SEE THAT SLUG TRIAL ON THE SIDEWALK?

 THAT IS INSLEE'S TRAIL TO REOPEN THE STATE! IF EVER!


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FRONT PAGE COMMENTARY
By, Peter Ripley
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Read the following speech by Inslee, and ask yourself does this sound like a governor who,
seeks to reopen the state? Or someone seeking more power?



Inslee announces Washington’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
From the governor's medium page, posted 4/ 21/ 20

Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians Tuesday evening to lay out his vision for the eventual safe return to public life amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Inslee said it is unlikely many restrictions under the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order will be modified before May 4. Rather, this plan is intended to be a framework for the loosening of restrictions contingent on a steady decrease of the spread of COVID-19.
“It will look more like the turning of the dial than the flip of a switch,” Inslee said in the address. “We’re going to take steps and then monitor to see whether they work or if we must continue to adapt.”
Depending on health projections for the spread of the virus, some distancing restrictions may be in place for weeks or months to come.
“In the coming days, we will receive additional health modeling projecting the course of this virus,” Inslee said. “We hope it will give us cause to begin lifting certain restrictions.”
The return to public life will occur in measured steps. It will be guided by science and informed by our public health needs, our ability to mitigate impacts, and the response of Washington communities.
The governor’s plan has three overriding goals:
Protect the health and safety of Washingtonians

The recovery plan begins with widely available testing for individuals who may have contracted COVID-19, tracing for those who have come into close contact with COVID-19 positive individuals, and isolation or quarantine for individuals who could transmit the virus.
However, a variety of barriers to accessing the necessary supplies have prevented Washington from processing more than 4,000 tests a day. For the contact-tracing plan to work, the state needs to be processing between 20,000 and 30,000 tests a day. Earlier Tuesday, the governor sent a letter to the vice president asking the White House to create a national testing system.
Facilitate a safe start and transition to economic recovery
Economic recovery depends on a healthy workforce. When aspects of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order are lifted, the state will provide guidelines so businesses can operate safely. Even after the order is lifted, workplaces will continue to look and operate differently until a COVID-19 vaccine is available. Continued physical distancing, teleworking and other measures will continue to be necessary to keep workers and customers safe.
Support all people and communities
The COVID-19 outbreak has affected every Washingtonian in different ways. Many in the state will need some kind of assistance to recover. A safe return to public life will require increased social and emotional supports, food and housing security, educational and child care support, internet infrastructure and equitable access to services.
“We need to reckon with the reality that disparities in our communities mean not every family can recovery as quickly as others. Disparities in access have already been exposed in ways not seen in modern times,” Inslee said.
The plan also emphasizes the necessity that community leaders from across the state to work together to provide guidance for a safe and sustainable recovery for all Washingtonians. The governor will appoint three leadership groups to advise on public health, economic recovery and social supports.
“We are looking forward to making advances against this virus,” Inslee said. “Only science, data and informed reasoning can lift us out of this crisis.”

Editorial note:
Some County Sheriff's saying the lock downs are unconstitutional and won't enforce Inslee's stay at home orders. The statement of Inslee is one who wants to maintain control of the people.

Take this following story from the Seattle times titled: Snohomish County sheriff says he won’t enforce Washington state’s stay-home order.


Some quotes from the article:
" “I believe that preventing business owners to operate their businesses and provide for their families intrudes on our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” he wrote, paraphrasing the Declaration of Independence. “As your elected Sheriff I will always put your constitutional rights above politics or popular opinion.”

Fortney argued that the stay-home order, which aims to slow the spread of the coronavirus by barring people from gathering, violates Washingtonians’ First Amendment rights to religious exercise and peaceable assembly." ---Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney.

" After watching Inslee’s address, the sheriff wrote that he “wondered if he even had a plan.” He said he’d wanted to defy the order two weeks ago but “decided to wait out of respect for the Governor and my own misguided hope that each day he did a press conference he would say something with some specificity on getting Washington back to work. After what I witnessed tonight I can no longer stay silent as I’m not even sure he knows what he is doing or knows what struggles Washingtonian’s (sic) face right now.”---Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney.


Related stories:

Inslee: Virus recovery will be slow, restrictions to remain---Penisula Daily News (AP)
OLYMPIA — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Tuesday evening the state will not be able to lift many of the stay-at-home restrictions implemented to fight the coronavirus by May 4 — the date through which the current directive is currently in place — but he hopes health modeling in the coming days will allow resumption of some activities.

Seattle PI: Inslee: Limited reopening to come with long-term impacts of coronavirus in Washington
But the governor cautioned that many restrictions will last beyond the current May 4 expiration day, and that impacts of the novel coronavirus will remain part of life in the Evergreen State for a long time to come. "It is going to affect our daily lives for months," Inslee added.

Editorial note: Sounds like Inslee will keep the Covoid -19 as an excuse to keep his power going, not really in a hurry to reopen the State, and grant our liberties in full, in short making Washington State a Social State!

The Everett Herald: Governor: Many COVID-19 restrictions to linger after May 4

Eastern WA county votes to defy Inslee’s order, reopen all businesses---The Olympian
The unanimous decision Tuesday by the three county commissioners defies Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order, which is in effect until May 4.
"As far as I’m concerned the county is open, and I’d encourage people within the law and within the parameters of their own safety — we’re adults, we can make decisions — to behave accordingly. That’s what I’m doing,” said Commissioner Brad Peck.

Meanwhile...Gubernatorial candidate Joshua Freed releases “Getting Washington Back to Work” economic recovery plan.---From the Washington State News Wire, dated April 9th, 2020
Republican Gubernatorial candidate Joshua Freed has released a five point economic recovery plan aimed at getting Washington residents who have been laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic back to work.
Finding a balance between the medical and economic issues tugging at us right now is paramount to the future of this state, which is why I have outlined a five-point plan that I will be fighting for on the campaign trail. I believe this is a great first step to getting Washintonians back to work,” said Feed.


Editorial note I agree with the following article from the Federalist titled: Our Goal Must Be A Total Return To Normal
Americans must reject a dehumanizing "new normal" in the wake of the Chinese Virus.
Quote: " If understandable fear is what drove Americans into their homes and succeeded in flattening the curve of the virus in our country, then it is courage that is needed to see our way back to the lives we left behind. The ancient rites bequeathed to us and which we bequeath to our children is a chain that must not be broken. Society cannot long survive social distancing."

NOTE: Inslee might have reopen some construction work, as long as the work crews practice social distancing, but the atmosphere of "Big Brother" is still going...

Ref:

Inslee: Construction projects can resume, with distancing

Contractors must develop, post a plan at each site---PDN

Senator Murray Secures Hundreds of Billions for Small Businesses, Expanded Testing, Health Care Providers in Supplemental Coronavirus Relief Package.

Press release issued 4/ 21/ 20

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement in support of legislation that passed the Senate today to provide desperately needed relief to small business owners and workers, as well as make critical emergency investments in our nation’s hospitals and new investments to rapidly ramp-up the nation’s testing capacity to address the current COVID-19 pandemic.


