement of air quality, costs associated with compliance of the ozone NAAQS have significantly increased.
related story: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING …About The EPA’S Decision To Delay Implementation of the 2015 Ozone Standards
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-about-epas-decision-delay-implementation-2015-ozone-standards
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-extend-deadline-2015-ozone-naaqs-area-designations
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt sent a letter to governors today to inform them of EPA’s efforts related to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone promulgated in October 2015. EPA is extending the deadline for promulgating initial area designations, by one year, for the 2015 ozone NAAQS.
States have made tremendous progress and significant investment cleaning up the air. We will continue to work with states to ensure they are on a path to compliance,” said Administrator Scott Pruitt.
The National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone is an outdoor air regulation under the Clean Air Act. As part of the process to determine what areas of the country are able to meet the current air quality standards, states are currently submitting their proposals for area designations under the 70 parts per billion (ppb) standard, which was lowered from 75 ppb in 2015. Areas designated as being in “nonattainment” of the standard face consequences, including: increased regulatory burdens, restrictions on infrastructure investment, and increased costs to businesses.
EPA is giving states more time to develop air quality plans and EPA is looking at providing greater flexibility to states as they develop their plans. And, pursuant to the language in the recently-enacted FY2017 Omnibus funding bill, Administrator Pruitt is establishing an Ozone Cooperative Compliance Task Force to develop additional flexibilities for states to comply with the ozone standard.
Additionally, the Agency is taking time to better understand some lingering, complicated issues so that air attainment decisions can be based on the latest and greatest information. This additional time will also provide the agency time to review the 2015 ozone NAAQS, prior to taking this initial implementation step.
Although the new ozone standard was set on October 1, 2015, there remains a host of complex issues that could undermine associated compliance efforts by states and localities. The Agency is evaluating these issues, primarily focused on:
Fully understanding the role of background ozone levels;
Appropriately accounting for international transport,
And, timely consideration of exceptional events demonstrations.
“We share the goal of clean air, a robust economy and stronger, healthier communities. We are committed to working with states and local officials to effectively implement the ozone standard in a manner that is supportive of air quality improvement efforts without interfering with local decisions or impeding economic growth,” said Administrator Pruitt.
Since 1980, total emissions of the six principal air pollutants have dropped by 63 percent and ozone levels have declined by 33 percent. Despite the continued improvement of air quality, costs associated with compliance of the ozone NAAQS have significantly increased.
related story: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING …About The EPA’S Decision To Delay Implementation of the 2015 Ozone Standards
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-about-epas-decision-delay-implementation-2015-ozone-standards
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
UN NEWS CENTER: After 50 years of Israeli occupation, 'now is the time' to create Palestinian state – UN chief
5 June 2017 – Marking 50 years since the start of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, which resulted in Israel's occupation of the Palestinian Territory, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today reiterated a call for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56910
Today marks 50 years since the start of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, which resulted in Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza and the Syrian Golan, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and Syrians.
This occupation has imposed a heavy humanitarian and development burden on the Palestinian people. Among them are generation after generation of Palestinians who have been compelled to grow up and live in ever more crowded refugee camps, many in abject poverty, and with little or no prospect of a better life for their children.
The occupation has shaped the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. It has fuelled recurring cycles of violence and retribution. Its perpetuation is sending an unmistakable message to generations of Palestinians that their dream of statehood is destined to remain just that, a dream; and to Israelis that their desire for peace, security and regional recognition remains unattainable.
Ending the occupation that began in 1967 and achieving a negotiated two-State outcome is the only way to lay the foundations for enduring peace that meets Israeli security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty. It is the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Now is not the time to give up on this goal. Continued settlement construction and expansion; violence and incitement; and the illicit arms build-up and militant activity in Gaza risk creating a one-State reality that is incompatible with realizing the legitimate national and historic aspirations of both peoples. Now is the time to return to direct negotiations to resolve all final-status issues on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, agreements and international law.
Now is the time to end the conflict by establishing an independent Palestinian State, living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel. Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will remove a driver of violent extremism and terrorism in the Middle East and open the doors to cooperation, security, prosperity and human rights for all.
In 1947, on the basis of United Nations General Assembly resolution 181, the world recognized the two-State solution and called for the emergence of “independent Arab and Jewish States”. On 14 May 1948, the State of Israel was born. Almost seven decades later, the world still awaits the birth of an independent Palestinian State.
The Secretary-General reiterates his offer to work with all relevant stakeholders to support a genuine peace process.----press release issued June 5th
Related news stories:
NPR: 50 Years On, U.S. Presidents Still Seek Elusive Peace To A 6-Day War
REU: U.S. tells UN rights forum to remove 'chronic anti-Israel bias'
The Trump administration gave formal notice on Tuesday that it is reviewing its participation in the U.N. Human Rights Council and called for reforming the body to eliminate what it called its "chronic anti-Israel bias".
REU: Israeli panel approves West Bank settlement plan: reports
An Israeli panel approved plans on Tuesday for the first new Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank in two decades, Israeli media reports said, drawing Palestinian condemnation and defying repeated international appeals to avoid such measures.
History spotlight: D-DAY
The Western Allies of World War II launched the largest amphibious invasion in history when they assaulted Normandy, located on the northern coast of France, on 6 June 1944. The invaders were able to establish a beachhead as part of Operation Overlord after a successful "D-Day," the first day of the invasion.
Allied land forces came from the United States, Britain, Canada, and Free French forces. In the weeks following the invasion, Polish forces and contingents from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece and the Netherlands participated in the ground campaign; most also provided air and naval support alongside elements of the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal Norwegian Navy.
The Normandy invasion began with overnight parachute and glider landings, massive air attacks and naval bombardments. In the early morning, amphibious landings on five beaches codenamed Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah, The United States landing on beaches Omaha and Utah, Great Britain landing on beaches Gold and Sword and Canada landing on Juno. The invasion began and during the evening the remaining elements of the airborne divisions landed. Land forces used on D-Day sailed from bases along the south coast of England, the most important of these being Portsmouth. wikipedia See full article
For more world news and events see page 2
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56910
Continuing Occupation Sends ‘Unmistakable Message’ that Both Palestinian, Israeli Hopes Remain Unattainable, Secretary-General Warns in Anniversary Statement
The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:Today marks 50 years since the start of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, which resulted in Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza and the Syrian Golan, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and Syrians.
This occupation has imposed a heavy humanitarian and development burden on the Palestinian people. Among them are generation after generation of Palestinians who have been compelled to grow up and live in ever more crowded refugee camps, many in abject poverty, and with little or no prospect of a better life for their children.
The occupation has shaped the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. It has fuelled recurring cycles of violence and retribution. Its perpetuation is sending an unmistakable message to generations of Palestinians that their dream of statehood is destined to remain just that, a dream; and to Israelis that their desire for peace, security and regional recognition remains unattainable.
Ending the occupation that began in 1967 and achieving a negotiated two-State outcome is the only way to lay the foundations for enduring peace that meets Israeli security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty. It is the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Now is not the time to give up on this goal. Continued settlement construction and expansion; violence and incitement; and the illicit arms build-up and militant activity in Gaza risk creating a one-State reality that is incompatible with realizing the legitimate national and historic aspirations of both peoples. Now is the time to return to direct negotiations to resolve all final-status issues on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, agreements and international law.
Now is the time to end the conflict by establishing an independent Palestinian State, living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel. Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will remove a driver of violent extremism and terrorism in the Middle East and open the doors to cooperation, security, prosperity and human rights for all.
