AG FERGUSON RESPONSE TO US SUPREME COURT RULING IN COLORADO DISCRIMINATION CASE
Press release issued 6/ 4/ 18OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson offered the following statement in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission:
“Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision may add some procedural steps to the Arlene’s Flowers case, but it will not alter its ultimate resolution.
“While we wait for next steps in our case, I want to be clear: Washington state law protects same-sex couples from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, the same way it protects Washingtonians from discrimination based on their religion, veteran or military status, disability, race and other protected classes. Nothing about today’s ruling changes that. I will continue to enforce our state law against discrimination.
“Washington law protects people from discrimination in places of public accommodation. Today’s ruling specifically notes that such laws are appropriate. All of us should be able to eat in a restaurant, rent an apartment or buy flowers without fear of discrimination based on how we worship, or who we love. If I go to a restaurant with my young twins to celebrate their First Communion, I should not have to worry about whether a restaurant will refuse to serve us because we are Catholic.
“In addition to significant factual differences in the cases, it’s important to understand that the high court’s ruling specifically relies on several items that are not present in our case. Notably, the court specifically found that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s treatment of that case ‘has some elements of a clear and impermissible hostility’ toward the religious beliefs of the business owner. We are confident Washington courts showed no such hostility.
“I have been clear from the beginning: My goal is to protect Washingtonians from discrimination. Before we filed our case, I sent a letter to the owner of Arlene’s Flowers, Barronelle Stutzman, asking her to comply with Washington law, which prohibits businesses from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation.
“Had she agreed to no longer discriminate, I would not have filed a lawsuit. Even after pursuing and prevailing in a lawsuit, I asked for only $1 in costs and fees. That is what the court awarded in our case, along with a modest $1,000 penalty for violating the law. That is all Mrs. Stutzman is obligated to pay as a result of the state’s lawsuit, aside from her own legal fees.
“A review of the case and our statements regarding it will find that my office has consistently said that Washington law does not allow businesses to offer services to opposite sex couples yet refuse those same services to same-sex partners. We have said my office will not stand for discrimination. Those statements are accurate.
“We do not yet know what the U.S. Supreme Court will deem appropriate in terms of next steps for the Arlene’s Flowers case.
“Often, when the high court issues a ruling on a case addressing a similar issue as other cases pending before the court, the court will issue a ‘grant, vacate, remand’ order. This means the court does not conduct any additional review of those cases to determine whether the ruling applies, but formally vacates the lower court ruling and sends the case back to the lower court for a second look. The lower court then re-evaluates the case in light of the new ruling, and determines whether that new ruling impacts the case.
“If the case is sent back to the Washington Supreme Court, I am confident they will determine that today’s ruling does not alter the conclusion of their earlier, unanimous decision upholding the civil rights of same-sex couples in our state.”
Related press releases:
Inslee statement on Supreme Court Masterpiece Cakeshop ruling
Press release issued 6/ 5/ 18
"Intolerance has no home in Washington state, and today’s Masterpiece Cakeshop decision by the Supreme Court does nothing to change that. Our effort to protect couples from unlawful discrimination was upheld in the Arlene’s Flowers case by our state Supreme Court last year, and remains the law of our land."
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-supreme-court-masterpiece-cakeshop-ruling
Related news stories:
Nightline: ‘Ironic’ That Supreme Court Discovered Bigotry AGAINST Baker---News Busters
ABC’s Nightline on Monday night repeatedly pushed the idea that Colorado cake baker Jack Phillips is guilty of bigotry, even finding it “ironic” that the Supreme Court found discrimination against him. In a nearly ten minute segment, Co-host Juju Chang condescendingly lectured Phillips about not baking cakes for gay marriage: “You're well aware that history, historically, businesses have used religious exemptions to deny service to African-Americans at hotels or restaurants.”
Chang conceded a claim could be made for a “narrow victory for religious rights activists” after the ruling. But she was baffled at the logic of the Court: “At least four justices affirming gay rights, but ruling in favor of the baker because, ironically, they say it was [Phillips] who faced anti-religious bias, calling out the Colorado Commission's language as disrespectful and hostile towards his sincere religious beliefs.”
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/scott-whitlock/2018/06/06/nightline-ironic-supreme-court-discovered-bigotry-against-baker
NYT Praises Christian Students Showing ‘Their Love for Jesus’ by ‘Pushing for Gay Rights’---News Busters
Those who take theology seriously will be puzzled by the headline and dubious about the story’s confident claims that gay marriage can be reconciled with Biblical text. Others will recognize the peculiar respect The Times suddenly gives to Christians -- those who embrace gay relationships, anyway.
https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/clay-waters/2018/06/06/nyt-praises-christian-students-showing-their-love-jesus-pushing-gay
I Have a Dream ... About Same-Sex Wedding Cakes
Ann Coulter, Patriot Post
The Supreme Court’s recent decision on whether a Christian baker can be forced to make a wedding cake for a gay marriage (no) arriving on the same day that Bill Clinton reared his syphilitic head on NBC’s “Today” reminded me how liberals always use black people as props.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/56409-i-have-a-dream-dot-dot-dot-about-same-sex-wedding-cakes
The Politics of Cake
Cal Thomas, Patriot Post
In a 7-2 ruling, the Supreme Court said the Colorado Human Rights Commission had failed to take into account the religious beliefs of a Lakewood baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who has sometimes sided with the liberal wing of the Court, was highly critical of the commission, which he said had written its antidiscrimination regulations in ways that were hostile to the faith of the baker, Jack Phillips.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/56377-the-politics-of-cake
Loose Lips Sank the Colorado Baker's Case
George Will, The Patriot Post
“Loose lips sink ships” was a World War II slogan warning Americans against inadvertently disclosing important secrets, such as troop ships’ sailing schedules. On Monday, the Supreme Court showed that loose lips can sink cases.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/56388-loose-lips-sank-the-colorado-bakers-case
Ben Shapiro: Supreme Court – Be Polite When You Violate Others' Rights
This week, the Supreme Court ruled on the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. That case involved a religious Christian man, Jack Phillips, who decorates cakes for a living. Two men came into his shop one day and demanded that Phillips decorate a cake for their same-sex wedding. Phillips refused. For this grave breach of civic duty, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission referred his case for prosecution, ruling that he had breached the customers' rights to receive service.