“For months I’ve been pushing to make sure the federal response to this COVID-19 pandemic prioritizes the frontline responders, workers, families, small businesses and communities who are sacrificing to help save lives and stem the tide of this crisis, and I’ve made clear that Congress must stay ready to do whatever is necessary—and quickly—to get on top of this virus and see our nation through this uncertain time.


"So I’m glad Congress was able to come together to inject much-needed additional funding into the Paycheck Protection Program and other small business relief programs established by the CARES Act, including new set-asides to make sure federal assistance is getting to the small businesses on Main Street that need it the most. Democrats were also able make sure the deal also includes significant additional emergency investments in our health care system, as well as provisions and funding outlined in my new testing plan that will increase the nation’s testing capacity and contact tracing capabilities—which according to public health experts is absolutely critical to safely re-opening our country.


"These are important steps that will help ensure struggling small businesses and hard-hit communities are getting the federal support and assistance they need to survive this global health emergency, but this is no time to lose focus or slow down. I’ve heard repeatedly from people and businesses across Washington state who are still struggling, and there is much, much more work that Congress will have to do to continue addressing this pandemic and giving our communities on the frontlines the resources they need to get on the other side of this. I’m going to keep fighting with everything I have to make sure the federal government is doing everything in its power to help Washingtonians and people across our nation weather this storm.”


Senator Murray and Senate Democrats called Republicans back to the negotiating table after Senate Republicans tried to ram through a partisan bill that ignored the dire need for drastically increased testing and tracing capabilities as well as essential funding for health care providers on the front lines of this crisis. Highlights of several federal investments and other priorities Senator Murray secured in the funding package include:


·         Small Business Relief: $381 Billion

o   Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): $321 billion to replenish the PPP, which distributes forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis.

§  Smaller Institutions: An additional $60 billion in PPP funding specifically for small lenders and community-based financial institutions, to serve the needs of underserved small businesses and nonprofits—especially rural, minority, and women-owned businesses.

o   Additional Relief Programs: $50 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, and $10 billion for the Emergency Economic Injury Grant (EEIG) program to provide economic relief to small-businesses struggling during this crisis.

o   Small Business Administration (SBA): $2.1 billion to improve SBA administration and facilitate relief distribution.

o   Agriculture: Clarification that agricultural enterprises are eligible for PPP and EIDL loans.



·         Testing:  $25 Billion

o   States: $11 billion to be distributed to states for testing, surveillance, and contract tracing efforts.

o   Federal: $14 billion for federal agencies to support a broad range of testing-related activities, including research, development, and deployment of tests.

o   Planning: Requirement that the Trump Administration formulate a plan to increase testing nationwide and address disparities in testing.



·         Health Care: $75 Billion

o   Providers: $75 billion for health care providers, including hospitals, to be distributed through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (“PHSSEF”).



The package comes after Senator Murray released a roadmap last week to dramatically expand testing capacity in Washington state and nationwide, which will be necessary in order to eventually reopen the country. Additionally, Senator Murray continues to hear from hospitals, health care providers, and small business owners from across Washington state about their extreme need for additional federal support in order to continue providing care for Washingtonians and keep their businesses afloat.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

Intensifying shelling and COVID-19 pandemic creates ‘perfect storm’ in Libya.
In Libya, ongoing heavy fighting has raised concerns yet further, about the likely devastating impact of the new coronavirus on people there, particularly those repeatedly forced to flee violence.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1062432

Human rights ‘uplift everyone’; must guide COVID-19 recovery response, says UN chief.
The coronavirus pandemic is not only a critical public health danger, it is also a human, economic and social emergency that is “fast becoming a human rights crisis”, the UN chief said on Thursday, releasing a new policy.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1062442

Economic impact of coronavirus threatens hard-won progress across Africa’s Great Lakes region.
Sweeping preventative measures seem to be curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the Great Lakes region of Africa, but the economic impact of the global pandemic threatens hard-won gains made along the long road back to peace and stability, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the region said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1062422

Fall in COVID-linked carbon emissions won’t halt climate change - UN weather agency chief.
An expected drop in greenhouse gas emissions linked to the global economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is only “short-term good news”, the head of the UN weather agency said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1062332

Still ‘a long way to go’ in coronavirus battle, WHO chief warns
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against complacency as countries continue to confront COVID-19 and citizens grow weary of stay-at-home measures aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1062372

UN rights chief rejects killings acknowledged by Cameroon, and Iran’s execution of child offenders.
The UN’s human rights chief has been weighing in on recent killings committed by State authorities, or by rogue members of State military forces, emphasizing that all Governments must strictly abide by international law and hold those who serve, accountable for any violations.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1062402

COVID-19: 5G broadband conspiracy ‘a hoax with no technical basis’, UN telecoms agency.
The latest generation of fast broadband, commonly known as 5G, is in no way responsible for the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) – the UN’s agency for information and communication technologies – confirmed on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1062362

Another of the main stream media taking things out of context:

News story from the Seattle Times

Trump’s suggestion that disinfectants could be used to treat coronavirus prompts warnings

WASHINGTON — In Maryland, so many callers flooded a health hotline with questions that the state’s Emergency Management Agency had to issue a warning that.

That's the story which the liberal media had been publishing

FACT CHECK: No, Trump Did Not Tell People To ‘Inject Themselves With Disinfectant’ Or ‘Drink Bleach’---Daily Wire ( video)

 

Kilmer Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Help Small Businesses Weather the Coronavirus Pandemic

Bipartisan Proposal Significantly Expands Paycheck Protection Program to Increase Access and Help Employers Retain Workers.
Press release issued 4/ 14/ 20

Tacoma, WA – Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) introduced new legislation to significantly expand the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program to ensure that every qualified small business is able to access the critical assistance they need to retain their workforce and cover basic operating costs for the full duration of the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.

“Small businesses across our region are making critical decisions right now about whether to shut down or weather the storm of this pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to help our main street employers keep folks on payroll and ensure working families have the support they need,” said Rep. Kilmer. “There is tremendous need in our communities to ensure this program is a success – so today we’re introducing a bipartisan plan to provide more help to these small businesses, increase access, and ensure this program is adequately funded for the immediate future.”

The Paycheck Protection Program, which was created in the third COVID-19 emergency relief package, provides forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll.

The Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act:

Ensures support for small businesses continues through the duration of the pandemic.
Creates an extension mechanism that puts little to no burden on small business owners while protecting taxpayer interests by establishing clear, commonsense limitations.
Defers repayment of any remaining loan balance for the duration of the pandemic.
Provides adequate funding to effectively mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic on small businesses.
“There isn’t a single employer or small business in Southwest Washington that has avoided the impact of COVID-19, and this crisis has hit those operating on thin margins and small reserves especially hard. I advocated for the creation of the Paycheck Protection Program to keep small businesses afloat and employees on payrolls, but it needs to be accessible for all the businesses that need it for the duration of this crisis,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler. “I’m partnering with Rep. Kilmer on this legislation to increase lending capacity of the Paycheck Protection Program by $900 billion, and give small businesses in Southwest Washington the tools to emerge from this crisis with the stability and workforce to reopen their doors.”