In 1947, on the basis of United Nations General Assembly resolution 181, the world recognized the two-State solution and called for the emergence of “independent Arab and Jewish States”. On 14 May 1948, the State of Israel was born. Almost seven decades later, the world still awaits the birth of an independent Palestinian State.
The Secretary-General reiterates his offer to work with all relevant stakeholders to support a genuine peace process.----press release issued June 5th
Related news stories:
NPR: 50 Years On, U.S. Presidents Still Seek Elusive Peace To A 6-Day War
REU: U.S. tells UN rights forum to remove 'chronic anti-Israel bias'
The Trump administration gave formal notice on Tuesday that it is reviewing its participation in the U.N. Human Rights Council and called for reforming the body to eliminate what it called its "chronic anti-Israel bias".
REU: Israeli panel approves West Bank settlement plan: reports
An Israeli panel approved plans on Tuesday for the first new Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank in two decades, Israeli media reports said, drawing Palestinian condemnation and defying repeated international appeals to avoid such measures.
History spotlight: D-DAY
The Western Allies of World War II launched the largest amphibious invasion in history when they assaulted Normandy, located on the northern coast of France, on 6 June 1944. The invaders were able to establish a beachhead as part of Operation Overlord after a successful "D-Day," the first day of the invasion.
Allied land forces came from the United States, Britain, Canada, and Free French forces. In the weeks following the invasion, Polish forces and contingents from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece and the Netherlands participated in the ground campaign; most also provided air and naval support alongside elements of the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal Norwegian Navy.
The Normandy invasion began with overnight parachute and glider landings, massive air attacks and naval bombardments. In the early morning, amphibious landings on five beaches codenamed Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah, The United States landing on beaches Omaha and Utah, Great Britain landing on beaches Gold and Sword and Canada landing on Juno. The invasion began and during the evening the remaining elements of the airborne divisions landed. Land forces used on D-Day sailed from bases along the south coast of England, the most important of these being Portsmouth. wikipedia See full article
For more world news and events see page 2
Monday, June 5, 2017
US COMMERCE DEPT: Trade with China Continues Trend While Comprehensive Economic Dialogue Hopes to Balance Deficits
Press release issued June 2nd:
The trade deficit in goods with China ballooned by 13.8 percent year-over-year while the overall trade deficit increased by 5 percent since March as imports increased slightly and exports declined following the release of the April 2017 International Trade in Goods and Services monthly data by the Department of Commerce.
“While the overall trade deficit continues to grow, it is too soon for the numbers to reflect the recent deal with China and other actions of this Administration is taking to level the balance of trade,” said Secretary Ross. “We look forward to the July 16 deadline which will open up the Chinese market to American beef, liquefied natural gas and other products.”
The U.S. goods and services deficit with China increased 5.4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2016 to the first quarter of 2017 growing from $77.714 billion to $81.901 billion.
The trade deficit widened month-to-month with China from 24.6 billion in March to 27.6 billion in April.
While the trade deficit with China grew, there was improvement in other areas. April exports to South Korea were the highest ever on record, while exports to Japan were the largest since August of 2014.
Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $9.4 billion, or 7.5 percent, from the same period in 2016. Exports increased $38.0 billion or 7.1 percent. Imports increased $47.5 billion or 7.1 percent.
The April increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $2.3 billion to $68.4 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of less than $0.1 billion to $20.8 billion.
NEWS NOTEBOOK: UK police name two London attackers, say one investigated before (REU)
LONDON, June 5 (Reuters) - One of the three attackers who killed seven people near London Bridge on Saturday night was previously investigated by British security services but had not been viewed as a serious threat, British police said on Monday.
UN NEWS CENTER: UN chief strongly condemns terrorist attacks in London
4 June 2017 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned last night's terrorist attacks in London and expressed solidarity with the people and Government of the United Kingdom in the combat against terrorism and violent extremism.
WH: Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom
President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom today. The President offered his condolences for the brutal terror attacks on June 3 in central London. He praised the heroic response of police and other first responders and offered the full support of the United States Government in investigating and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.
(For more business and finance news headlines see page 2)
Sunday, June 4, 2017
WDFW: Anglers can fish for free June 10-11, 2017
OLYMPIA – Each year, thousands of Washingtonians go fishing – legally – without a license on "Free Fishing Weekend," scheduled for June 10-11.
During those two days, no license will be required to fish or gather shellfish in any waters open to fishing in Washington state.
Anglers will also not need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, otherwise required to fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries. Nor will they need a Two Pole Endorsement to fish with two poles in selected waters where two-pole fishing is permitted.
Also, no vehicle access pass or Discover Pass will be required during Free Fishing Weekend to park at any of the nearly 700 water-access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). A Discover Pass is required in state parks on Sunday, June 11 and on DNR lands throughout the weekend however.
"If you haven't fished in Washington, or want to introduce fishing to someone new to the sport, this is the weekend to get out there," said Steve Thiesfeld, WDFW inland fish program manager.
Anglers have been catching daily limits of trout at lakes for the past month, and many rivers will open to trout fishing June 3 throughout the state. Other options available on Free Fishing Weekend include:
Lingcod on the coast.
Bass, crappie, perch and other warmwater fish biting in lakes throughout Washington.
Hatchery spring chinook on the lower Yakima River
Shad on the Columbia River.
Hatchery steelhead on rivers on the Olympic Peninsula.
For tips, new anglers should check online for the "Fish Washington" feature at the department's homepage (http://wdfw.wa.gov). The site provides details on lowland lake fishing, high lake fishing and marine area opportunities.
For those planning fishing vacations, Great Washington Getaways (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/vacation) showcases some of the state's best family travel and fishing opportunities.
And, for those who want even more fishing advice, the Fish Washington video page (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/videos) provides "how to" fishing videos designed to introduce techniques to both new and seasoned anglers.
Anglers who take part in free fishing weekend can also participate in the department's 2017 Trout Fishing Derby and redeem tags from fish caught over the weekend. Interested anglers should check for details online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/derby.
Before heading out, anglers should also check the current fishing regulations valid through June at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.
While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as size limits, bag limits and area closures will still be in effect. Anglers will also be required to complete a catch record card for any salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut they catch.
Catch record cards are available free at hundreds of sporting goods stores and other license dealers throughout the state. See http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors on the WDFW website to locate a license dealer.
press release issued 6. 1. 17
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jun0117c/
This week's bible lesson see page 2
During those two days, no license will be required to fish or gather shellfish in any waters open to fishing in Washington state.
Anglers will also not need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, otherwise required to fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries. Nor will they need a Two Pole Endorsement to fish with two poles in selected waters where two-pole fishing is permitted.
Also, no vehicle access pass or Discover Pass will be required during Free Fishing Weekend to park at any of the nearly 700 water-access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). A Discover Pass is required in state parks on Sunday, June 11 and on DNR lands throughout the weekend however.
"If you haven't fished in Washington, or want to introduce fishing to someone new to the sport, this is the weekend to get out there," said Steve Thiesfeld, WDFW inland fish program manager.
Anglers have been catching daily limits of trout at lakes for the past month, and many rivers will open to trout fishing June 3 throughout the state. Other options available on Free Fishing Weekend include:
Lingcod on the coast.
Bass, crappie, perch and other warmwater fish biting in lakes throughout Washington.
Hatchery spring chinook on the lower Yakima River
Shad on the Columbia River.
Hatchery steelhead on rivers on the Olympic Peninsula.