https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/ben-shapiro/ben-shapiro-supreme-court-be-polite-when-you-violate-others-rights
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER, and Other sources:
UN PRESS RELEASES: Voicing Concern over Fighting in Somalia, Security Council Presidential Statement Urges Parties Cease Hostilities, Allow Unhindered Humanitarian Access
Welcoming security, economic and political reforms in Somalia — including the peaceful election of a new Speaker of the House of People and resumed Parliament activity — the Security Council today noted with concern recent fighting in the northern Sool region, urging parties to cease hostilities, pull back their forces and engage in dialogue.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13370.doc.htm
Panellists Discuss How Best to Achieve 2030 Agenda, as Economic and Social Council Concludes Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, Innovation
The Economic and Social Council today heard from a myriad of voices on how best to work towards achieving progress on the 2030 Agenda, as it concluded its two-day multi‑stakeholder forum on science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/ecosoc6926.doc.htm
From the UN NEWS CENTER:
Hunger surges amid deadly conflicts, poor weather conditions in many countries – UN agriculture agency
Despite ample food supplies, persistent conflicts and adverse climate shocks are taking a toll on global food security, according to a new report launched on Thursday by the United Nation’s agriculture agency.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1011601
UN agencies and Myanmar ink agreement, setting stage for Rohingya return
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the understanding reached between UN agencies and Myanmar on creating conditions that would allow hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees to voluntarily and safely return to their homes in the country’s Rakhine province.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1011491
Universal access to modern energy is ‘catalyst of inclusivity’ – deputy UN chief
No single entity is large enough or has all the necessary skillsets to deliver the 2030 Agenda on its own, the United Nations deputy chief told a high-level meeting on the issue of transforming energy access in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1011541
The world is being ‘swamped’ by harmful plastic waste says UN chief, marking Environment Day
The world must unite to “beat plastic pollution” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for World Environment Day on Tuesday, noting that microplastic particles in the ocean, “now outnumber stars in our galaxy”.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1011351
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Secretary DeVos’ proposed budget would cut billions from investments in public education, eliminate school safety grants, critical after-school programs, teacher development resources, and assistance for low-income students
From a press release issued by Sen. Patty Murray 6/ 5/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=874D58FD-E83E-4077-A800-BB93334B73F6
(Washington, D.C.) — Today in a U.S. Senate hearing, Senator Patty Murray strongly condemned Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ budget proposal and urged her colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to once again reject DeVos’ request to cut billions of dollars in public education investments and eliminate school safety grants, contradicting the Administration’s promise to address the senseless gun violence that has plagued our schools.
Senator Murray also asked Secretary DeVos for her thoughts on Spokane teacher Mandy Manning’s recent trip to the White House, where Manning hand-delivered a letter to President Trump from one of her students that urged the President to reconsider the way he talked about immigrants and refugees.
Full text below of Senator Murray’s remarks:
“Thank you, Chairman Blunt, and thank you, Secretary DeVos, for joining us today.”
“It is now 16 months since you were confirmed by an unprecedented tie-breaking vote as Secretary of Education. You were confirmed despite millions of students, parents, and teachers around the country who spoke up in opposition to your extreme ideological commitment to privatizing public education, and who were concerned about your lack of experience in educating, or in advocating for public schools.”
“Unfortunately, instead of taking those concerns to heart, you have doubled down on your harmful agenda and filled your Department with for-profit college executives and lobbyists looking out for their former employers and clients. This couldn’t be clearer when looking at your actions over the past year and the budget you are here to defend today.”
“Secretary DeVos, since you were confirmed, we have seen a barrage of actions out of your Department that hurt both students and taxpayers.”
“You continue to prioritize your extreme privatization agenda—which would siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools. You are ignoring the parts of our nation’s K-12 law—the Every Student Succeeds Act—that help ensure equity in our schools. You have made it easier for predatory for-profit colleges and student loan companies to take advantage of students, by rolling back a number consumer protections and effectively dismantling the unit that investigates claims of fraud and abuse.”
“You have taken a number of extremely concerning steps to undermine civil rights protections for students, including attempting to scale back the Office for Civil Rights, rescinding guidance protecting transgender students, making it easier for schools to once again sweep sexual assault under the rug, saying it’s a local decision to call ICE on undocumented students, and so much more.”
“Now, I want to turn to the budget you are proposing for next year. I’m disappointed how similar this budget looks to what you proposed last year—which this Committee soundly rejected.”
“After years of budgets for education not keeping up with needs, we are now seeing teachers and parents around the country organizing and standing up for public education, because our kids shouldn't be forced to learn in crumbling classrooms with shabby textbooks, and our teachers should be paid fairly for the important work they do. And yet, with this budget, once again, you are ignoring what millions of parents, teachers, and students are asking for. You have instead proposed more $4 billion in cuts to elementary and secondary education.”
“I don’t have time to name them all, but your budget would eliminate programs that help teachers grow and improve their teaching skills, grants that support before and after-school programs, and investments that support low-income undergraduates.”
“This budget is another example of an empty promise made by this Administration to address the senseless gun violence devastating families, schools, and communities around the country. President Trump has continued to give into the demands of the NRA, your gun safety commission has yet to take any real action steps, and now your budget would eliminate grants used to improve student safety—for the second year in a row.”
“After the tragic Parkland shooting, you said Congress should hold hearings on gun and school safety, so in a show of good faith, I urge you to commit to testify in front of the HELP Committee on what meaningful gun safety reform we can enact to help end this scourge of violence in our schools.”
“Finally, while your discretionary budget cuts $7.7 billion in federal investments in education, you are proposing $1 billion for programs that align with your personal agenda—but are not authorized by the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act. A little more than two months ago, Congress rejected virtually the same proposals in the bipartisan spending bill.”
“So Secretary DeVos, I have many questions on why you have once again put forth a budget that will hurt students and families, and I look forward to your responses.”