“My team and I have spoken with a number of small businesses about the economic impact of this unprecedented crisis, and I gladly lent my support for this legislation to expand PPP access to ensure every qualified small business received the needed assistance,” said Rep. Dean. “This bipartisan legislation will help all small businesses retain their workforce and cover their basic operating costs, and I thank Rep. Kilmer and Rep. Herrera Beutler for their leadership.”

Last week, Reps. Kilmer and Herrera Beutler urged the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration to take steps to improve the Paycheck Protection Program and increase access to loans for small businesses being impacted by COVID-19 across Washington state. The lawmakers called on the agencies to improve the operability of the loan application system, issue additional guidance to improve clarity for lenders, and enhance responsiveness to lenders and borrowers.

Click here for a one-page summary of the PPP Extension Act and click here for PPP Extension Act bill text.

Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Press President Trump to Automatically Extend Work Authorizations for DACA, TPS Recipients

An estimated 330,000 DACA and TPS recipients are essential workers, including more than 50,000 in the health care industry.
Press release issued   4/ 15/ 20

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) today joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and 35 colleagues in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to automatically extend work authorizations for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients and other impacted immigrants.

More than 200,000 DACA recipients are working in occupational areas the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifies as part of the “essential critical infrastructure workforce.” TPS recipients, like DACA recipients, are vital contributors to our economy and health care workforce, with more than 130,000 TPS holders serving as “essential critical infrastructure workers.”

“This simple measure, which is well within your executive authority, will save American lives and avoid further disruptions to our economy,” the senators wrote. “By contrast, going ahead with your Administration’s efforts to deport more than a million DACA and TPS recipients would be needlessly cruel and greatly weaken our nation’s essential workforce.”

An estimated 41,700 DACA recipients and approximately 11,600 TPS recipients work in the health care industry, including physicians and physicians in training, intensive care nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, nursing assistants, and health technicians. Additionally, an estimated 14,900 DACA recipients are teachers, many of whom are distance educating American children during the pandemic.

With U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices closed to the public, and many USCIS services suspended, it is likely that Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for many immigrants will expire. EAD renewals are already backlogged and additional processing delays are inevitable due to COVID-19 disruptions. Additionally, with hundreds of millions of Americans under stay-at-home orders, and hundreds of thousands infected with COVID-19, it will be difficult for many immigrants to collect the required information and submit renewal applications and fees within the required timeframe.

As of 2017, 16,360 Washingtonians were DACA recipients. As of November 2019, 2,304 Washingtonians had received TPS status. There are over 6,400 DACA recipients working in the health care industry in Washington state.


Letter that was sent to the President

Dear President Trump:

As our nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly urge your Administration to automatically extend work authorizations for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients and other impacted immigrants.  This simple measure, which is well within your executive authority, will save American lives and avoid further disruptions to our economy.  By contrast, going ahead with your Administration’s efforts to deport more than a million DACA and TPS recipients would be needlessly cruel and greatly weaken our nation’s essential workforce.

DACA provides temporary relief from deportation to immigrants who arrived in the United States as children if they register with the government, pay a fee, and clear criminal and national-security background checks.  These young people, known as Dreamers, are American in every way except for their immigration status.  More than 800,000 Dreamers have come forward and received DACA, which has allowed them to contribute more fully to their country and their communities in myriad ways.  More than 200,000 DACA recipients are working in occupational areas the Department of Homeland Security identifies as part of the “essential critical infrastructure workforce.”  An estimated 41,700 DACA recipients work in the health care industry, including physicians and physicians in training, intensive care nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, nursing assistants, and health technicians.  Additionally, an estimated 14,900 DACA recipients are teachers, many of whom are distance educating American children during the pandemic.

TPS currently provides safety in the United States to approximately 411,000 people from 10 countries, the majority of whom have lived in the United States for more than two decades.  Like DACA recipients, TPS recipients must register with the government, pay a fee, and clear criminal and national-security background checks.  Collectively, more than 90 percent of TPS recipients are nationals of El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti, three of the six countries for which your Administration has attempted to terminate TPS.  TPS recipients, like DACA recipients, are vital contributors to our economy and healthcare workforce.  More than 130,000 TPS holders are “essential critical infrastructure workers,” including 11,600 health care workers.

With U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices closed to the public, and many USCIS services suspended, it is likely that Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for many immigrants will expire.  USCIS’s recent decision to process renewals using previously submitted biometrics means that EAD renewals can be adjudicated without a new biometric appointment. However, EAD renewals are already backlogged and additional processing delays are inevitable due to COVID-19 disruptions.  Additionally, with hundreds of millions of Americans under stay-at-home orders, and hundreds of thousands infected with COVID-19, it will be difficult for many immigrants to collect the required information and submit renewal applications and fees within the required timeframe.

Your Administration can immediately ease burdens for thousands of American families, and prevent further, unnecessary economic disruptions during this public health emergency by automatically extending employment authorizations for DACA and TPS recipients and other impacted immigrants.  As Jesus Contreras, a DACA recipient paramedic in Houston who is on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, says, “We’re not only going to have to worry about this pandemic, but we’re going to have to worry about our immigration status and deportation.”  Similarly, Aldo Martinez, a DACA recipient paramedic in Fort Myers, Florida who is responding to calls from COVID-19 patients, says that losing work authorization would “create more chaos in an already chaotic situation.”  Dr. Manuel Bernal Mejia, a resident in the emergency room at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago, says DACA is “letting me treat and care for patients that are facing this deathly pandemic right now.… If you take away DACA. . . it is at least one doctor less to take care of a patient who is critically ill with this virus.”