For tips, new anglers should check online for the "Fish Washington" feature at the department's homepage (http://wdfw.wa.gov). The site provides details on lowland lake fishing, high lake fishing and marine area opportunities.
For those planning fishing vacations, Great Washington Getaways (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/vacation) showcases some of the state's best family travel and fishing opportunities.
And, for those who want even more fishing advice, the Fish Washington video page (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/videos) provides "how to" fishing videos designed to introduce techniques to both new and seasoned anglers.
Anglers who take part in free fishing weekend can also participate in the department's 2017 Trout Fishing Derby and redeem tags from fish caught over the weekend. Interested anglers should check for details online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/derby.
Before heading out, anglers should also check the current fishing regulations valid through June at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.
While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as size limits, bag limits and area closures will still be in effect. Anglers will also be required to complete a catch record card for any salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut they catch.
Catch record cards are available free at hundreds of sporting goods stores and other license dealers throughout the state. See http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors on the WDFW website to locate a license dealer.
press release issued 6. 1. 17
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jun0117c/
This week's bible lesson see page 2
Saturday, June 3, 2017
SHOULD WE HIDE OUR HISTORY BECAUSE IT'S NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT?
Editorial note: That's a question which I been pondering about ever since the news broke that some civil war monuments have been removed. Particularly the monuments of confederate generals. Granted if I been alive back then I'd be fighting on the side of the Union. But, I do question the actions of some who want to change history if that is what this is all about
First let us look back 156 years during the American Civil war. BUT! It doesn't mean it's a cool thing to drive around with the stars and bars flag flying in the wind in the back of a pickup truck. The flag they should be honoring in the back of their truck is old Glory, not the stars and bars of the confederacy.
Quoting from wikipedia: " The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865. After a long standing controversy over slavery and state's rights, war broke out in April 1861, when Confederates attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina, shortly after Abraham Lincoln was elected. The nationalists of the Union proclaimed loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. They faced secessionists of the Confederate States of America advocating states’ rights to perpetual slavery and its expansion in the Americas.
Among the 34 U.S. states in February 1861, seven Southern slave states individually declared their secession from the U.S. to form the Confederate States of America. The Confederacy grew to include eleven states; it claimed two more border states (Kentucky and Missouri), the Indian Territory, and the southern portions of the Union's western territories of Arizona and New Mexico, which was organized and incorporated into the Confederacy as Confederate Arizona. The Confederacy was never diplomatically recognized by the United States government, nor was it recognized by any foreign country (although Britain and France granted it belligerent status). The states that remained loyal, including the border states where slavery was legal, were known as the Union or the North.
The North and South quickly raised volunteer and conscript armies that fought mostly in the South over four years. During this time many innovations in warfare occurred, including the development and use of iron-clad ships, ultimately changing naval strategy around the world. The Union finally won the war when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at the battle of Appomattox, which triggered a series of surrenders by Confederate generals throughout the southern states. Four years of intense combat left 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers dead, a higher number than the number of American military deaths in World War I and World War II combined, and much of the South's infrastructure was destroyed. The Confederacy collapsed, slavery was abolished, and 4 million slaves were freed. The Reconstruction Era (1863–1877) overlapped and followed the war, with the process of restoring national unity, strengthening the national government, and granting civil rights to freed slaves throughout the country. The Civil War is arguably the most studied and written about episode in American history."---read full story
The leading Generals:
Ulysses S. Grant (born Hiram Ulysses Grant; April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) was the 18th President of the United States (1869–77). As Commanding General (1864–69), Grant worked closely with President Abraham Lincoln to lead the Union Army to victory over the Confederacy in the American Civil War. Supported by Congress, Grant implemented Reconstruction, often at odds with President Andrew Johnson. Twice elected president, Grant led the Republicans in their effort to remove the vestiges of Confederate nationalism and slavery, protect African-American citizenship, and support economic prosperity. His presidency has often been criticized for tolerating corruption and for the economic depression in his second term.
Grant graduated in 1843 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, then served in the Mexican–American War. After the war he married Julia Boggs Dent in 1848, their marriage producing four children. Grant initially retired from the Army in 1854. He struggled financially in civilian life. When the Civil War began in 1861, he rejoined the U.S. Army. In 1862, Grant took control of Kentucky and most of Tennessee, and led Union forces to victory in the Battle of Shiloh, earning a reputation as an aggressive commander. In July 1863, after a series of coordinated battles, Grant defeated Confederate armies and seized Vicksburg, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River and dividing the Confederacy in two. After his victories in the Chattanooga Campaign, Lincoln promoted him to lieutenant general and Commanding General of the Army in March 1864. Grant confronted Robert E. Lee in a series of bloody battles, trapping Lee's army in their defense of Richmond. Grant coordinated a series of devastating campaigns in other theaters, as well. In April 1865, Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox, effectively ending the war. ---see full story
Editorial Note: So, are we going to start taking down Union generals monuments, or just target confederate ones?
Robert E Lee
Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 – October 12, 1870) was an American general known for commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War from 1862 until his surrender in 1865. The son of Revolutionary War officer Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III, Lee was a top graduate of the United States Military Academy and an exceptional officer and military engineer in the United States Army for 32 years. During this time, he served throughout the United States, distinguished himself during the Mexican–American War, and served as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy.
When Virginia declared its secession from the Union in April 1861, Lee chose to follow his home state, despite his personal desire for the country to remain intact and an offer of a senior Union command. During the first year of the Civil War, Lee served as a senior military adviser to President Jefferson Davis. Once he took command of the main field army in 1862 he soon emerged as a shrewd tactician and battlefield commander, winning most of his battles, all against far superior Union armies. Lee's strategic foresight was more questionable, and both of his major offensives into Union territory ended in defeat.
Lee's aggressive tactics, which resulted in high casualties at a time when the Confederacy had a shortage of manpower, have come under criticism in recent years. Lee surrendered his entire army to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. By this time, Lee had assumed supreme command of the remaining Southern armies; other Confederate forces swiftly capitulated after his surrender. Lee rejected the proposal of a sustained insurgency against the Union and called for reconciliation between the two sides.
After the war, as President of what is now Washington and Lee University, Lee supported President Andrew Johnson's program of Reconstruction and intersectional friendship, while opposing the Radical Republican proposals to give freed slaves the vote and take the vote away from ex-Confederates. He urged them to rethink their position between the North and the South, and the reintegration of former Confederates into the nation's political life. Lee became the great Southern hero of the War, a postwar icon of the "Lost Cause of the Confederacy" to some. But his popularity grew even in the North, especially after his death in 1870. Barracks at West Point built in 1962 are named after him. ( read full story)
Related Stories:
NPR: New Orleans Takes Down Statue Of Gen. Robert E. Lee
FOX NEWS: New Orleans takes down prominent Confederate monument
WP: Protests against removing Confederate monuments are not really about history
NBC NEWS: Is Removing Confederate Monuments Like Erasing History?
NY TIMES: Mitch Landrieu’s Speech on the Removal of Confederate Monuments in New Orleans
NY DAILY NEWS: Condoleezza Rice argues tearing down slave owners’ statues is ‘sanitizing’ history
Quote: “When you start wiping out your history, sanitizing your history to make you feel better, it’s a bad thing,” Rice said.
Quote: “I’m a firm believer in ‘keep your history before you.’ And so I don’t actually want to rename things that were named for slave owners,” Rice replied. “I want us to have to look at the names and recognize what they did, and be able to tell our kids what they did and for them to have a sense of their own history.”