Prepared Remarks to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
Related press release from the US Dept. of Education dated 6/ 5/ 18
https://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/prepared-remarks-senate-appropriations-subcommittee-labor-health-and-human-services-education-and-related-agencies
Chairman Blunt, Ranking Member Murray and Members of the Subcommittee:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the President's Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for the Department of Education.
This budget sharpens and hones the focus of our mission: serving students by meeting their needs. When the Department was created, it was charged to "prohibit federal control of education." I take that charge seriously. Accordingly, President Trump is committed to limited government, fiscal discipline and reducing the federal footprint in education.
The President's fiscal year 2019 Budget would reduce overall funding for Department programs by $3.7 billion or 5.6 percent from FY 2017 enacted levels and $7.6 billion or 10.8 percent below the FY 2018 enacted level.
This Budget was prepared prior to the 2-year cap deal (and the Omnibus, for that matter), so the Administration submitted an addendum that restores valuable investments in students, including Impact Aid Basic Support Payments, TRiO, school choice, Federal Work-Study and Pell. For programs that we level-funded in this Budget request, our intent was to maintain levels appropriated by Congress. We used the numbers in place at the time, and our intent remains the same for newly appropriated funds.
This Department's budget focuses on improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all students while also returning power to the people closest to students.
First, we must promote a safe and healthy culture in our schools. The tragedies at Noblesville West Middle School in Indiana and Santa Fe High School in Texas were only the most recent, devastating reminders that our nation must come together to address the underlying issues that create a culture of violence.
I've directed my Department to do everything within the law to encourage states and districts to take advantage of flexibilities so newly appropriated funds—about 1.1 billion dollars—under Title IV are most useful.
Second, our request would provide significant new resources dedicated to helping achieve the President's goal of giving every student the freedom to attend a school that best meets his or her unique needs.
The Budget provides funding for this purpose through a new Opportunity Grants program that would expand the number of students who have the opportunity to attend a school of their choice. Under this new program, States could apply for funding to provide scholarships to students from low-income families that could be used to transfer to a different school.
Local educational agencies participating in the Department's student-centered funding pilot could request funds to build on the flexibility provided by establishing or expanding open enrollment systems. This way, funds follow children based on their needs—not buildings or systems.
In addition, the Budget requests support for charter schools by providing an increase of $100 million—for a total of $500 million—and continues support for magnet schools. We also are proposing to expand use of Direct Student Services to allow States to reserve up to five percent of their Title I allocations to further expand educational freedom, including helping students transfer to a school that better meets individual needs.
Third, the Administration's request includes support for students with disabilities. Our request for essential K-12 formula grant programs support the Nation's neediest students—especially all programs authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Fourth, our request creates more pathways to prepare workers to fill existing and newly created jobs, as well as jobs of the future. Expanding apprenticeships and reforming ineffective education and workforce development programs will help more Americans obtain relevant skills and enter high-paying jobs.
Students should be able to pursue a variety of pathways to successful careers. To that end, the Budget expands the use of Pell Grants for high-quality, short-term, summer and certificate programs. It invests in career and technical education, and streamlines student loan repayment.
These proposals also support congressional efforts to reauthorize the Higher Education Act to address student debt and higher education costs while reducing the complexity of student financial aid.
Fifth, our request supports STEM education to help better equip students with skills employers need. Consistent with the Presidential Memorandum on STEM education, our request includes $200 million in new funding to support STEM education while continuing to fund almost $330 million in discretionary grants.
Finally, our request reflects a number of reform proposals aimed at streamlining the Department's internal organization and improving the Department's services to States, districts, postsecondary institutions, and the public. We recommend, for instance, a number of consolidations, including proposals for the Federal TRIO programs and the HEA Title III and Title V programs supporting Minority-Serving Institutions, making them formula grants so that States may use the funds more effectively.
The Budget eliminates, streamlines, or reduces funding for many discretionary programs that do not address national needs, that duplicate other programs, are ineffective, or are more appropriately supported with State, local, or private funds.
The Budget reflects our commitment to spending taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently. The federal government does not—and cannot—know the unique needs of each individual student in America. Parents and teachers know their students best and know how their needs should be addressed.
With this budget we can continue to return power to those who walk side-by-side with students every day.
Because that's who budgets are for...not special interests, not legislators, not "the system." This budget is about students. It's easy to get lost in the numbers and forget about the faces of students whom we all have pledged to serve.
Education can truly change the trajectory of a child's life—all they need is the chance to attain it. More students need the freedom to seek an education that unlocks their potential and allows them to pursue their passions. That is the focus of this administration and the focus of this budget.
More World news headlines...
UN PRESS RELEASE: States Parties to United Nations Convention on Law of Sea Will Hold Twenty-Eighth Meeting at Headquarters, 11-14 June
NEW YORK, 6 June (Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea) — The twenty-eighth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea will be held at United Nations Headquarters from 11 to 14 June.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sea2072.doc.htm
From the US MISSION TO THE UN:
Remarks at the United Nations Development Program Executive Board Annual Session
" As the new system takes shape in the coming months and years, UNDP should focus on support for truly sustainable development, particularly the challenges presented by post-conflict, fragile, and transitional contexts. Building resilience through policies and practices that promote good governance, economic freedom and truly sustainable, diversified, and broad-based growth will be key to the success of UNDP’s poverty alleviation efforts. We recognize UNDP’s work in the areas of conflict and disaster prevention, preventing and combating corruption, and preventing violent extremism, and encourage you to continue building institutional capacity in these areas." ---Ambassador Kelley Currie
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8471
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
" The United States would like to begin by recognizing President Meron. He has led the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals since 2012, overseeing the assumption of responsibilities from the tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. President Meron’s efforts, through his leadership of the Mechanism, have helped ensure that victims of horrific atrocities addressed by the ICTR and ICTY receive meaningful measures of justice, and he has done so while running a lean, efficient operation.' ---Mark Simonoff, Minister Counselor U.S. Mission to the United Nations
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8470
Remarks following the Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2419 on Youth, Peace, and Security
" This resolution has a number of important elements. In particular, the United States appreciates that the Council will now recognize the role of education and sports in the promoting tolerance and respect for others. Promoting peace and avoiding conflict starts with developing these values in our youth, who will be the next generation’s peacemakers. Today’s resolution goes a long way towards recognizing the steps that we need to take."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8469
Statement by Ambassador Haley on LGBTI Pride Month
" This June, we join our friends in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) community around the world who are celebrating Pride Month. At the UN, we see the importance of defending freedoms of LGBTI persons from governments that violate their own people’s human rights. The United States embraces personal freedom, rejects discrimination, and supports the global LGBTI community in standing up for their human rights."