You can order DHS to immediately ensure that Jesus, Aldo, Manuel, and hundreds of thousands of others in our essential workforce are not forced to stop working when the need for their services has never been greater.  We urge you to prioritize our nation’s health, safety, and economic wellbeing as we grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

UN chief calls for greater protection for children caught up in COVID-19 crisis.
The looming global recession resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic could cause hundreds of thousands of additional child deaths this year, effectively reversing recent gains in reducing infant mortality, a new UN report issued on Thursday has revealed.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061892

COVID-19 poses increased hunger risk for hundreds of millions.
Before the COVID-19 coronavirus began spreading around the world, hunger and malnourishment was already a major challenge for hundreds of millions of people. Now, there are serious concerns that the pandemic will make it harder for humanitarian organizations, including UN agencies, to reach them.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061882

DR Congo doctor prepares for latest in long line of health crises.
Health professionals working with the World Health Organization (WHO) in eastern Democratic of Congo (DRC), have been dealing with the deadly Ebola epidemic since August 2018. This experience is helping them to prepare for the latest disease to arrive: COVID-19.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061852

Africa mobilizing to minimize losses as COVID-19 pandemic continues worldwide advance.
From procuring test kits to promoting debt relief, the UN will stand in solidarity with Africa as it braces against the unprecedented economic, social and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary-General António Guterres pledged on Wednesday. 
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061862

WHO reviewing impact of US funding withdrawal amid COVID-19 pandemic.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday upheld the importance of international solidarity in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic: a “dangerous enemy” to all humanity.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061822


Migrants among most vulnerable, as IOM ramps up coronavirus response worldwide.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expanded the scope of its Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP), to include far-reaching interventions that aim to mitigate the dire health and socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, the agency said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061842

Online predators put millions of children at risk during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown .
Self-isolation has driven more and more children to move online during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an unprecedented rise in screen time and raising safety risks for millions of young people, the UN said on Tuesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061742

Fetcher Video:President Trump with Coronavirus Task Force Briefing
At his daily briefing on Thursday, President Trump released new guidance for states to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance lists a set of criteria such as testing and hospital capacity for local leaders to use in making decisions but does not lay out a specific timeline.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?471257-1/trump-administration-issues-guidelines-reopen-economy&fbclid=IwAR1B8735iaHugRw_JBfgQdWON5F2cZ4KcKJQ1PZtPlcErskStiiIjLZo4dk

Kilmer, Heck Lead Call to Increase Access to Food Assistance for Washingtonians.

Press release issued 4/ 8/ 20

Tacoma, WA – U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10) called on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to modify income verification requirements for food banks receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) support in order to get more Washingtonians access to critical food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Under current requirements, CDBG recipients must verify clients’ income by having each client complete and sign a form. While this system works under normal circumstances, the food banks serving our districts are concerned that the repetitive handoff of paperwork may increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission for their clients and volunteers,” the lawmakers wrote.

“Food banks are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, providing nutritious foods to those in need. Over the past month, food banks have been managing increased demand due to the economic ramifications of the outbreak,” they continued. “At the same time, they have had to change the format of operations in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. During this time of uncertainty, it is essential that food banks be enabled and encouraged to continue their work. They can only accomplish this if they are able to take necessary precautions to keep their clients, volunteers, and staff healthy.”

The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Rick Larsen (WA-02).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.



April 7, 2020

The Honorable Benjamin Carson

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th Street, SW

Washington, DC 20410

Dear Secretary Carson,

We write requesting that you modify income verification requirements for food banks receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) support. Granting this flexibility will enable these CDBG recipients to continue providing critical services to those most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Under current requirements, CDBG recipients must verify clients’ income by having each client complete and sign a form. While this system works under normal circumstances, the food banks serving our districts are concerned that the repetitive handoff of paperwork may increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission for their clients and volunteers.

Food banks are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, providing nutritious foods to those in need. Over the past month, food banks have been managing increased demand due to the economic ramifications of the outbreak. At the same time, they have had to change the format of operations in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. During this time of uncertainty, it is essential that food banks be enabled and encouraged to continue their work. They can only accomplish this if they are able to take necessary precautions to keep their clients, volunteers, and staff healthy.

We ask that you waive or modify income verification requirements for food banks receiving CDBG support. The CARES Act, signed into law last week, granted you the authority to waive these requirements for CDBG funds made available under the Act. Other federal agencies have taken steps to ensure the smooth operation of food banks. Last month, the United States Department of Agriculture modified similar income verification requirements that applied to food banks as a condition of their participation in the Emergency Food Assistance Program. We hope your agency will follow suit so that food banks can continue their work serving our community.

Thank you for your consideration.






Kilmer, Herrera Beutler Call for Improvements to Program to Help Small Businesses Weather the Coronavirus
Press release issued 4/ 8/ 20

Tacoma, WA – On Tuesday, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) urged the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration to take steps to improve the Paycheck Protection Program and increase access to loans for small businesses being impacted by COVID-19 across Washington state. The Paycheck Protection Program, which was created in the third COVID-19 emergency relief package, provides forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll. The lawmakers called on the agencies to improve the operability of the loan application system, issue additional guidance to improve clarity for lenders, and enhance responsiveness to lenders and borrowers.

“We appreciate that, at the time we are writing this letter, lenders around the country have already issued more than 124,000 PPP loans, infusing roughly $36 billion back into Main Streets across America,” the lawmakers wrote. “However, we also recognize that as a consequence of this rapid deployment many lenders and borrowers have experienced challenges that are complicating their participation in this critical program. As your agencies continue to implement the PPP, we request you urgently consider […] recommendations to improve the program for lenders and borrowers alike.”
Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza:

Thank you for your swift action to implement the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) within just one week of its creation by Congress in the bipartisan CARES Act to expedite financial assistance to small businesses that are struggling due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. We are grateful for the around the clock effort it has taken to get this program up and running, however, the rapid development of this new program has resulted in some unanticipated challenges for lenders and borrowers, which are delaying access to these critical resources. We write today to urge you to continue working with lenders to address these challenges and ensure that PPP loans can be issued as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 crisis’ effect on our small businesses required quick action to ensure they can survive this crisis. We’ve heard from countless lending institutions – including community bankers and credit unions –that have already started issuing PPP loans to support the small businesses that employ a majority of the workers in our communities. We appreciate that, at the time we are writing this letter, lenders around the country have already issued more than 124,000 PPP loans, infusing roughly $36 billion back into Main Streets across America.

However, we also recognize that as a consequence of this rapid deployment many lenders and borrowers have experienced challenges that are complicating their participation in this critical program. As your agencies continue to implement the PPP, we request you urgently consider the following recommendations to improve the program for lenders and borrowers alike:

Improve the operability of the loan application system, known as E-Tran. On several occasions, the E-Tran system has been slow or unresponsive when lenders attempt to access the system. Given the high demand for finite funds, lenders and their clients are concerned that a delay in access will put them at a distinct disadvantage. We encourage your agencies work to grow the capacity of the E-Tran system so that it can handle the large demand for new PPP loans.
Issue additional guidance to improve clarity for lenders. While we appreciate the guidance issued thus far, lenders have made it clear that gaps persist for issues like loan structure, documentation requirements, and service fee collection. We urge you to work quickly to update and refine guidance for lenders to help them better serve their clients and communities.
Enhance responsiveness to lenders and borrowers. We understand that your agencies have received an overwhelming amount of outreach from small business owners and lenders who are eager to participate in this program but have outstanding questions about how to access these resources. We believe that improving the existing guidance, as described above, will help address many of the most commonly asked questions, but local SBA offices will continue to receive a high volume of inquiries about unique circumstances that cannot be clearly addressed through general guidance. We request the agencies work to expand staffing at local SBA offices and create a dedicated online system to be able to quickly respond to unique questions from lenders and borrowers.
Finally, we recognize that the unprecedented demand for PPP loans is projected to well exceed the $350 billion that Congress originally appropriated for this program over the coming days or weeks. Additionally, the evolving guidance and projections regarding the anticipated duration of our nationwide social distancing measures suggest that many small businesses will require more than eight weeks of payroll support as currently allowed under the CARES Act. We are working on legislation to add additional funding and extend the duration of the Paycheck Protection Program to ensure that all small businesses can access PPP loans for the full length of this public health crisis.