First let us look back 156 years during the American Civil war. BUT! It doesn't mean it's a cool thing to drive around with the stars and bars flag flying in the wind in the back of a pickup truck. The flag they should be honoring in the back of their truck is old Glory, not the stars and bars of the confederacy.
Quoting from wikipedia: " The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865. After a long standing controversy over slavery and state's rights, war broke out in April 1861, when Confederates attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina, shortly after Abraham Lincoln was elected. The nationalists of the Union proclaimed loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. They faced secessionists of the Confederate States of America advocating states’ rights to perpetual slavery and its expansion in the Americas.
Among the 34 U.S. states in February 1861, seven Southern slave states individually declared their secession from the U.S. to form the Confederate States of America. The Confederacy grew to include eleven states; it claimed two more border states (Kentucky and Missouri), the Indian Territory, and the southern portions of the Union's western territories of Arizona and New Mexico, which was organized and incorporated into the Confederacy as Confederate Arizona. The Confederacy was never diplomatically recognized by the United States government, nor was it recognized by any foreign country (although Britain and France granted it belligerent status). The states that remained loyal, including the border states where slavery was legal, were known as the Union or the North.
The North and South quickly raised volunteer and conscript armies that fought mostly in the South over four years. During this time many innovations in warfare occurred, including the development and use of iron-clad ships, ultimately changing naval strategy around the world. The Union finally won the war when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at the battle of Appomattox, which triggered a series of surrenders by Confederate generals throughout the southern states. Four years of intense combat left 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers dead, a higher number than the number of American military deaths in World War I and World War II combined, and much of the South's infrastructure was destroyed. The Confederacy collapsed, slavery was abolished, and 4 million slaves were freed. The Reconstruction Era (1863–1877) overlapped and followed the war, with the process of restoring national unity, strengthening the national government, and granting civil rights to freed slaves throughout the country. The Civil War is arguably the most studied and written about episode in American history."---read full story
The leading Generals:
Ulysses S. Grant (born Hiram Ulysses Grant; April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) was the 18th President of the United States (1869–77). As Commanding General (1864–69), Grant worked closely with President Abraham Lincoln to lead the Union Army to victory over the Confederacy in the American Civil War. Supported by Congress, Grant implemented Reconstruction, often at odds with President Andrew Johnson. Twice elected president, Grant led the Republicans in their effort to remove the vestiges of Confederate nationalism and slavery, protect African-American citizenship, and support economic prosperity. His presidency has often been criticized for tolerating corruption and for the economic depression in his second term.
Grant graduated in 1843 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, then served in the Mexican–American War. After the war he married Julia Boggs Dent in 1848, their marriage producing four children. Grant initially retired from the Army in 1854. He struggled financially in civilian life. When the Civil War began in 1861, he rejoined the U.S. Army. In 1862, Grant took control of Kentucky and most of Tennessee, and led Union forces to victory in the Battle of Shiloh, earning a reputation as an aggressive commander. In July 1863, after a series of coordinated battles, Grant defeated Confederate armies and seized Vicksburg, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River and dividing the Confederacy in two. After his victories in the Chattanooga Campaign, Lincoln promoted him to lieutenant general and Commanding General of the Army in March 1864. Grant confronted Robert E. Lee in a series of bloody battles, trapping Lee's army in their defense of Richmond. Grant coordinated a series of devastating campaigns in other theaters, as well. In April 1865, Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox, effectively ending the war. ---see full story
Editorial Note: So, are we going to start taking down Union generals monuments, or just target confederate ones?
Robert E Lee
Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 – October 12, 1870) was an American general known for commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War from 1862 until his surrender in 1865. The son of Revolutionary War officer Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III, Lee was a top graduate of the United States Military Academy and an exceptional officer and military engineer in the United States Army for 32 years. During this time, he served throughout the United States, distinguished himself during the Mexican–American War, and served as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy.
When Virginia declared its secession from the Union in April 1861, Lee chose to follow his home state, despite his personal desire for the country to remain intact and an offer of a senior Union command. During the first year of the Civil War, Lee served as a senior military adviser to President Jefferson Davis. Once he took command of the main field army in 1862 he soon emerged as a shrewd tactician and battlefield commander, winning most of his battles, all against far superior Union armies. Lee's strategic foresight was more questionable, and both of his major offensives into Union territory ended in defeat.
Lee's aggressive tactics, which resulted in high casualties at a time when the Confederacy had a shortage of manpower, have come under criticism in recent years. Lee surrendered his entire army to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. By this time, Lee had assumed supreme command of the remaining Southern armies; other Confederate forces swiftly capitulated after his surrender. Lee rejected the proposal of a sustained insurgency against the Union and called for reconciliation between the two sides.
After the war, as President of what is now Washington and Lee University, Lee supported President Andrew Johnson's program of Reconstruction and intersectional friendship, while opposing the Radical Republican proposals to give freed slaves the vote and take the vote away from ex-Confederates. He urged them to rethink their position between the North and the South, and the reintegration of former Confederates into the nation's political life. Lee became the great Southern hero of the War, a postwar icon of the "Lost Cause of the Confederacy" to some. But his popularity grew even in the North, especially after his death in 1870. Barracks at West Point built in 1962 are named after him. ( read full story)
Related Stories:
NPR: New Orleans Takes Down Statue Of Gen. Robert E. Lee
FOX NEWS: New Orleans takes down prominent Confederate monument
WP: Protests against removing Confederate monuments are not really about history
NBC NEWS: Is Removing Confederate Monuments Like Erasing History?
NY TIMES: Mitch Landrieu’s Speech on the Removal of Confederate Monuments in New Orleans
NY DAILY NEWS: Condoleezza Rice argues tearing down slave owners’ statues is ‘sanitizing’ history
Quote: “When you start wiping out your history, sanitizing your history to make you feel better, it’s a bad thing,” Rice said.
Quote: “I’m a firm believer in ‘keep your history before you.’ And so I don’t actually want to rename things that were named for slave owners,” Rice replied. “I want us to have to look at the names and recognize what they did, and be able to tell our kids what they did and for them to have a sense of their own history.”
DNR: Commissioner Franz Statement on President Trump’s Decision to Withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement
OLYMPIA – Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz released the following statement after President Donald Trump decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
“This is a sad day for America. President Trump has broken our promise to the world to lead the way to a future in which we sustainably feed and support our communities. The burden now falls on us a state to double down on these efforts.
“Today’s action by the president makes it clear we must do everything we can to prepare and adapt our state for the impacts of a changing climate. States have long been the front-runners of progress, and we will continue to lead the way.
“We owe it to the 100,000 workers in Washington’s forest industry who are seeing their jobs go up in the smoke of intensifying wildfires, accelerating disease and broader insect infestations. We owe it to the 32,000 Washington shellfish workers who are seeing acidifying seas destroy the developing shells of our oysters and mussels. We owe it to the 90,000 people who work for Washington’s 100-plus clean energy companies whose products are exported to overseas buyers. We owe it to the 200,000 workers in Washington's outdoor recreation industry, who need clean air and water to help our people access and appreciate the lands that make us the Evergreen State. We owe it to the children who dig geoducks every day and to those who have never seen one.
“It is up to us, the elected leaders of our state, to address threats to our quality of life. I will continue and redouble efforts to work for sound climate policy that works for all the people of our state, policies that:
* Significantly reduce carbon pollution
* Preserve the productivity of state lands
* Protect existing, family wage jobs in natural resource industries
* Grow new jobs in clean energy
* Provide value to those impacted by climate change, and those impacted by the policies we develop in response
“We can take care of each other in Washington. Whether we live in Wallingford or Washtucna, our lands sustain us. It is our duty, now more than ever, to return the favor.”---from a press release issued June 1st.