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8468
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Press release issued 6/ 4/ 18
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=9AA9744A-0A9B-4D59-B0C1-A4E25D857BC6
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, issued the following statement on insurance companies’ proposed premium increases for the 2019 plan year.
“It is unacceptable that families in Washington state and nationwide are paying more for their health care because President Trump and Republicans care more about appealing to their extreme donors and special interests than helping people get the care they need. I want to work with anyone, from either party, who is ready to focus on lowering costs for patients, so I am going to keep calling on Republicans to stop prioritizing their extreme donors over patients and instead work with Democrats to roll back President Trump’s sabotage and bring down health costs.”
Last October, Senator Murray and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, unveiled the Bipartisan Health Care Stabilization Act of 2017. Senator Murray put forward a series of proposals that would have reduced premiums and out-of-pocket costs for patients while stabilizing the individual market to ensure competition and choice for consumers. Republican leaders repeatedly blocked the legislation from coming to the floor and Chairman Alexander has since declared bipartisan negotiations “dead,” Senator Murray continues urging Republicans to reconsider and resume negotiations. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is advancing a series of regulations that are contributing to higher premiums and undermine the very protections for patients with pre-existing conditions that he promised to protect as a candidate.
Relates press release from the White House dated 6/ 6/ 18:
President Donald J. Trump Provides Resources For Veterans To Get The Care They Deserve From The Doctors They Want
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-provides-resources-veterans-get-care-deserve-doctors-want/
FUNDING HEALTHCARE FOR OUR VETERANS: Today, the President signed legislation providing our veterans with the funding they have earned through their sacrifices for our country.
President Trump signed S. 2372, the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018, or the VA MISSION Act of 2018.
America’s veterans deserve timely access to the highest quality of care possible and funding for the programs that keep them healthy and well.
That is why President Trump and the Department of Veterans Affairs worked closely with Congress and Veterans Service Organizations to create draft legislation to support our veterans.
The VA MISSION Act provides $5.2 billion in mandatory funding for the Veterans Choice program until a new consolidated program is implemented, which provides veterans with flexibility to receive care at both Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and private health facilities.
Since its creation in 2014, more than two million veterans have used the Veterans Choice program and have scheduled more than 41 million appointments in their communities.
STREAMLINING VETERANS CHOICE: The VA MISSION Act consolidates the VA’s community care programs, creating a new, single program for veterans care.
The VA MISSION Act takes the long-overdue step of consolidating the complex, bureaucratic web created by seven different veterans community care programs into one unified program, simplifying and strengthening healthcare opportunities for America’s veterans.
The new program is projected to take effect one year from enactment.
The new consolidated program will increase transparency and accountability, and ensure that veterans receive the right care at the right time with the right provider.
The bill also accelerates the processing of claims by community providers so that they are addressed in a prompt and timely manner.
The bill authorizes access to walk-in community clinics, so that veterans have immediate, local access to non-emergency convenience care.
The new program strengthens the process between the VA and the community healthcare providers who prescribe opioids to veterans.
IMPROVING AND EXPANDING CARE: The VA MISSION Act provides new resources and creates new programs to build on and improve the care our veterans receive.
The VA MISSION Act expands eligibility for the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program, allowing caregivers for all veterans to access.
The bill removes barriers for telemedicine, provides additional resources for hiring and retaining healthcare professionals, and establishes mobile deployment teams to support underserved facilities, among other important steps to improve veterans’ care.
The bill further allows the VA to modernize its assets and infrastructure to serve our veterans in the best possible way.
In other health related news...
CDC: Youth tobacco use drops during 2011-2017
Fewer U.S. middle and high school students are using tobacco products – but too many still do, according to a new survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0607-youth-tobacco-use.html
Suicide rates rising across the U.S.
Suicide rates have been rising in nearly every state, according to the latest Vital Signs report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2016, nearly 45,000 Americans age 10 or older died by suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death and is one of just three leading causes that are on the rise.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0607-suicide-prevention.html
FDA seeks permanent injunction against company selling unapproved hand sanitizers that claim to prevent infections from numerous pathogens
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm610146.htm
FDA Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Planning, Legislation, and Analysis Anna Abram, remarks prepared for testimony before a subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm610081.htm
FDA and USDA announce key step to advance collaborative efforts to streamline produce safety requirements for farmers
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm609951.htm
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Sen. Cantwell Announces $10M in Grants for Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport Upgrades
Press release issued 6/ 5/ 18https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cantwell-announces-10m-in-grants-for-pullman-moscow-regional-airport-upgrades
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport received a total of $10 million in U.S. Department of Transportation grants to help fund the ongoing runway realignment project at the airport.
“By building more and more capacity at Pullman-Moscow airport, we are making the region more attractive for job creation and boosting economic opportunity for everyone who lives and works in the Palouse,” Senator Cantwell said. “I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to make smart investments in infrastructure throughout the Northwest, especially in our rural communities.”
The $10 million the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport will receive comes from two separate grants, both provided from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), a federal Department of Transportation grant program that provides funding for airport development and planning. The first grant, for $6.8 million, will help fund the paving of the airport’s new 7,100 foot runway, which was realigned to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards. The second grant, for $3.2 million, will support the construction of an instrument landing system (ILS) to guide planes as they approach and land. Senator Cantwell has strongly supported the building of an ILS throughout the ongoing project, including highlighting its importance to the airport in meetings with the FAA.