We are eager to work with you to expand lending capacity and improve access to the program for borrowers and lenders so that every small business we represent can access the resources they need. Thank you for considering our requests, and we look forward to your response.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES;

COVID-19 in Yemen: Saudi coalition ceasefire declared in bid to contain coronavirus.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061422
A ceasefire declaration by Saudi Arabia in war-shattered Yemen that was due to come into effect on Thursday has been welcomed by United Nations chief António Guterres as a way to promote peace and slow the advance of COVID-19.

5 reasons the world needs WHO, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO), the UN’s health agency, has played a crucial role in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, ever since the first cases were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December. At a press conference on Wednesday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlined five ways the agency is leading the global response.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061412

No need to politicize COVID-19: UN health agency chief
The COVID-19 pandemic should not be politicized as unity is the “only option” to defeat the disease, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061392

Over 10,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa; Zimbabwe and South Sudan among most vulnerable.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday that the number of COVID-19 cases in Africa has now risen to more than 10,000, claiming more than 500 lives.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061352

Syrian air force used deadly chemical weapons in 2017 attacks, global watchdog finds.
The Syrian air force used deadly chemical weapons in three separate attacks in March 2017 on the central town of Ltamenah that affected a total of at least 106 people, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said in a report on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061402

World Health Organization ‘absolutely critical’ to neutralizing coronavirus threat – UN chief.
The World Health Organization (WHO) must be supported across the world, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday, describing the UN health agency, which has led the multilateral response since the beginning, as “absolutely critical” in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061382

Swift rebound for world trade still possible through joint action to thwart coronavirus.
Global trade in goods could fall by as much as a third this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but a swift rebound in 2021 is possible if the world’s economic policymakers – working together – act immediately, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061342

COMMENTARY:

WHY WE SHOULD SUPPORT.......WHY?

When they demand Churches be shut down!

WAS IT A CASE OF FAKE NEWS? THAT INSLEE WISHED SOMEONE ELSE WAS IN CHARGE?

 Front page Commentary from Peter Ripley, publisher:

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm no big fan of Jay Inslee, our state governor. But being a publisher of this paper, The Port Angeles Globe, I have to check the facts that other publications dish out, even if it favors the innocent, of quotes being made against them.  Now you have to consider that the governor's office does edited what the governor says  at the times to white washes in order to keep Inslee as a leader who can handle a emergency crisis. So, you have to consider that prospect keeping that in mind.

According to a news story from the Post Millennial from Montreal, Canada. The article was posted March 12th, and was shared on Face Book this week. The Port Angeles Globe looked for a press release backing the below story. The article said it was during " The events ban" when Inslee made those comments that he wished someone else was in charge of the Covid-19 crisis.

Washington governor wishes someone else was in charge as coronavirus ravages state.

Quoting the article: " Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced a ban on events of more than 250 people in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties for the remainder of March. And he wasn't the only US governor to make this call on group gatherings. During the press conference announcing the ban Governor Inslee said “I wish I didn’t have this on my shoulders right now. I wish it was on somebody else’s…” That is not what people need to hear during a crisis.

The ban will include parades, concerts, conventions, sporting events, fundraisers, and festivals across those three counties, and apply to social, recreational, spiritual, and other community gatherings. The Governor also stated that it is “very highly likely it will be extended” past the end of the month."

Editor's Note: The closes press release from the Governor's medium page, was posted on March 11th. with headline: "Inslee issues emergency proclamation that limits large events to minimize public health risk during COVID-19"
"Gov. Jay Inslee announced new community strategies and social distancing plans Wednesday at a news conference in Seattle to minimize COVID-19 exposure, particularly in counties hit hardest by the virus.

Starting today, events that take place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are prohibited by the state. This order applies to gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational activities. These include but are not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers and similar activities.
“This is an unprecedented public health situation and we can’t wait until we’re in the middle of it to slow it down,” Inslee said. “We’ve got to get ahead of the curve. One main defense is to reduce the interaction of people in our lives.”
“We recognize this new limitation will impact thousands of people, their plans, and their investments in these events,” Inslee said. “However, this is one of the most prudent choices we can make to keep people safe in this rapidly evolving health crisis. We want to do all we can to protect Washingtonians.”
So far, the virus has hit King County the hardest, with 24 deaths and 267 people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday morning.
The governor also strongly encouraged state residents to practice social distancing, which means individuals should try to stay six feet or at least an arm’s length from each other.
In recent days, Inslee has encouraged older and vulnerable individuals not to attend large events. The governor is also asking for workplaces to look into teleworking options for employees, for people to sanitize and clean surfaces as they use them, and for people to bump elbows as a greeting instead of shaking hands.
Today’s announcement follows weeks of agencies and medical providers working long hours to get emergency communications and strategies to the public after the virus began to spread in Washington.
“We support the governor’s actions to slow the spread of this virus so the health care system has time to respond,” said Cassie Sauer, president of the Washington Hospital Association.."

Editor's note: as you can see, according to the press release no where do you see the comments that news article quoted the Governor in saying he wished that someone else were in charge. Was this the case of fake news? Or, a case of a government white wash from the governor's press releases? ( No local news outlets had those comments mentioned, why?)

Cantwell, Washington State, Oregon Lawmakers Press Trump Administration to Extend Columbia River System Environmental Impact Statement Comment Period as Nation Works to Address Coronavirus Pandemic.

Press release issued 3/ 31/ 20

In a new letter, a group of Washington state and Oregon lawmakers urged the Council on Environmental Quality to extend the initial 45-day comment period for the draft environmental impact statement regarding the Columbia River System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), as well as U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06), Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Earl Blumenauer (D, OR-03), Suzan K. DelBene (D, WA-01), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D, WA-08), and Denny Heck (D, WA-10), sent a letter to Council on Environmental Quality Chair Mary Neumayr requesting an extension of the 45 day public comment period currently underway for the Columbia River System draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In observance of public health guidance, and in light of the social disruption caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic and the federal, state, and local government attention it requires, the lawmakers pressed to extend the deadline for public comment until at least 30 days after the federal public health emergency is over.

“Given the unique nature of this crisis, it is paramount that all of our national resources and energies be focused on effecting a comprehensive response,” the lawmakers wrote. “The current crisis cannot plausibly provide for an environment conducive to robust public comment. Public feedback should be solicited in an accessible manner and, crucially, in-person, so that the citizens who stand to be affected most directly can make their voices heard to the officials charged with making these decisions.”