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/commissioner-franz-statement-president-trump%E2%80%99s-decision-withdraw-paris-climate-agreement
For local news headlines and commentary see page 2
“This is a sad day for America. President Trump has broken our promise to the world to lead the way to a future in which we sustainably feed and support our communities. The burden now falls on us a state to double down on these efforts.
“Today’s action by the president makes it clear we must do everything we can to prepare and adapt our state for the impacts of a changing climate. States have long been the front-runners of progress, and we will continue to lead the way.
“We owe it to the 100,000 workers in Washington’s forest industry who are seeing their jobs go up in the smoke of intensifying wildfires, accelerating disease and broader insect infestations. We owe it to the 32,000 Washington shellfish workers who are seeing acidifying seas destroy the developing shells of our oysters and mussels. We owe it to the 90,000 people who work for Washington’s 100-plus clean energy companies whose products are exported to overseas buyers. We owe it to the 200,000 workers in Washington's outdoor recreation industry, who need clean air and water to help our people access and appreciate the lands that make us the Evergreen State. We owe it to the children who dig geoducks every day and to those who have never seen one.
“It is up to us, the elected leaders of our state, to address threats to our quality of life. I will continue and redouble efforts to work for sound climate policy that works for all the people of our state, policies that:
* Significantly reduce carbon pollution
* Preserve the productivity of state lands
* Protect existing, family wage jobs in natural resource industries
* Grow new jobs in clean energy
* Provide value to those impacted by climate change, and those impacted by the policies we develop in response
“We can take care of each other in Washington. Whether we live in Wallingford or Washtucna, our lands sustain us. It is our duty, now more than ever, to return the favor.”---from a press release issued June 1st.
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/commissioner-franz-statement-president-trump%E2%80%99s-decision-withdraw-paris-climate-agreement
For local news headlines and commentary see page 2
Friday, June 2, 2017
Inslee, New York Governor Cuomo, and California Governor Brown announce formation of United States Climate Alliance
OLYMPIA - In response to President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., and Washington State Governor Jay Inslee today announced the formation of the United States Climate Alliance, a coalition that will convene U.S. states committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement and taking aggressive action on climate change.
“I am proud to stand with other governors as we make sure that the inaction in D.C. is met by an equal force of action from the states," said Inslee. "Today’s announcement by the president leaves the full responsibility of climate action on states and cities throughout our nation. While the president’s actions are a shameful rebuke to the work needed to protect our planet for our children and grandchildren, states have been and will continue to step up.”
“The White House’s reckless decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement has devastating repercussions not only for the United States, but for our planet. This administration is abdicating its leadership and taking a backseat to other countries in the global fight against climate change,” said Governor Cuomo. “New York State is committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris Accord regardless of Washington’s irresponsible actions. We will not ignore the science and reality of climate change which is why I am also signing an Executive Order confirming New York’s leadership role in protecting our citizens, our environment, and our planet.”
New York, California and Washington, representing over one-fifth of U.S. Gross Domestic Product, are committed to achieving the U.S. goal of reducing emissions 26-28 percent from 2005 levels and meeting or exceeding the targets of the federal Clean Power Plan.
“The President has already said climate change is a hoax, which is the exact opposite of virtually all scientific and worldwide opinion,” said Governor Brown. “I don't believe fighting reality is a good strategy - not for America, not for anybody. If the President is going to be AWOL in this profoundly important human endeavor, then California and other states will step up.”
Together, New York, California and Washington represent approximately 68 million people – nearly one-in-five Americans – and the states account for at least 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Washington will continue to work closely together with other states to help fill the void left by the federal government.
With input from all participants, the U.S. Climate Alliance will also act as a forum to sustain and strengthen existing climate programs, promote the sharing of information and best practices, and implement new programs to reduce carbon emissions from all sectors of the economy.
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-new-york-governor-cuomo-and-california-governor-brown-announce-formation-united
Related Story:
Inslee statement on Trump's intention to remove U.S. from international climate agreement
Washington state is leading the way on climate issues where Washington, D.C., is failing. The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark international pact that represents our greatest opportunity to secure long-term U.S. and global economic security in the face of growing threats from climate change. One hundred and ninety-four nations have signed the agreement, 147 have ratified it, and more than 85 percent of the world's carbon pollution are now covered by its terms. Counted among the signatories are China and India, two of the world's largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, whose support for the agreement emerged through diligent U.S. leadership.
"Today the White House signaled that President Donald Trump will end the United States' participation in this agreement. This is a shameful course of action that will jeopardize the health and prosperity of our children and grandchildren. With this decision, Trump would leave America's destiny not as a nation that harnesses the clean, renewable energy above our shoulders, but that instead remains mired in the dirty, diminishing energy under our feet.
"But even before today, the Trump Administration has been taking steps to show it will refuse to confront the climate challenge. Trump's Environmental Protection Agency is already working to gut carbon pollution standards, to instead benefit fossil fuel industry profits; his Energy Department is proposing to slash research and development into new clean energy technologies; and his State Department has already checked out of our international climate partnerships.
"In Washington state we are taking action to reduce carbon pollution. We have implemented a cap on carbon pollution, and we will continue working with businesses and research institutions to develop and deploy 21st century clean energy solutions. We are also partnering with other states who are doing the same, and our states will not stop fighting for a clean energy future, regardless of who is in the White House. But we - and the global community - need a partner in the United States federal government.
"The U.S. cannot credibly remain a world leader while withdrawing from an agreement that reflects the overwhelming desire of the global community. President Trump has put our nation on the wrong path, and the wrong side of history."
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-trumps-intention-remove-us-international-climate-agreement
(For more state related stories see page 2)
“I am proud to stand with other governors as we make sure that the inaction in D.C. is met by an equal force of action from the states," said Inslee. "Today’s announcement by the president leaves the full responsibility of climate action on states and cities throughout our nation. While the president’s actions are a shameful rebuke to the work needed to protect our planet for our children and grandchildren, states have been and will continue to step up.”
“The White House’s reckless decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement has devastating repercussions not only for the United States, but for our planet. This administration is abdicating its leadership and taking a backseat to other countries in the global fight against climate change,” said Governor Cuomo. “New York State is committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris Accord regardless of Washington’s irresponsible actions. We will not ignore the science and reality of climate change which is why I am also signing an Executive Order confirming New York’s leadership role in protecting our citizens, our environment, and our planet.”
New York, California and Washington, representing over one-fifth of U.S. Gross Domestic Product, are committed to achieving the U.S. goal of reducing emissions 26-28 percent from 2005 levels and meeting or exceeding the targets of the federal Clean Power Plan.
“The President has already said climate change is a hoax, which is the exact opposite of virtually all scientific and worldwide opinion,” said Governor Brown. “I don't believe fighting reality is a good strategy - not for America, not for anybody. If the President is going to be AWOL in this profoundly important human endeavor, then California and other states will step up.”
Together, New York, California and Washington represent approximately 68 million people – nearly one-in-five Americans – and the states account for at least 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Washington will continue to work closely together with other states to help fill the void left by the federal government.
With input from all participants, the U.S. Climate Alliance will also act as a forum to sustain and strengthen existing climate programs, promote the sharing of information and best practices, and implement new programs to reduce carbon emissions from all sectors of the economy.
