https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-recognized-for-bipartisan-collaboration
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) has been awarded the inaugural Convergence Award for Extraordinary Leadership in Bridge-Building for his leadership in bringing Democrats and Republicans together to solve problems for the good of America. Convergence, the organization that granted the award to Kilmer, is a leading national public policy non-profit focused on bringing together those divergent views to build trust, identify solutions, and form alliances for action on issues of critical public concern. According to Convergence, the most important criteria for the recognition was identifying breakthrough leadership that is likely to “move the needle” toward normalizing bridge-building behavior across American institutions and society.
“It is an honor to recognize Representative Kilmer with this award; it would be difficult to imagine a more deserving inaugural recipient. Representative Kilmer has, in a short time, forged a unique record of building cross-partisanship and collaboration in Congress, especially through his work as Chair of the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, and also as Chair of the Bipartisan Working Group,” said David Eisner, CEO of Convergence. “Given that Congressman Kilmer accomplished this incredible work at a time when Congress has been deeply divided – and that he has nevertheless seen many of the Select Committee recommendations adopted by the House – we in the bridge-building field could not be more grateful…or more optimistic about his further contributions in the next Congress.”
“We all need to work together to solve problems. Too often, that’s missing in our government today,” said Rep. Kilmer. “Ultimately, I was elected to serve the folks in our region—regardless of where they may land on the political spectrum. That’s why I’ve focused on progress – not partisanship and playing political games. I’m honored to be recognized by Convergence as we work to bridge the partisan divide and make progress for the folks I represent. I’m grateful for their recognition and their partnership.”
In the 116th Congress, Rep. Kilmer has served as the Chair of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. This committee, which was nicknamed the “Fix Congress” Committee, was established to propose reforms to make Congress work better on behalf of the American people. Over the past two years under Kilmer’s leadership, the Committee passed 97 bipartisan recommendations to make Congress more effective, efficient and transparent; to streamline and reorganize House Human Resources, overhaul the onboarding process and provide continuing education for Members; to modernize and revitalize House technology; to encourage civility and bipartisanship in Congress; to streamline processes and save taxpayer dollars; to boost congressional capacity; to reclaim Congress’ Article One responsibilities, and; to reform the budget and appropriations process.
Recently, when the Select Committee released its recommendations, David Eisner of Convergence said, “Convergence is deeply encouraged by the dedication of the Select Committee over its two-year tenure to operate according to the highest standards of cross-partisan collaboration and deliberation. The Committee has set an example, brightly illuminating that this form of collaboration in Congress is not dead, and proving that meaningful cross-partisan practices in Congress can drive unusual effectiveness and productivity. Collaboration across partisan gulfs is not easy, but we believe that embracing cross-partisan practices in the next Congress, as envisioned by the Select Committee recommendations, is the best recipe for Congress to regain the public's trust and to address the historic challenges our nation faces.”
Kilmer also serves as the Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Working Group, a coalition of a dozen Democrats and a dozen Republicans that works to set aside partisanship and solve problems.
In recent years, Kilmer has also received awards from the Bipartisan Policy Center and from the reform group Issue One for his efforts to foster collaboration and to reform government.
About Convergence
Convergence Center for Policy Resolution is a national non-profit based in Washington, D.C. that convenes individuals and organizations with divergent views to build trust, identify solutions, and form alliances for action on issues of critical public concern. Reports and recommendations issued under our auspices reflect the views of the individuals and organizations who put the ideas forward. Convergence itself remains neutral and does not endorse or take positions on recommendations of its dialogue participants.
DNR to Hire 550 Seasonal Firefighters.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-hire-550-seasonal-firefighters-0
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun recruiting for 550 temporary firefighters to serve with the state’s largest wildland firefighting department for next year’s fire season. This year, DNR crews have responded to a record 1,857 wildfire calls.
“Firefighters do important work that protects our communities and natural resources. We are looking for motivated and capable individuals who can do strenuous outdoor work and has the desire to serve our state to apply to be part of our firefighting team,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who heads DNR. “Having trained firefighters ready to respond is key to protecting our state’s livelihoods and communities. Their work is incredibly valuable to me and all of our state’s citizens.”
First-time applicants should be able to fill positions from approximately mid-June to mid-September, though some temporary positions will be filled by returning firefighters as soon as April. With growing frequency, seasonal firefighters may also have the opportunity to work longer seasons – into October – when they are able and conditions dictate.
see webpage for further information.