As the former Chair and current top Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, Senator Cantwell has been a strong advocate of federal grant money to help fund the runway realignment project at Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, as well as for airport projects throughout the state of Washington. In 2017, she helped secure $5.2 million for Pullman-Moscow to begin the runway realignment project. Since 2014, Senator Cantwell has helped secure more than $41 million in funding for airport improvements in the state. And in March of 2018, she worked with her colleagues to secure a $1 billion increase in funding for the Airport Improvement Grant program, which has provided funding for Pullman-Moscow and many other projects throughout the state.
As Fire Season Ignites, Cantwell Demands Best Tools For Wildland Firefighters
Press release issued 6/ 5/ 18https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-fire-season-ignites-cantwell-demands-best-tools-for-wildland-firefighters
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, called on the head of the U.S. Forest Service and a top official from the Department of the Interior to increase the use of wildfire fighting technology like drones and improved fire shelters. She also demanded that the agencies do more to increase the safety and effectiveness of our wildland firefighters.
Newly released forecasting by the National Interagency Fire Center shows the Pacific Northwest is likely to have a higher than normal probability for wildfires this summer. In May, Washington, Oregon, and California received less than 50 percent of their average precipitation, which will likely result in dry conditions in the mountains throughout the upcoming fire season. Nearly all of the United States experienced temperatures that were two to six degrees above average last month. Central Washington temperatures were 10 degrees above average. Since these conditions are supposed to last through September, places like eastern Washington could experience a higher number of larger fires than in previous years, starting as soon as next month.
“I want to make sure that we are ensuring that firefighters have every tool available to them to help fight these fires. They need to be as safe as possible, and as efficient as possible,” said Cantwell during the hearing. “As we approach this fire season, making sure that those on the fire line have the best possible information is going to be critical.”
Cantwell continued to stress the importance of air tankers and water scoopers to fight wildfires across the west. Earlier this year, Cantwell questioned the Forest Service’s decision to eliminate its contracts for all of its water scoopers and change the way its air tankers are contracted ahead of the 2018 fire season.
“About the shift of contracts for the 35 percent of your air tankers and water scoopers, including Aeroflite’s in Spokane, to a “call-when-needed… I want to make sure that you have every tool available to you. Having that kind of air ability to help mitigate is so, so important to these communities…So, I hope that you’ll work with us to figure out how to make this not a transitional season here but a season where you have every tool at your disposal. That’s what people in the West want us to be doing,” said Senator Cantwell to the Acting Chief of the Forest Service about the current status of its fleet of air tankers.
Senator Cantwell also highlighted the potential benefits of using drones to gather critical wildfire fighting information and ensure firefighter safety and security. Last month, Cantwell secured a commitment from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to use drone technology this fire season, after introducing bipartisan legislation to encourage the use of this potentially life-saving technology while fighting deadly wildfires.
“I’m proud that Interior is being very aggressive about using drone tools on wildland fires, and we want to make sure that there is no barriers between Forest Service and Interior working together to implement this. This is so critical for information about fire size, starts, safety, and security of our firefighters,” said Senator Cantwell.
Just last month the Department of the Interior awarded four contracts to companies who operate drones for wildfires. One of those companies is Insitu, a Bingen, Washington-based company that uses small-unmanned aircraft (drone) systems to collect data. Firefighters will now be able to request and use these new drones, like any other asset, when fighting wildfires this summer.
NATIONAL HEADLINES...
The White House: President Donald J. Trump to Sign Right to Try Legislation Fulfilling the Promise He Made to Expand Healthcare Options for Terminal Americans.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-sign-right-try-legislation-fulfilling-promise-made-expand-healthcare-options-terminal-americans/
US STATE DEPT: Remarks at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS)
SECRETARY POMPEO: Thank you. Thank you, Secretary General Almagro and your team, for organizing this 48th General Assembly of the OAS. We are incredibly grateful for your leadership.
It is a pleasure to be here at the OAS for the first time as Secretary of State of the United States of America, and I am delighted to meet many of my fellow foreign ministers here and today.
https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/06/282938.htm
DOD: Commemorative Events Mark 74th Anniversary of D-Day
SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT, France --
On June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 troops began the largest multinational amphibious landing and operational military airdrop in history.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1542815/commemorative-events-mark-74th-anniversary-of-d-day/
DOJ: Health Care CEO and Four Physicians Charged in Superseding Indictment in Connection with $200 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme Involving Unnecessary Prescription of Controlled Substances and Harmful Injections
A CEO and four physicians were charged today in a superseding indictment as part of an investigation into a $200 million health care fraud scheme that involved a network of Michigan and Ohio pain clinics, laboratories and other medical providers. The superseding indictment returned yesterday charges an additional wire fraud conspiracy, adds an additional count of money laundering, and contains new allegations regarding the distribution of over 4.2 million medically unnecessary dosage units of controlled substances and the administration of medically unnecessary injections that resulted in patient harm.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/health-care-ceo-and-four-physicians-charged-superseding-indictment-connection-200-million
HUD: SECRETARY CARSON KICKS OFF ENVISION CENTER DEMONSTRATION
DETROIT – U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson traveled to his hometown of Detroit today to announce the first round of ‘EnVision Center’ designations in 17 communities around the nation. One of Secretary Carson’s signature initiatives, EnVision Centers will offer HUD-assisted families access to support services that can help them achieve self-sufficiency, thereby making scarce federal resources more readily available to a greater number of households currently waiting to receive HUD assistance. Read more about HUD’s EnVision Center Demonstration.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_18_054
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With hurricane season underway, IRS warns of scams related to natural disasters
IRS press release issued 6/ 7/ 18https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/with-hurricane-season-underway-irs-warns-of-scams-related-to-natural-disasters
WASHINGTON ― With hurricane season underway, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that criminals and scammers often try to take advantage of the generosity of taxpayers who want to help victims of major disasters.
Hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, and taxpayers need to be vigilant of scams that will undoubtedly pop up when and if a hurricane occurs during that time.
Fraudulent schemes normally start with unsolicited contact by telephone, social media, e-mail or in-person using a variety of tactics.
Some impersonate charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers.
Bogus websites use names similar to legitimate charities to trick people to send money or provide personal financial information.
They even claim to be working for or on behalf of the IRS to help victims file casualty loss claims and get tax refunds.