The lawmakers continued: “Accordingly, we request the extension of this comment period until no sooner than 30 days after the conclusion of the public health emergency as declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.”

The Columbia River System draft EIS was originally released on February 28, 2020 with a 45 day public comment period. Public feedback is a crucial aspect of the federal rulemaking process, and considering the profound impact that the Columbia River System has on the region and its many diverse inhabitants, it is vital the public has a chance to voice their thoughts and opinions before any action is decided upon—options which are currently virtually impossible due to efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Read full letter below:
Dear Madam Chair:

We write to request an extension of the 45-day public comment period currently underway for the Federal Register notice entitled EIS No. 20200052, Draft, BR, BPA, USACE, OR, Columbia River System Operations. Due to the ongoing 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic—and the specific toll that it is taking on the Pacific Northwest—it is our concern that this important matter cannot receive the thoughtful consideration that it requires under these circumstances.

Given the unique nature of this crisis, it is paramount that all of our national resources and energies be focused on effecting a comprehensive response. The current crisis cannot plausibly provide for an environment conducive to robust public comment. Public feedback should be solicited in an accessible manner and, crucially, in-person, so that the citizens who stand to be affected most directly can make their voices heard to the officials charged with making these decisions. Accordingly, we request the extension of this comment period until no sooner than 30 days after the conclusion of the public health emergency as declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Administrative Procedure Act and the National Environmental Policy Act are clear: agencies must incorporate the feedback from public comments into final rules, including in instances when the rules stand to have significant and long-term environmental impacts. The Columbia River System is a vital resource to the region, and a diverse array of stakeholders are counting on this specific environmental impact statement to bring a degree of finality and certainty to these issues. This can only be accomplished through a transparent public comment process that includes public meetings. This is an issue not of ideology, but one of public safety and full faith in institutions to be responsive to the most pressing matters.

We stand ready to work with the Administration to expeditiously extend the comment period or have the public comment period reopened once this national crisis has been addressed. In this moment, our collective energies are best served working to hasten that moment.

Thank you for your swift consideration of this pressing matter.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:

Burkina Faso crisis and COVID-19 concerns highlight pressure on Sahel food security.
Food insecurity levels in the Sahel region are “spiralling out of control”, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Thursday, as it expressed concerns about the potential impact on humanitarian supply chains because of restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1060942

COVID-19 should not herald rollback in rights for people with autism: UN chief.
The rights of persons with autism must be taken into account in efforts to address the COVID-19 coronavirus: “a public health crisis unlike any other in our lifetimes”, the UN Secretary-General said on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1060912

Key COP26 climate summit postponed to ‘safeguard lives’
With no end in sight to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the UN climate change talks which were due to take place in Scotland later in the year, have been postponed until October 2021.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1060902

Low-skilled workers, developing countries at risk of steep economic decline as coronavirus advances.
The global economy could shrink by up to one per cent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and may contract even further if restrictions on economic activities are extended without adequate fiscal responses, according to analysis released today by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1060832

WHO concerned over rapid escalation in COVID-19 spread as caseload approaches one million.
Deaths from COVID-19 have more than doubled in the past week and will soon reach 50,000 worldwide, while the global caseload is heading towards one million, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) told journalists on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1060852

COVID-19: International community must step up to prevent pandemic from devastating vulnerable on the run.
Given how quickly the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading, an outbreak is “looking imminent” in the world’s refugee camps, crowded reception centres or detention facilities where migrant families are sheltering, the Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1060872

‘Working round the clock’ to aid Venezuelan refugees and migrants during COVID-19 pandemic: UN agencies.
Two United Nations agencies came together Tuesday to urge the international community not to overlook the on-going plight of millions of refugees and migrants from Venezuela, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1060862



COMMENTARY: Should state and local government reconsider the plastic shopping bag ban?

Kilmer, Heck Introduce Bill to Provide Rental Assistance During COVID-19 Crisis

Emergency legislation would substantially expand existing short-term rental assistance for Americans impacted by COVID-19.
Press release issued 3/ 23/ 20
Tacoma, WA – Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10) introduced H.R. 6314, the Emergency Rental Assistance Act of 2020. This legislation would increase short-term rental assistance for most Americans by significantly expanding the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program.

H.R. 6314 would provide $100 billion to ESG for short-term rental assistance. This funding would be given out to states in two chunks: $50 billion over the first 60 days, then $50 billion over the following 60 days targeted toward individuals with the greatest need. This legislation would also expand who can receive these funds by allowing those at 80% of area median income (AMI) to receive ESG, a significant increase from current law. Finally, while the bill would require localities to report on use of these funds, the reporting requirements would be significantly more flexible for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, including the allowance of virtual public hearings.

 “Even before COVID-19, too many people in our region and across the state have struggled to keep up with the cost of housing. Now, ongoing efforts to combat and contain COVID-19 are making it difficult for folks to keep up economically – including on rent,” said Rep. Kilmer. “Today, Rep. Heck and I are introducing new legislation to substantially expand rental assistance and ensure folks in our region can get the help they need, as quickly as possible.”

“Housing is the single largest expense for most American families,” said Rep. Heck. “By a longshot. Right now, those same families are facing job loss, struggling with child care, and dealing with other unprecedented financial burdens stemming from the global COVID-19 crisis – and many are unable to make next month’s rent. We have to get meaningful help to them as soon as we possibly can. Using the ESG program to provide more rental assistance is something we can do right now.”

Since 2011, ESG funds have been used for short- or medium-term rental. These funds are distributed through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program formula, where states and localities apply for ESG through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Hundreds of states and localities receive these funds each year, which they allocate to eligible local government entities, nonprofits, public housing authorities, and local redevelopment authorities. These organizations distribute the grant money to individuals and families.

Kilmer Co-Sponsors Legislation to Minimize COVID-19 Impact on Student Veterans

Legislation Included in House Democrats’ COVID-19 Emergency Response Package
Press release issued 3/ 24/ 20

Tacoma, WA – On Monday, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) co-sponsored the bipartisan Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act Of 2020, introduced yesterday by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe (R-TN). The legislation aims to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student veterans as schools and universities have taken proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.

“If you serve our country, the federal government should have your back,” said Rep. Kilmer. “By expanding protections for student veterans during emergencies like COVID-19, preserving the work-study program, and continuing housing benefits, we’ll be taking real steps to ensure that the government steps-up and gives student veterans the support they need as our nation works to combat and contain COVID-19.”

“As we respond to the coronavirus pandemic, we cannot forget about our student veterans. This bill package will make key fixes so veterans can continue their studies without interruption, loss of income, or unexpected bills,” said Chairman Takano. “Under this bipartisan legislation, we can ensure no students have their housing cut off, lose their work study payment, exhaust their disaster housing stipend continuation payments, or lose their benefits due to a school closure from COVID-19.”