More Washington State News:
May the ‘stache be with you – celebrate November with the shovelhead worm
Eyes Under Puget Sound - Critter of the Month---DOE
Plan for delays on SR 4 near Oak Point for hillside stabilization work, beginning Nov. 17--WSDOT
GOP leaders call for special session in wake of governor’s COVID-19 restrictions--The Olympian
Quote: Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler released a statement calling the surge “very concerning,” acknowledging the pandemic’s broad impacts, and calling for a special session.
https://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article247204696.html
Amazon opens online pharmacy, shaking up another industry--Seattle Times
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/amazon-opens-online-pharmacy-shaking-up-another-industry/
IN OTHER HEADLINE NEWS:
WORLD NEWS:
‘Full scale’ humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ethiopia’s Tigray: UNHCR
A “full-scale humanitarian crisis” is unfolding as thousands of refugees flee ongoing fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region each day to seek safety in eastern Sudan, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported on Tuesday. --UN NEWS CENTER
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1077832
UN-backed fund to address crisis in global sanitation and hygiene.
A UN-backed fund, launched on Tuesday, is set to take on the centuries-old crisis centred around sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health, which now impacts more than four billion people across the world. ---UN NEWS CENTER
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1077812
Commitment ‘crucial’ to strengthen Security Council, says UN Assembly President
Highlighting the importance of the UN Security Council to address peace and security challenges in an increasingly complex world, the President of the General Assembly has called on ambassadors to drive through “true reforms”, to make the body more effective. -- UN NEWS CENTER
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1077802
The United States Condemns the Attack on Eritrea by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front--US STATE DEPT.
The United States strongly condemns the attack carried out by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on the airport in Asmara, Eritrea, on November 14. We are deeply concerned by this blatant attempt by the TPLF to cause regional instability by expanding its conflict with Ethiopian authorities to neighboring countries. We also continue to denounce the TPLF’s November 13 missile attacks on the Bahir Dar and Gondar airports in Ethiopia.
We strongly urge the TPLF and the Ethiopian authorities to take immediate steps to de-escalate the conflict, restore peace, and protect civilians. We appreciate Eritrea’s restraint, which has helped prevent further spreading of the conflict. Humanitarian workers should be given safe passage to provide assistance to vulnerable groups. Civilians, including U.S. citizens, should be protected from harm and be provided with humanitarian assistance and safe passage out of the conflict zones. Communications services in the Tigray region should be restored immediately in part to allow independent reporting on the situation and to allow for communication with civilians, including U.S. nationals, in the Tigray region.
NATIONAL HEADINES:
Readout from the Trump Administration’s 41st Governors Briefing on COVID-19 Response & Best Practices---WH Press release
Sports Heroes Who Served: Tennessee Football Coach Served in World Wars I,---DOD
CDC Awards $1.5 Million for Research to Reduce Exposures to Workplace Hazards through Robotic Technology
Research projects will focus on robotics in the healthcare and manufacturing industries--CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p1116-reseach-award-reduce-exposures.html
EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Programs Finds Success with the Lean Management System
BUSINESS & FINANCE HEADLINES:
ICYMI: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ACTS TO HELP AMERICAN WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor took a range of actions to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.---US DEPT. OF LABOR
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20201116
Get Ready for Taxes: Get ready now to file 2020 federal income tax returns.
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take necessary actions this fall to help them file their federal tax returns timely and accurately in 2021, including special steps related to Economic Impact Payments.
This is the first in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A special page, updated and available on IRS.gov, outlines steps taxpayers can take now to prepare for the 2021 tax return filing season ahead.
IRS Criminal Investigation releases Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report; identifies $2.3 billion in tax fraud.
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today released the Criminal Investigation Division's annual report PDF, highlighting the agency's successes and criminal enforcement actions taken in fiscal year 2020, the majority of which occurred during COVID-19. A key achievement was the identification of over $10 billion in tax fraud and other financial crimes.
Medicare Advantage Provider to Pay $6.3 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, formerly known as Group Health Cooperative (GHC), agreed to pay $6,375,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted invalid diagnoses to Medicare for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and received inflated payments from Medicare as a result, the Justice Department announced today. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan is headquartered in Oakland, California.
OTHER HEADLINES THAT THE DNC PRESS WON'T CARRY
Facebook put warnings on or removed 150 million pieces of content surrounding election: Zuckerberg--Washington Times
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/nov/17/facebook-put-warnings-or-removed-150-million-piece/
Republican Michigan state lawmakers launch impeachment pursuit against Whitmer--Washington Examiner
Obama Calls for More Big Tech 'Fact-Checking' in Wake of Trump Getting 71M Votes--PJ MEDIA
Fraud Watch: Demos Warned About Software Vulnerability
Democrats were concerned about election software security before they weren't.--Patriot Post
Today's Top Video
Facebook & Twitter CEOs Testify Before Senate Judiciary Committee
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?478048-1/facebook-twitter-ceos-testify-senate-judiciary-committee&live
ELECTION DEFENSE TASK FORCE!