Others operate bogus charities and solicit money or financial information by telephone or email.
Help for disaster victims
Disaster victims can call the IRS toll-free disaster assistance telephone number (866-562-5227). Phone assistors will answer questions about tax relief or disaster-related tax issues. Details on available relief can be found on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.
Donate to real charities
To help taxpayers donate to legitimate charities, the IRS website, IRS.gov, has a search feature, Tax Exempt Organization Search, that helps users find or verify qualified charities. Donations to these charities may be tax-deductible.
Contribute by check or credit card, never give or send cash, to have a record of the tax-deductible donation.
Don’t give out personal financial information — such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers and passwords — to anyone who solicits a contribution.
Taxpayers suspecting fraud by email should visit IRS.gov and search for the keywords “Report Phishing.” More information about tax scams and schemes may be found at IRS.gov using the keywords “scams and schemes.”
USDA BLOG: Our Drinking Water and Forest Service Research
Posted on 6/ 7/ 18https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/06/07/our-drinking-water-and-forest-service-research
Behind every drop of water from the tap is an entire forest ecosystem. And while it’s easy to take drinking water for granted, you might be surprised to learn that the nation’s largest single source of water is the National Forest System, the network of national forests stewarded by the USDA Forest Service. Many of these national forest lands overlay the source areas for important rivers and aquifer systems, and more than 60 million Americans rely on them for drinking water.
Scientists from Forest Service Research and Development, or R&D, investigate the quality and quantity of water from forests and conduct research that informs water stewardship and reduces costs. For example, one R&D study showed that nearly 21 million people in the South receive their drinking water from national forest lands – roughly equivalent to the population of Florida!
These study results can support efforts to conserve the forests that protect the area’s clean water supplies. Sustaining forests both on and off national forest lands is an efficient and cost-effective way to protect critical water infrastructure compared to investing in flood control, water purification, and other man-made infrastructure.
In partnership with NASA on the SnowEx project, R&D is helping improve forecasting of the production of water from spring snowmelt. This research is significant because much of the western U.S.’s water supply is derived from mountain snow. Better information about this water supply can improve hazard forecasting, water availability predictions, and agricultural forecasting.
Whether developing camp sites for visitors or restoring stream habitats, work on national forests sometimes involves disturbing the ground. In these, and similar projects, care must be taken to avoid sedimentation and other negative water quality impacts
In fact, R&D pioneered the first national program to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of Best Management Practices, or BMPs, which are techniques that help control and reduce water pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems. The resulting consistency and streamlined approaches of BMPs throughout the National Forest System promise to improve water quality and save millions of dollars.
For instance, forest buffers are strips of vegetation along streams, lakes, and wetlands that stabilize banks and filter pesticides, animal waste, and sediment from agricultural runoff. A software tool produced by R&D helps land managers design buffers that are wider along banks where pollution inputs are higher. Such variable-width buffers can more effectively and cost-efficiently trap pollutants than standard, uniform-width buffers.
By investigating how forested landscapes foster watershed health and contribute to water supplies, R&D continues to build a solid scientific foundation for informed forest management decisions, including those designed to protect U.S. water supplies. We must understand the forest’s role in supporting life on Earth so it can continue to sustain us. To learn more about where much of our drinking water come from, watch “Your Best Waters,” a video produced through a FS/Freshwaters Illustrated partnership.
In other Business and Finance news headlines...
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: New Tariffs Threaten to Torpedo America’s Economic Resurgence
The administration’s trade policies, such as the recently announced steel and aluminum tariffs, put at risk the gains from many of President Trump’s economic policy successes, most notably the jettisoning of the previous administration’s anti-growth regulatory policies and the powerfully pro-growth tax reform he signed into law late last year.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/new-tariffs-threaten-torpedo-america-s-economic-resurgence
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STATEMENT REGARDING CONTINGENT WORKER SURVEY
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today released the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements survey (May 2017):
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20180607
THE FED: Agencies ask for public comment on proposal to simplify and tailor "Volcker rule"
Five federal financial regulatory agencies on Tuesday announced that they are jointly asking for public comment on a proposal that would simplify and tailor compliance requirements relating to the "Volcker rule." By statute, the Volcker rule generally restricts banking entities from engaging in prohibited proprietary trading and from owning or controlling hedge funds or private equity funds.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20180605a.htm
US TREASURY DEPT: Fact Sheet: Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report
Washington – Today the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees issued their annual financial review of the programs.
The projections indicate that income is sufficient to pay full scheduled benefits until 2026 for Medicare’s Hospital Insurance program, 2032 for Social Security’s Disability Insurance program, and until 2034 for Social Security’s Old Age and Survivors Insurance program. The Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Trust Fund remains adequately financed throughout the projection period, but only because SMI has unlimited access to general revenues. ---released on 6/ 5/ 18
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0405
FTC Amicus Brief Urges Federal District Court Not to Categorically Exempt Hatch Waxman Suits from Antitrust Scrutiny as Potential Sham Litigations
The Federal Trade Commission has filed an amicus brief in Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. v Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc., which is a patent infringement case pending before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/06/ftc-amicus-brief-urges-federal-district-court-not-categorically
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Report: Washington is best state for building Boeing’s new mid-market aircraft
Objective competitiveness study examines how our state stacks up against the other 49 states and D.C.---From the Governor's Office medium page posted on 6/ 6/ 18
https://medium.com/wagovernor/report-washington-is-best-state-for-building-boeings-new-mid-market-aircraft-9e81d2d294c
When it comes to attracting Boeing’s next big airliner project — and the jobs that come with it — Washington is pulling no punches: It asked a leading aerospace consultant to conduct the most comprehensive state-by-state aerospace competitiveness study ever done.
The results of that research, unveiled Wednesday morning in Seattle, show Washington far ahead of other states as the most competitive place for large aerospace manufacturing operations. According to the report, Washington would offer the lowest risk and highest return for Boeing should the company choose to build its proposed new mid-market airplane, the NMA, here.