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-new-york-governor-cuomo-and-california-governor-brown-announce-formation-united
Related Story:
Inslee statement on Trump's intention to remove U.S. from international climate agreement
Washington state is leading the way on climate issues where Washington, D.C., is failing. The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark international pact that represents our greatest opportunity to secure long-term U.S. and global economic security in the face of growing threats from climate change. One hundred and ninety-four nations have signed the agreement, 147 have ratified it, and more than 85 percent of the world's carbon pollution are now covered by its terms. Counted among the signatories are China and India, two of the world's largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, whose support for the agreement emerged through diligent U.S. leadership.
"Today the White House signaled that President Donald Trump will end the United States' participation in this agreement. This is a shameful course of action that will jeopardize the health and prosperity of our children and grandchildren. With this decision, Trump would leave America's destiny not as a nation that harnesses the clean, renewable energy above our shoulders, but that instead remains mired in the dirty, diminishing energy under our feet.
"But even before today, the Trump Administration has been taking steps to show it will refuse to confront the climate challenge. Trump's Environmental Protection Agency is already working to gut carbon pollution standards, to instead benefit fossil fuel industry profits; his Energy Department is proposing to slash research and development into new clean energy technologies; and his State Department has already checked out of our international climate partnerships.
"In Washington state we are taking action to reduce carbon pollution. We have implemented a cap on carbon pollution, and we will continue working with businesses and research institutions to develop and deploy 21st century clean energy solutions. We are also partnering with other states who are doing the same, and our states will not stop fighting for a clean energy future, regardless of who is in the White House. But we - and the global community - need a partner in the United States federal government.
"The U.S. cannot credibly remain a world leader while withdrawing from an agreement that reflects the overwhelming desire of the global community. President Trump has put our nation on the wrong path, and the wrong side of history."
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-trumps-intention-remove-us-international-climate-agreement
(For more state related stories see page 2)
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Cantwell, Murray Raise Concerns over President Trump’s Cuts to Rural Development
President Trump’s drastic budget cuts, coupled with plans to eliminate the USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, would hurt small towns and rural communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined 27 Senate Democrats to send a letter to President Trump expressing strong concerns over recent actions that would have negative impacts on families in rural America.
Last week, President Trump issued a budget proposal calling for drastic cuts that would undermine the important rural development mission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These damaging cuts come on the heels of recently announced plans to eliminate the USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, an important advocate for small towns and rural communities across the country.
In the letter, the Senators objected to the proposed cuts, and urged President Trump to maintain the Under Secretary for Rural Development.
“Small towns and rural communities embody many of our nation’s greatest strengths, and the people of these communities deserve every opportunity to raise their families with well-paying jobs and a high quality of life,” wrote the senators. “Our small towns and rural communities, however, experience unique challenges in developing and maintaining infrastructure and providing high-quality health services and education. Understanding and responding to these unique challenges to help these communities create jobs and drive economic growth is the principal mission of USDA Rural Development.”
press release: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-raise-concerns-over-president-trumps-cuts-to-rural-development-
See full text of letter to President Trump
Cantwell and Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers Work to Reunite U.S. Families & Their Adopted Children
Adoption Ban Leaves 200 U.S. families & their Adopted Children in Limbo
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with 122 Members of Congress, urged the Prime Minister of Ethiopia to reconsider his April 21st decision to suspend international adoptions. The order has left more than 200 U.S. families, and the Ethiopian children they are trying to bring home, in a heartbreaking limbo.
In a bipartisan - and bicameral - letter to Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Cantwell, 47 of her Senate colleagues, and 75 members of the House of Representatives said: “While we respect your government’s decisions regarding future adoption policy in Ethiopia, we ask for your help in resolving expeditiously cases that were already underway on April 21. We are concerned that a failure to work with us to help these children join their adoptive families could have a negative impact on the relationship between our two governments.”
The group of lawmakers is particularly concerned about approximately 30 adoptions that have already been finalized but, because of the order, the parents are unable to obtain the final paperwork, or “vitals”, necessary to bring their legally-adopted children home. The government of Ethiopia has provided the adoptive parents no legal justification for the delays, which have had an adverse effect on the children: “In many cases, children and families have already initiated the emotional bonding and attachment process. We fear breaking these attachments by delaying these adoptions may be detrimental to the children and adoptive families involved. Our constituents want to provide loving, safe families to those in need and simply wish to bring their adopted children home in a timely fashion and in accordance with the law.”
Press release: https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-bipartisan-bicameral-group-of-lawmakers-work-to-reunite-us-families-and-their-adopted-children-
For more news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC, and Advocacy Notebook headlines see page 2
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Wild Olympics' Proposal Harnesses Economic Power of Public Lands, Supporters Say
A measure to protect land and waterways in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula will preserve environmental assets while creating jobs, supporters say. The days of “either/or” are over, says U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D) of Washington’s 6th District.
U. S. Representative Derek Kilmer is a native of his home district, raised by two educators in Port Angeles, Washington. The city of 19,000 is the largest along the 90-mile northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula .
Kilmer speaks fondly of a childhood, “hiking the Hoh, paddling the sound.” The representative is a creature of his Northwest Washington district, most of which is characterized by rural and public land.
Kilmer, who was first elected to Congress in 2012, believes that activities like these are one of the key economic engines for rural communities. “There’s a lot of money, a lot of income, in outdoor recreation.”
Kilmer, collaborating with Washington Senator Patty Murray, hopes to strengthen his district’s economy by expanding recreation opportunities in the Olympic region. Their Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act has a goal of protecting more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness along with 19 rivers and their tributaries. Working with community partners in the Wild Olympics Campaign, Kilmer said his bill “has an eye toward the notion that you can both protect land and support job creation. It’s not an either/or approach. It’s a both/and.”
Further quote: " Some citizens on the Olympic Peninsula are opposed to the Wild Olympics plans, calling it “Obama’s land deal power grab.” Critics say that a Wilderness designation would limit access to public land, decrease a needed focus on wildfire prevention, and increase the federal deficit. They point to a history of mismanagement of local federal lands that they say could signal trouble to come.
Representative Kilmer says that the 2017 proposal takes these criticisms into account. The current Wild Olympics proposal is an outgrowth of “extensive conversations with local communities, Native American tribes, the timber industry, environmental groups, and small business owners throughout the Peninsula. We’ve figured out to how to thread the needle.” Input from Peninsula communities ensured that the legislative proposal was designed to have no impact on timber jobs and close no roads. As local efforts for the proposal move ahead, more than 700 local elected officials, businesses, hunting and fishing groups, and sport fishing entrepreneurs endorsed the legislation."