Here’s how this new legislation works for student veterans:

Work-Study During Emergencies: As institutions of higher learning are switching to solely online instruction and as campuses are shutting down as a precaution, student veterans who work on campus through VA’s work-study program will lose an important source of income. This bill gives VA the latitude to continue paying student veterans who lost their position on campus due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Expands Protections For Student Veterans During Emergencies: Currently, if schools close for up to four weeks during a term, VA can continue paying housing and allowances to student veterans. This bill builds on these protections by modifying current law to cover all emergency situations, including public health emergencies like those caused by the current spread of COVID-19. In addition, this legislation allows this protection to be triggered once every 6 months (down from 12) and creates a separate four week, uncharged period for the current COVID-19 situation.
Bridges Digital Divide: In order to halt the spread of COVID-19, many schools have begun moving to online classes -- but, not all students and schools who were attending on-site classes were able to make this transition online. This legislation would restore the interrupted term or semester of their education benefit to students who could not complete classes because of an emergency. With this fix, student veterans will continue to receive housing benefits through the end of their term and will not have their GI Bill eligibility charged for any class they were unable to complete and receive credit for if their schools or program shut down due to an emergency situation. This helps ensure student veterans can continue to cover daily expenses and pursue their degree without losing an entire semester of benefits.
Veterans Are Not Penalized For Emergency Situations: This legislation would stop the eligibility clock for student veterans and eligible dependents impacted by school closures during emergency situations by allowing VA to extend – by the same amount of time that a student was prevented from attending school due to an emergency – the “use or lose” date for VA education benefits.
Extends School Closure Protections to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Veterans: This bill would ensure parity for veterans in the VR&E program by including protections against sudden school closures or terminations of programs that could not transition to online learning, allowing VA to pay housing and subsistence allowance through the end of a term when schools shutter, and preventing veterans from losing eligibility time when they did not receive credit for classes taken. In addition, it would provide two additional months of subsistence allowance to veterans currently participating in the VR&E program who may face difficulty securing employment as a result of COVID-19’s impact on near-term employment prospects.
Background: The Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 builds on recent legislation, passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by the president, to ensure student veterans will not see a reduction in their monthly housing allowance as a result of their schools moving to online instruction due to COVID-19. This legislation has been endorsed by Veterans Education Success, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators, cosponsored by 25 Members including Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chair Levin, and will be included in the Speaker’s COVID-19 emergency response package later this week.

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

Human rights must be maintained in beating back the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘without exception’ – UN experts---UN news
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060372
Dozens of independent UN human rights experts stressed on Thursday that in addition to public health and emergency measures, battling the COVID-19 pandemic, must respect the fundamental human rights of every individual.


Iraq: Top UN official calls on political leaders to confront COVID-19 pandemic and unite.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the political, security, social and economic crises roiling Iraq, the top UN official in the country hopes it will spur leaders to put aside their differences and unite for the common good.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060352

Gunmen kill 25 at Afghan temple, UN chief calls for accountability .
The Secretary-General condemned Wednesday’s attack on a Sikh-Hindu temple in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan, that left dozens of civilians killed and injured.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060312

Threatened Brazilian activist fights for slavery descendants' rights.
A Brazilian activist who regularly receives threats of violence says he will continue fighting for the right of people of African descent to access land and property in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060362

Helping migrant shipwreck survivors to deal with trauma.
Every year, migrants embarking on sea-crossings see their journey end in tragedy: those who survive and return home can struggle to cope with daily life, and need support. To help migrant returnees, the UN has a range of programs aimed at tackling the mental health side-effects of trauma.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060192

UN launches major humanitarian appeal to keep COVID-19 from ‘circling back around the globe’
To confront the unprecedented worldwide challenge posed by the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, top UN officials on Wednesday, launched a massive humanitarian appeal to mitigate its impact, particularly on fragile countries with weak health systems.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060222

Debt relief milestone in Somalia, as World Bank, IMF, call for global payment suspension in light of COVID-19
The top United Nations official in Somalia congratulated the Horn of Africa nation on Wednesday for achieving the benchmark set by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), confirming its eligibility for debt relief.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060292




This week video
President Trump Signs Coronavirus Economic Relief Bill
In an Oval Office ceremony, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion economic relief bill. The president outlined a number of the key provisions in the bill and thanked lawmakers for coming together in a bipartisan manner to pass the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) thanked his colleagues for passing “the biggest bill in history in record time.” The president was joined by Republican lawmakers, cabinet officials and members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?470779-1/president-trump-signs-coronavirus-economic-relief-bill

Washington Congressional Delegation United in Calling for Increased Economic Support for Washingtonians in Third Coronavirus Response Package.

Press release issued 3/ 18/ 20

Washington Congressional Delegation United in Calling for Increased Economic Support for Washingtonians in Third Coronavirus Response Package
Tacoma, WA – Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) led the Washington congressional delegation in urging Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, and five House Committee Chairs to address some of Washington state’s growing economic challenges in the next coronavirus-related stimulus bill. The delegation called on House leaders to support workers and businesses to mitigate the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak by expanding access to economic assistance, increasing investments to prevent housing displacement, creating parity for Tribes, and providing direct assistance to individuals. These policies reflect the needs of state, local, and tribal officials as communities across the state are adapting to prolonged social distancing measures. Washington state was the first impacted by COVID-19 and remains one of the most negatively affected.

“We hope you will consider the following proposals, many of which were developed by Washington state officials and our local communities who are working tirelessly to mitigate the deep economic impacts that our state is already experiencing, and that are beginning to expand nationwide,” the lawmakers wrote.

The policy proposals urge Congress and the federal government to:

Ensure that all federal resources provided to support communities, workers, and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic are made available retroactively to the date on which a state, local, or tribal government first declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19.
Expand direct access to economic assistance through increased investment in the Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Increase investments in existing Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs to ensure individuals are not displaced as a result of COVID-19 related financial hardship and that communities have the resources they need to continue providing essential services throughout the duration of this epidemic.
Create parity for Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations by providing guaranteed direct access to all federal funding streams and resources created to combat, prevent, and mitigate the COVID-19 outbreak.
Employ tax incentives to provide direct assistance to individuals impacted by prolonged social distancing protocols.
Leverage the expertise of federal agencies to develop and disseminate best-practices to businesses and local communities to help further mitigate long-term impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic

Senator Murray Statement on Senate Passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act;

Press release issued 3/ 18/ 20

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health and labor committee, released the following statement on the Senate passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

Earlier today, Senator Murray offered a modified version of her PAID Leave Act as an amendment to FFCRA. Her amendment would ensure that all workers have paid leave and all small businesses are quickly reimbursed for that paid leave this year and next, given the bipartisan recognition that a federal paid leave requirement is a critical part of this response. While Senator Murray’s amendment was blocked by Republicans, she will continue to push her PAID Leave Act in the next aid package to protect workers and small businesses. More information on the PAID Leave Act is available here.