Washington scored high in nearly all the study’s evaluation categories and many of its 41 individual metrics. Gov. Jay Inslee’s Choose Washington NMA Council commissioned the Teal Group, one of the world’s leading aerospace industry analysis firms, to conduct the objective review with research group Olympic Analytics. They reviewed aerospace manufacturing in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Washington’s aerospace industry, according to the study, produces more revenue, exports and profits than any other state in the nation. Washington has the largest number of aerospace workers, the highest density of aerospace engineers, second-highest density of aerospace production workers and fourth-lowest unit labor costs.
Communities across Washington contribute to this aerospace supercluster, providing a high density of key aerospace components.
“Washington has an aerospace supercluster like no other in the country,” Inslee said. “The Teal report shows that by any measure, Washington is leading the way by offering the most competitive environment and workforce for companies seeking to build world-class planes.”
Inslee said much of Washington’s success in aerospace is because of the stellar 136,000 aerospace workers — many from second- and third-generation aviation families — who call our state home.
“From the 737 to the 787 Dreamliner, we are proud that Boeing’s roots are in Washington,” Inslee said. “We believe we have all the ingredients necessary to bring the NMA to market quickly and profitably, thanks to our expert workforce and our century-long legacy of building aircraft of exceptional quality.”
Washington has advantages beyond those pertaining to just aerospace, including low energy costs, high port volume, low insurance losses, higher number of patents per capita, considerable private research and development investments, and lower taxes.
Other key findings from the study include:
Every dollar paid to workers in Washington’s aerospace industry generates $11 in revenue, so Washington has the fourth-lowest unit labor costs in the nation.
Washington has the lowest industrial energy prices in the nation.
Washington ranks second in labor and education, based on the availability of aerospace workers, the population’s educational attainment and state spending on K-12 education.
In 2017, Washington exported more aerospace products and parts than California, Texas, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Arizona and Alabama combined.
Washington is a leading state in research and innovation, with the third-highest patents per capita and fifth-highest rate of private research and development investments in the nation.
Researchers used publicly available federal data to conduct the analysis.
The report measured factors relevant to aerospace production such as cost structure, the availability of skilled labor, global trade connections and taxes, said Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis at the Teal Group. Aboulafia added that for aerospace companies, siting decisions are more important than ever.
“The aerospace assembly business is hypercompetitive and involves tremendous risk,” Aboulafia said. “Manufacturers want to make decisions — especially the critical decision about where to assemble — where there’s the lowest possible risk and the highest potential for success.”
The study also highlighted areas for improvement, including infrastructure, which the NMA Council will look at closely to make the state even more competitive.
Researchers also said they expect Washington’s education ranking to rise following historic state investments in K-12 education made in Washington last year, as well as advancements in the state’s Career Connect Washington initiative.
Leaders from across the state in business, labor, education, economic development and government compose the Choose Washington NMA Council. The council, co-chaired by Washington State University engineering professor Noel Schulz and former Washington State Labor Council president Rick Bender, met recently in Spokane and Pierce County to discuss how aerospace companies in those communities contribute to the supercluster.
DNR: Northeast WA Radio Communications get $280,000 Boost for Wildland Firefighting
Press release issued 6/ 5/ 18https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/northeast-wa-radio-communications-get-280000-boost-wildland-firefighting
DNR ANNOUNCES GRANT RECIPIENTS IN OKANOGAN, FERRY, STEVENS AND PEND OREILLE COUNTIES
Today, the Department of Natural Resources announced 14 fire response agencies that will receive grant funding for equipment to improve firefighting safety and effectiveness.
Northeast Washington counties face high wildfire danger, yet local economic challenges can make it difficult to pay for new radio equipment. Last legislative session House Bill 2010 provided the Department of Natural resources with $280,000 for competitive grants to meet this need.
The Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz, oversees the Department of Natural Resources and its responsibility to prevent and fight wildfires on 13 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands.
“With this equipment responders from different agencies will be better able to coordinate across the rugged landscapes where so much of this work happens,” said Franz. “It’s another step toward the sort of collaboration we’ll need to meet the growing challenge of intense wildfires.”
The grants are funding radio communications projects for: Colville Fire Department, Douglas-Okanogan County Fire District #15, Joint Fire Protection District Ferry County #3 and Stevens County #8, Okanogan County EMS, Okanogan County fire districts #7 and #12, Pend Oreille County EMS, Pend Oreille County Fire District #3, and Stevens County fire districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #10.
According to State Representative Jacquelin Maycumber (R), the bill’s sponsor, “This is a great example of effective use of government resources to be proactive in emergency responses. Communication funding is a necessity for the health and safety of our first responders and communities.”
There are more than 500 local fire districts and agencies across Washington. The Department of Natural Resources administers statewide wildland firefighting support for training and equipment, such as engines, hoses and safety gear.
In an effort to further enhance collaborative and effective wildland fire management the Department is further working with local agencies and others to develop a Wildland Fire Protection Strategic Plan.
DNR wildfire and agency leadership
Commissioner Franz’s agency comprises the state’s largest on-call fire department, which participates in Washington's coordinated interagency approach to firefighting. The Department also manages 3 million acres of state trust lands, 92 state natural areas, rule administration across 12 million acres of Washington forestlands – including rules to prevent wildfires - and statewide forest health efforts.
In other state related news:
Public Invited to Offer Testimony June 14 on Proposed Steptoe Butte Natural Area---DNR news release dated 6/ 6/ 18
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on a boundary for the proposed Steptoe Butte Natural Area.