Sources: Congressman Kilmer web page share news article from the Daily Yonder.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/wild-olympics-proposal-harnesses-economic-power-of-public-lands-supporters-say
For more national headlines see page 2
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Recent tragedies highlight urgency for ‘credible’ and ‘safe’ pathways to Europe – UN refugee agency
UN NEWS SERVICE: Recent tragedies highlight urgency for ‘credible’ and ‘safe’ pathways to Europe – UN refugee agency
30 May 2017 – Against the backdrop of more than 1,700 people having perished this year while undertaking perilous crossings across central Mediterranean Sea to reach mainland Europe, the United Nations refugee agency has appealed for “credible alternatives” to ensure accessible and safe ways for people in need of international protection to reach the continent.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56858
Central African Republic: Amid fresh violence, UN rallies support for displaced
30 May 2017 – United Nations agencies are seeking to rally support for the people fleeing escalating violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), while the Organization's human rights office has called for the establishment of a strong justice system in the country.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56857
With 'blue helmets' in harm's way every day, peacekeeping reforms and resources needed – UN chief
29 May 2017 – Marking International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Secretary-General António Guterres today said that peacekeeping must have the tools and rules it needs to adapt to the dangerous and challenging environments they face.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56854
UN risk reduction forum in Cancun closes with call to harness data
29 May 2017 – We can't change nature, but we can be prepared if we have the right information – that was the message from a major United Nations conference on risk reduction in Cancun, Mexico, which closed with a call for all countries to systematically measure losses from natural disasters.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56856
Civilians in Syria must be spared from anti-ISIL airstrikes – UN rights chief
26 May 2017 – The United Nations human rights chief today urged all warring parties in Syria to take every feasible measure to spare the civilian population from the effects of the armed conflict, noting that civilians are increasing caught in fighting between the Government forces and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorist group.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56844
For more world news and events see page 2
Business and finance report can be found on page 3
30 May 2017 – Against the backdrop of more than 1,700 people having perished this year while undertaking perilous crossings across central Mediterranean Sea to reach mainland Europe, the United Nations refugee agency has appealed for “credible alternatives” to ensure accessible and safe ways for people in need of international protection to reach the continent.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56858
Central African Republic: Amid fresh violence, UN rallies support for displaced
30 May 2017 – United Nations agencies are seeking to rally support for the people fleeing escalating violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), while the Organization's human rights office has called for the establishment of a strong justice system in the country.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56857
With 'blue helmets' in harm's way every day, peacekeeping reforms and resources needed – UN chief
29 May 2017 – Marking International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Secretary-General António Guterres today said that peacekeeping must have the tools and rules it needs to adapt to the dangerous and challenging environments they face.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56854
UN risk reduction forum in Cancun closes with call to harness data
29 May 2017 – We can't change nature, but we can be prepared if we have the right information – that was the message from a major United Nations conference on risk reduction in Cancun, Mexico, which closed with a call for all countries to systematically measure losses from natural disasters.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56856
Civilians in Syria must be spared from anti-ISIL airstrikes – UN rights chief
26 May 2017 – The United Nations human rights chief today urged all warring parties in Syria to take every feasible measure to spare the civilian population from the effects of the armed conflict, noting that civilians are increasing caught in fighting between the Government forces and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorist group.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56844
For more world news and events see page 2
Business and finance report can be found on page 3
Monday, May 29, 2017
NO UPDATE FOR TODAY
Readers, I'm taking the day off today. Hope you all have a great Memorial Day.
Tomorrow's publication will feature two reports Business news, and our regular world news and events. Enjoy the holiday everyone.
From a shared facebook photo
Tomorrow's publication will feature two reports Business news, and our regular world news and events. Enjoy the holiday everyone.
From a shared facebook photo
Saturday, May 27, 2017
COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING HIGHLIGHT: LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR A SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CLINIC
Tuesday, the County commission will hold both their work session, and regular meetings due to the Memorial Day holiday. Both the city, and port have no scheduled meetings next week, so the only game in town is on the County Level.
The highlight item on the work session agenda is a letter regarding a letter of support for a school based health clinic.
Discuss letter of support encouraging the Port Angeles School Board to adopt a program for a School Based Health Clinic presented by the North Olympic Healthcare Network ( Port Angeles Schoof District, and Port Angeles Citizen Action Network.
See draft of letter being sent: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=43&meta_id=10150
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=43
Meeting will start at 9AM at the County Court House.
During the regular meeting starting at 10AM the agenda highlight item (s) are:
Resolution adopting the following Budget Revisions:
Non Departmental – Hotel/Motel Tax – Reallocation of funds in order to make a onetime expenditure to Clallam County Public Works for the Olympic Discovery Trail Hwy 112 to Waterline Road – Bridge and Abutments project/$105,000
Department of Community Development – Approved in 2017 budget for the completion of the Shoreline Management Plan the funds need to be moved out of Code Enforcement Professional Services and added to the Long Range Planning Professional Services/$40,000
see details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10222
Resolution re-establishing the Clallam Bay-Sekiu Sewer Community Advisory Board
The Board of Clallam County Commíssioners recognizes the valued consumers of having an Advisory Board to address their make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners rate structure, and billing disputes.
see for further details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10214
Resolution adopting the following Supplemental Appropriation:
Department of Community Development – Long Range Planning/Natural Resources –Professional services for the McDonald Creek Restoration – Feasibility/Implementation and extends the expiration date to 6-30-2018/$190,000
see for further details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10220
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325
DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.----Acts 20:24 NKJV
Free bible study offered by World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
Editorial Note: Not much this week on the local level in this week's edition. Go and enjoy the Memorial Day holiday everyone.
The highlight item on the work session agenda is a letter regarding a letter of support for a school based health clinic.
Discuss letter of support encouraging the Port Angeles School Board to adopt a program for a School Based Health Clinic presented by the North Olympic Healthcare Network ( Port Angeles Schoof District, and Port Angeles Citizen Action Network.
See draft of letter being sent: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=43&meta_id=10150
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=43
Meeting will start at 9AM at the County Court House.
During the regular meeting starting at 10AM the agenda highlight item (s) are:
Resolution adopting the following Budget Revisions:
Non Departmental – Hotel/Motel Tax – Reallocation of funds in order to make a onetime expenditure to Clallam County Public Works for the Olympic Discovery Trail Hwy 112 to Waterline Road – Bridge and Abutments project/$105,000
Department of Community Development – Approved in 2017 budget for the completion of the Shoreline Management Plan the funds need to be moved out of Code Enforcement Professional Services and added to the Long Range Planning Professional Services/$40,000
see details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10222
Resolution re-establishing the Clallam Bay-Sekiu Sewer Community Advisory Board
The Board of Clallam County Commíssioners recognizes the valued consumers of having an Advisory Board to address their make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners rate structure, and billing disputes.
see for further details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10214
Resolution adopting the following Supplemental Appropriation:
Department of Community Development – Long Range Planning/Natural Resources –Professional services for the McDonald Creek Restoration – Feasibility/Implementation and extends the expiration date to 6-30-2018/$190,000
see for further details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325&meta_id=10220
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=325
DAILY DEVOTIONAL:
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.----Acts 20:24 NKJV
Free bible study offered by World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
Editorial Note: Not much this week on the local level in this week's edition. Go and enjoy the Memorial Day holiday everyone.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Kilmer Presses Trump Administration Officials on Why Budget Proposal Cuts Manufacturing and Coastal Protection Initiatives that Help Olympic Peninsula
Washington, D.C. – Today, during a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) pressed Trump Administration officials for answers as to why programs that create jobs and protect rural communities are cut in their proposed budget. Kilmer asked the Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, why a program that provided a key investment to help Port Angeles’s Composite Recycling Technology Center open was slated for elimination. He also sought an explanation for the zeroing out of an initiative that helps rural communities on the coast counter rising sea levels and tsunami threats.
The Port Angeles composite center won federal grants through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and recently received the 2017 Washington Manufacturing Award from Seattle Business Magazine.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross appeared before the Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies.
Kilmer pointed out the importance of the Administration to the Port Angeles project, and others like it.