"While I'm glad we finally passed this second round of relief, there continues to be an enormous amount we've got to do to ensure that workers, families, those on the front lines of our health care system, and small businesses have the resources and support to deal with the enormous challenge the coronavirus presents in Washington state and nationwide.”

"In the next phase of our work I'm going to continue fighting to make sure we respond directly to the public health crisis we face, and to put the people and communities hurt most directly first in all our efforts. That includes ensuring every worker can get paid leave and every business gets immediately reimbursed for it."

Senator Murray’s floor remarks calling for a vote on her amendment, as prepared for delivery, are below and video of her remarks is HERE.

“Thank you. M. President, I’ve been in the Senate for 9/11, for Katrina, for the 2008 financial crisis—and I still have never experienced anything like what we’re seeing today.”

“These are truly extraordinary circumstances and the stories I’m hearing from my constituents—and from people across the country—are crushing.

“And some of the most heartbreaking stories are the ones about people who want to do the right thing in this moment—but are having to choose between staying home as public health experts say we must, and paying the rent or putting food on the table.”

“I’m hearing from workers like Cristal Westwood from Auburn, Washington. Cristal and her husband just welcomed their first child on February 7th of this year. They both have autoimmune diseases, but her husband’s job isn’t allowing him to work from home.”

“Cristal says, ‘This is an extremely stressful situation for our family. We have the option for my husband to take leave without pay for the next month or so, but that would mean that we wouldn’t have any income coming in to support our family. He could use up all of his sick and vacation time, but that would mean that he doesn’t have any left for the rest of the year in case something happens. Both of these options don’t seem right.’”

“M. President I agree, that doesn’t seem right.”

“A Pastor in Tukwila, Washington shared similar concerns from a parent in their congregation with school-aged children who worries: ‘What if they call off school? I don’t have anyone to care for the kids. Then, without a paycheck, we will get evicted. As it is, we already run close to eviction every month.’”

“And then there’s Chris, who lives in Seattle, works in a grocery store, and is at high risk for coronavirus. She writes, ‘It’s an awful decision: Go to work and put your life at risk, or lose your job, lose your income, and lose your insurance. I haven’t committed either way at this point. I’m trying to find a way to stay home.’”

“And I’m not just hearing from workers, M. President, but from small business owners all across our state as well. People who own restaurants and shops—everyone from farmers to fishers—who are used to the spring being a time when the phones are ringing off the hook.”

“Now—no one is coming in the door. No one’s calling. And they want to do the right thing for their workers—but they don’t have the cash flow to keep them on.”

“M. President, people are scared—they feel they’ve gotten the rug pulled out from under them—and they need our help.”

“Unfortunately, here’s what my colleague from Wisconsin wants to do. After the House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan agreement that includes an important step forward to provide more workers the paid sick leave they need for this crisis, his amendment would undo that critical bipartisan work by stripping any paid sick leave progress out of the bill we are voting on today.”

“Instead of helping people keep their jobs and their paychecks by providing sick leave, Senator Johnson’s amendment would force workers to seek compensation through their state unemployment system, meaning they would be on their own until they were compensated by the state; and the unemployment system in each state would be drastically overburdened at a time when workers are going to need it in the event they are laid off.”

“While Democrats are pushing for solutions through Unemployment Insurance to support families and workers in the months ahead, simply using this program as a replacement for the paid sick leave workers need is unacceptable—it’s shameful. We can and must do better.”

“At a time when families are facing impossible decisions, my fellow Senators face a glaringly simple one—we need to be doing as much as we can as fast as we can, and this amendment would set us backwards at the worst possible time.”

“That’s why I’m offering another amendment instead, based on legislation I worked with Senator Gillibrand and Representative DeLauro to introduce yesterday.”

“Our legislation would provide workers with seven days of accrued paid sick leave, two weeks of paid emergency days, and twelve weeks of paid emergency leave, and it would make sure their employers can be quickly and fully reimbursed by the Treasury Department for providing this leave.”

“But for those who may not be ready just yet to agree we need paid sick days and paid leave going forward, permanently—the amended version of the bill I’m introducing today would only provide this support through December 2021.”

“Because my number one priority is getting people the support they need right now for the emergency at hand.”

“This is a commonsense step. It’s good for workers who need to stay home if they are sick or need to take care of family—without losing a job or a paycheck. “

“And it’s good for small businesses, who want to keep their workers and communities safe, and who are struggling to stay afloat during this sudden crisis.”

“It’s the right thing to do for our economy and for public health—and we should get it done as soon as possible.”

“If we don’t do this, if we let this opportunity slip by, we are sending a message to scared people across the country that we still are not willing to acknowledge the scope of the tragedy we are seeing unfold, we are still not listening to the stories like the ones I shared earlier—stories I know my colleagues have heard as well.”

“M. President, we must not—we cannot—send that message.”

“People need help. People need hope. People need to see that we are willing to do the right thing, and pass big solutions.”

“So I hope all my colleagues will join me in supporting my amendment. I want to see this passed and sent to the President’s desk as part of this response, and I’m not going to stop fighting until that happens.”

WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

As dire forecasts about the global economy add to the anxiety surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN’s labour agency (ILO) on Thursday offered a range of urgent measures, which, if governments act quickly, can help to protect workers in the workplace, stimulate the economy and save millions of jobs.----UN News
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059672

UN health chief announces global ‘solidarity trial’ to jumpstart search for COVID-19 treatment
Just 60 days after the genetic sequence of COVID-19 was shared by China, the first vaccine trial has begun, the UN health chief said on Wednesday, calling it “an incredible achievement” and urging the world to maintain “the same spirit of solidarity” that has helped fight Ebola.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059722

Still ‘early days’ to assess COVID-19 impact on women, children – UNICEF official/
Shortly after the outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), UNICEF was among the first United Nations agencies to step up and deliver much-needed medical supplies including masks to China.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059732

Women plough the way to peace in South Sudan resettlement project
Women who had been displaced by fighting in South Sudan are sowing seeds of peace, with support from the UN mission in the country, UNMISS.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059712

UN agriculture agency staff continue to strive for a better world amid Italy COVID-19 lockdown
Italy has been hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak, with nearly 28,000 confirmed cases of the disease and 2,503 deaths, according to latest statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO).  While a national quarantine has the country in lockdown, it has not halted the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), based in the capital, Rome.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059642

Blueprint launched to manage Earth’s fragile peatland carbon sinks
A blueprint for how countries can keep carbon in fragile land-based carbon sinks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been unveiled by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059632

Treat migrants with dignity and respect during pandemic: UN migration agency
The importance of treating migrants with dignity and respect has not changed, UN migration agency (IOM), spokesperson Joel Millman has told UN News, adding that the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on migrants, highly represented in the food industry, which is now seeing widespread shutdowns, is ‘a huge concern’ to the agency.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059682

This week's Commentary:

WHO NEEDS $1,000 BUCKS THE MOST?
The poor, and homeless.
For the record, President Trump has managed to keep his campiagn promises, will he keep his word on this money give away venture?