The proposed Steptoe Butte Natural Area is in Whitman County adjacent to Steptoe Butte State Park. The proposed natural area consists of approximately 437 acres. It is one of the largest remaining remnants of native Palouse prairie and provides habitat for several rare plant species.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/public-invited-offer-testimony-june-14-proposed-steptoe-butte-natural-area
AG FERGUSON FILES CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWSUITS AGAINST FACEBOOK, GOOGLE
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed campaign finance lawsuits in King County Superior Court today alleging Facebook and Google failed to maintain legally required information for Washington state political advertising placed on their online platforms since 2013.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-campaign-finance-lawsuits-against-facebook-google
Ecology proposes removing polluted soil in North Spokane
SPOKANE – A proposal to remove petroleum-polluted soil in Spokane’s historic Hillyard neighborhood to make way for construction of the North Spokane Corridor is ready for public review.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2018/June-4-Black-Tank-cleanup
WDFW: Spring chinook, sturgeon fishing opportunities added in Columbia River
OLYMPIA – Columbia River anglers will have more opportunities to fish for spring chinook and sturgeon under an agreement reached Tuesday by fishery managers from Washington and Oregon.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/jun0618a/
Sec. of State: Introducing Primarily Washington, a new education resource
OLYMPIA — A new gateway for Washington students to discover and learn from primary sources documenting Washington history is now live. Primarily Washington, an online education portal by the Washington State Library featuring digitized lesson plans and historic documents from the Library, Washington State Archives, and Legacy Washington, can now be accessed at www.primarilywashington.org.
https://www.sos.wa.gov/office/news-releases.aspx#/news/1290
LOCAL AND REGIONAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS...
Clallam County meetings...
County Commission meetings:
Work Session for 6/ 11/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1110
and continued at 1:pm discussion on the Shoreline Master Program update
Highlights of work session:
1) Resolution authorizing a grant from the Opportunity Fund to the William Shore Memorial Pool District
2) Discussion regarding Domestic Violence Prevention Funds distribution between Healthy Families of Clallam County and Forks Abuse Program
3) Letter to the Cities of Port Angeles and Sequim regarding criminal justice financial analysis
Regular session of the County Commission for 6/ 12/ 18
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=379
Agenda highlights:
1) Resolution authorizing expenditure from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund for the approved 2018 Lodging Tax Funding application for the Fiero Marine Life Center/$50,000
2) Resolution authorizing a grant from the Opportunity Fund to the William Shore Memorial Pool District/$50,000
( Item which was discussed during the work session)
3) Notice that the following Supplemental Appropriations will be adopted by Resolution on June 26:
Health and Human Services – Operations – State Department of Health consolidated contract Amendment 2 adds revenue for training expenses in the WIC program/$5,100
Health and Human Services – Environmental Health
* Grant revenue for 2017 activities and expenses that were not billed and paid until 2018 for the PIC program/$48,994
* State Department of Health Consolidated Contract Amendment No. 2 adds revenue for the Onsite Programs. Grant funding that was not expended in previous funding cycle and is being carried forward to 2018 budget/$31,698
Health and Human Services – Developmental Disabilitites – Contract amendment 2 with State Developmental Disabilities for services provided in State fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, adds funding to provide additional employment services to individuals with developmental disabilities/$62,174
Auditor – The Office of the Secretary of State is paying for return postage for the primary and general elections in 2018/$23,952
4) Resolution calling for a hearing to be held June 26 at 10:30 a.m. for the following Debatable Emergencies:
BOCC – Operations – funds needed to purchase 4 Microsoft Surface Pros to be used by each Commissioner and the Administrator in order to be more efficient and reduce the amount of paper used for meetings/$10,200
Non Departmental – Hotel/Motel Tax – Feiro Marine Life Center funding for a future Marine Discovery Center conceptual design/$50,000
Auditor – Cost of reprinting return envelopes to provide for return postage paid/$9,162
Sheriff – Emergency Services – Architectural services for a preliminary schematic design for a future Emergency Operations Center building, which will be used to assist in securing funding sources for completion of this building/$7,500
5) Resolution initiating a County road project designated as CRP C1248, Countywide Guardrail Project
CLALLAM COUNTY PUD MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/6-11-18-Commissioners-PreAgenda.pdf
Staff will make a recommendation to Commissioners to accept the Memo of Completion for Bluff
Well Construction Management Agreement 140308 which was completed in September 2016 for the cost of $171,656.10.
PORT OF PORT ANGELES COMMISSIOM MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
https://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112018-306
John Wayne Marina Waterfront Day Progress Update( verbal report)
Marine Trades Industrial Park Wash-Down Facility Bid Award
The bid documents to complete the Marine Trades Industrial Park Wash-Down Facility were completed under a Professional Service Agreement with Reid Middleton. The documents were revised this winter to reduce the upfront capital cost. Additionally, a portion of the concrete wash pad is included in the bid document as an additive alternate to give the Port flexibility to construct the full length or short version, depending on bids. The project was advertised for bids in the Peninsula Daily News, Builders Exchange of Washington and the Port of Port Angeles Website starting on April 27, 2018. An onsite pre-bid meeting was held on May 9 and bids were opened on May 31, 2018.
CITY OF SEQUIM AGENDA HIGHLIGHT for 6/ 11/ 18
http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1890
2018 State Legislative Session Recap and, Economic Development Opportunities.
http://www.sequimwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10301
CITY OF FORKS AGENDA for 6/ 11/ 18
http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/CCAgenda_6-11-2018-1.pdf
Agenda highlight: Quillayute Airport runway rehab project bid award.
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING FOR 6/ 11/ 18
Agenda item: MOTIONre: 2015 Ending Homelessness in Jefferson County Washington: A Ten Year Plan; No Dollar Amount; Jefferson County Administrator; Olympic Community Action Programs(OlyCAP) and the Jefferson Shelter to Housing Partnership (JC2HP)
https://media.avcaptureall.com/session.html?sessionid=20a2283e-ea19-4626-9e74-6802c74163f0&prefilter=845,5958
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🕂He's in your corner
WEEKLY BIBLE VERSE:
[ The Narrow Way ] “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.---Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
Weekly Bible Study
Should Preachers Wear Honorary Titles?
What terms should we use to refer to preachers? Reverend? Father? Pastor? What does the Bible say?
The Bible uses many different terms, such as "evangelist," "teacher," and "minister" (Acts 21:8; 13:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:2). All these words describe different aspects of the work preachers do. But consider some of the titles people today sometimes use.---Gospel Way
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
👲Riddle Genie
From, Squigly's Featured Games
Question: It's so strong, it does not break,
It's so powerful, it penetrates a lake,
Sometimes it's weak as a twig left out in the sun,
It's so wonderful it gives us the power to have fun.
What is it?
Answer: Light.
New question: Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?
Answer next week: Mount Everest.