Kilmer said: “Before I came to Congress I worked in economic development professionally and worked often with the only agency at the federal level whose sole purpose is economic development and that’s the Economic Development Administration. I represent a district that has a lot of areas that are really struggling. My hometown of Port Angeles is one of those distressed communities. And with the help of the EDA’s Regional Innovation Strategies Program we started up a composite recycling center in that town with an investment of $500,000 which is a drop in the bucket for the federal government. The recycling center is going to establish a new industry and bring much needed jobs into an area that needs it. I am perplexed that the Department would choose to eliminate one of the federal government’s strongest supporters of job creation. I know that the rationale is stated as it being duplicative. I would love to understand what programs EDA is duplicative of and what’s the rationale for eliminating it.”
read full statement:
Editorial Comment: When I first heard of the opportunity of having a high tech trade like composites, I thought it would be under private business hands, not funded by government handouts. It was good to have the assistance of the government in this new industry to start it, but at some point you have to prove if your new product can be marketed in the private sector not continually funded by government grants, and loans. When does it fall into private hands Congressman Kilmer? If the composite trade is a boon it should survive the private sector, right now all they seem to be building out of the composites are park benches! So, we are getting governmental grants, and loans for park benches....something wrong with that picture?
For more state related news see page 2
The Port Angeles composite center won federal grants through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and recently received the 2017 Washington Manufacturing Award from Seattle Business Magazine.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross appeared before the Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies.
Kilmer pointed out the importance of the Administration to the Port Angeles project, and others like it.
Kilmer said: “Before I came to Congress I worked in economic development professionally and worked often with the only agency at the federal level whose sole purpose is economic development and that’s the Economic Development Administration. I represent a district that has a lot of areas that are really struggling. My hometown of Port Angeles is one of those distressed communities. And with the help of the EDA’s Regional Innovation Strategies Program we started up a composite recycling center in that town with an investment of $500,000 which is a drop in the bucket for the federal government. The recycling center is going to establish a new industry and bring much needed jobs into an area that needs it. I am perplexed that the Department would choose to eliminate one of the federal government’s strongest supporters of job creation. I know that the rationale is stated as it being duplicative. I would love to understand what programs EDA is duplicative of and what’s the rationale for eliminating it.”
read full statement:
Editorial Comment: When I first heard of the opportunity of having a high tech trade like composites, I thought it would be under private business hands, not funded by government handouts. It was good to have the assistance of the government in this new industry to start it, but at some point you have to prove if your new product can be marketed in the private sector not continually funded by government grants, and loans. When does it fall into private hands Congressman Kilmer? If the composite trade is a boon it should survive the private sector, right now all they seem to be building out of the composites are park benches! So, we are getting governmental grants, and loans for park benches....something wrong with that picture?
For more state related news see page 2
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Kilmer & Heck Speak Out Against President Trump’s Budget Proposal that Eliminates Investments in Puget Sound
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10), co-founders of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, spoke out against President Trump’s budget proposal which would completely eliminate several key programs that promote restoration efforts in the Puget Sound region.
“Puget Sound is an iconic body of water that is vital to our economy and to who we are as Washingtonians,” said Kilmer. “The President’s budget does not reflect this. President Trump has pledged to work for clean water and good jobs but his proposal would devastate efforts to restore shellfish beds, revitalize salmon runs, and recover the Sound for future generations. The federal government needs to be a partner in making the Sound healthy again. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee I will fight back against this completely irresponsible plan.”
“While I’m frustrated the Trump Administration continues to attack critical funding for Puget Sound recovery, the Constitution gives Congress the ‘power of the purse,’ not the President,” said Heck. “My colleagues on both sides of the aisle have shown concern regarding the President’s budget proposal, and I look forward to working with them to prevent these thoughtless cuts.”
Clean water in Puget Sound is essential to support 3,200 shellfish jobs that generate $184 million in revenue each year. 80 percent of statewide tourism and recreational dollars are tied to Puget Sound. The state’s marine industry – which includes fishing fleets, ports, and seafood processors – generates $30 billion annually.
Every EPA dollar spent on Puget Sound recovery efforts has leveraged more than $24 in matching funds from other federal agencies and local partners, including the state, tribes, and non-profits.
The President has proposed eliminating millions of dollars in investments across several programs and agencies that all work collectively to protect clean water and promote healthy salmon and shellfish habitat throughout the Puget Sound as well as other coastal areas across the country.
These cuts include:
$28 million from the Puget Sound Geographic Program which supports grants to state, local and tribal governments to help implement Washington's Puget Sound Action Agenda.
$65 million from the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund which was established by Congress in order to prevent the extinction of 28 listed Pacific salmon and steelhead species, by supporting conservation efforts in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.
More than $700 million from State and Tribal Assistance Grants which help to support state and tribal government efforts to implement programs to promote air and water quality and meet their requirements under federal laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
$27 million from the National Estuary Program that supports water quality and habitat recovery efforts in the Puget Sound and 27 other estuaries throughout the country.
Congressmen Kilmer and Heck co-founded the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus in 2013 as part of their ongoing commitment to preserving Puget Sound. The three priorities of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus are: preventing pollution from urban storm water runoff, protecting and restoring habitat, and restoring and re-opening shellfish beds----from a press release posted on May 23rd.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-and-heck-speak-out-against-president-trumps-budget-proposal-that-eliminates-investments-in-puget-sound
For more news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC, and Advocacy awareness see page 2
“Puget Sound is an iconic body of water that is vital to our economy and to who we are as Washingtonians,” said Kilmer. “The President’s budget does not reflect this. President Trump has pledged to work for clean water and good jobs but his proposal would devastate efforts to restore shellfish beds, revitalize salmon runs, and recover the Sound for future generations. The federal government needs to be a partner in making the Sound healthy again. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee I will fight back against this completely irresponsible plan.”
“While I’m frustrated the Trump Administration continues to attack critical funding for Puget Sound recovery, the Constitution gives Congress the ‘power of the purse,’ not the President,” said Heck. “My colleagues on both sides of the aisle have shown concern regarding the President’s budget proposal, and I look forward to working with them to prevent these thoughtless cuts.”
Clean water in Puget Sound is essential to support 3,200 shellfish jobs that generate $184 million in revenue each year. 80 percent of statewide tourism and recreational dollars are tied to Puget Sound. The state’s marine industry – which includes fishing fleets, ports, and seafood processors – generates $30 billion annually.
Every EPA dollar spent on Puget Sound recovery efforts has leveraged more than $24 in matching funds from other federal agencies and local partners, including the state, tribes, and non-profits.
The President has proposed eliminating millions of dollars in investments across several programs and agencies that all work collectively to protect clean water and promote healthy salmon and shellfish habitat throughout the Puget Sound as well as other coastal areas across the country.
These cuts include:
$28 million from the Puget Sound Geographic Program which supports grants to state, local and tribal governments to help implement Washington's Puget Sound Action Agenda.
$65 million from the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund which was established by Congress in order to prevent the extinction of 28 listed Pacific salmon and steelhead species, by supporting conservation efforts in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.
More than $700 million from State and Tribal Assistance Grants which help to support state and tribal government efforts to implement programs to promote air and water quality and meet their requirements under federal laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
$27 million from the National Estuary Program that supports water quality and habitat recovery efforts in the Puget Sound and 27 other estuaries throughout the country.
Congressmen Kilmer and Heck co-founded the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus in 2013 as part of their ongoing commitment to preserving Puget Sound. The three priorities of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus are: preventing pollution from urban storm water runoff, protecting and restoring habitat, and restoring and re-opening shellfish beds----from a press release posted on May 23rd.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-and-heck-speak-out-against-president-trumps-budget-proposal-that-eliminates-investments-in-puget-sound
For more news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC, and Advocacy awareness see page 2
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