Saturday, February 12, 2022

NEW GRANT NOW AVAILABLE FOR SMALL MEAT PROCESSORS

OLYMPIA – The application period is now open for a new Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) grant program to support small meat processing operations around the state.

https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=33708

Information about the WSDA Local Meat Processing Capacity Grants, including how to apply, can be found by visiting agr.wa.gov/grants.


The Washington State Legislature has provided $3.6 million for these grants. The purpose of the grant program is to increase access to livestock and poultry processing for small to midsize farmers and ranchers so they can better serve people in Washington State. The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that there is a need for more meat processing services in Washington, to strengthen food supply chains and local food economies. 


The WSDA Local Meat Processing Capacity Grants program will provide grants of up to $150,000 for small projects, and fund large projects between $150,000 and $750,000. To be eligible, small projects must be completed by June 30, 2022, while large projects must be completed by June 30, 2023.


The grants are meant to help small and midsize meat processors expand their capacity to serve small and midsize Washington farmers and ranchers selling meat and poultry products directly to consumers, stores, food hubs, restaurants, schools and other local buyers.  


The deadline to apply for a small project grant is Feb. 28, while applicants for the large project grants have until March 7. WSDA will host a webinar on the application process at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 9. Please visit the link to the WSDA Local Meat Processing Capacity Grants – Info Session to register and receive a Zoom link to participate. 


To be eligible for the grants, the business applying must be owned and operated in Washington, with 75 employees or fewer. Non-profit or government entities providing access to meat processing services or equipment for livestock producers are also eligible.


The grant funds can be used for equipment, facility improvements, planning, and workforce development costs. An application guide with more details on eligibility requirements and examples of the types of expenses covered is available. 


For more information, visit agr.wa.gov/grants or email smallfarmbiz@agr.wa.gov. The grant program is part of WSDA’s Focus on Food Initiative, ensuring safe, nutritious food is effectively produced and distributed throughout our state.



In other state headline news:


House passes AG Ferguson, Rep. Simmons bill to ensure that 4 million Washingtonians get help with their hospital bills.

OLYMPIA — The Washington state House has passed Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s bill to increase access to affordable health care for millions of Washingtonians by a bipartisan 63-33 vote. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/house-passes-ag-ferguson-rep-simmons-bill-ensure-4-million-washingtonians-get


Commerce awards nearly $19 million in infrastructure funding to boost affordable housing development in seven counties.

https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news/press-releases/commerce-awards-nearly-19-million-in-infrastructure-funding-to-boost-affordable-housing-development-in-seven-counties/


Workers affected by November floods might qualify for retroactive Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

OLYMPIA – Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been activated to help workers impacted by the floods in specific counties and tribal lands from Nov. 5 to Dec. 2, 2021. The federal declaration for the November storm events occurred on Jan. 5, 2022, and DUA benefits can be paid retroactively for weeks you were unemployed as a direct result of the disaster.

https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/workers-affected-by-november-floods-might-qualify-for-retroactive-disaster-unemployment-assistance


WDFW approves 5 days of razor clam digging during evening low tides beginning Feb. 14

OLYMPIA – More razor clam digs are planned on coastal beaches as shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today confirmed the next round of digging can proceed as planned from Feb. 14-18.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/wdfw-approves-5-days-razor-clam-digging-during-evening-low-tides-beginning-feb-14


WDFW to use drone to assess conditions at two North Puget Sound Region wildlife areas.

WDFW staff will conduct drone surveys at the Spencer Island Unit of the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area near Everett and the Island Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area near Conway.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/wdfw-use-drone-assess-conditions-two-north-puget-sound-region-wildlife-areas



Inslee statement condemns RNC position on Capitol Insurrection.

Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today on the Republican National Committee's decision to censure two of its own members of Congress for investigating the violent Jan. 6 insurrection at our nation's Capitol.

https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-condemns-rnc-position-capitol-insurrection


Boots on the ground: Environmental service in partnership with Washington Tribes.

Partnerships are key to our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) mission to restore the environment while providing service opportunities to young adults and military veterans. Our many partners include state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations. We also have a longstanding record teaming up with Washington Tribes.

https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/February-2022/Boots-on-the-ground-Environmental-service-in-partn




From our congressional delegation to DC:


Empire Builder’s Facelift Revealed Today

Cantwell: “Rail passengers will enjoy cleaner, more reliable service.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement after Amtrak began service of its new ALC-42 locomotives on the westbound Empire Builder line from Chicago to Seattle.

https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/empire-builders-facelift-revealed-today


Senators Cantwell, Murray Announce $138 Million for Washington State Transit Agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray announce that $138 million in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is now available for transit agencies in Washington state.

https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-cantwell-murray-announce-138-million-for-washington-state-transit-agencies


Kilmer Votes to Strengthen U.S. Postal Service

Washington, DC – On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation aimed at helping the U.S. Postal Service remain financially viable and ensuring it provides the high quality of service Americans expect and deserve. By saving billions in funding and increasing performance transparency the bipartisan legislation aims to continue reliable, on-time mail service to Washingtonians who rely on the Postal Service to receive paychecks, lifesaving prescriptions, tax returns and more. Rep. Kilmer spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation.

https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-to-strengthen-us-postal-service


Senator Murray Announces Bipartisan Effort to Strengthen Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Programs

(Washington, D.C.) – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), announced she and Ranking Member, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) are working in a bipartisan way to reauthorize, improve, and expand federal mental health and substance use disorder programs.

https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-announces-bipartisan-effort-to-strengthen-mental-health-and-substance-use-disorder-programs/


Senator Murray Hails Opening of EU Markets for Washington Shellfish Industry

(Seattle, WA) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) celebrated an announcement by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that the United States and European Union (EU) have concluded negotiations to allow for resumption of bilateral trade in bivalve molluscan shellfish. 

https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-hails-opening-of-eu-markets-for-washington-shellfish-industry/




WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:


Africa on track to control pandemic this year but vigilance is key: WHO.

Africa is on track to control the COVID-19 pandemic this year if current trends continue, but vigilance will remain key, the head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regional office said on Thursday. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111662


Battle against Da’esh, a ‘long-term game’, Voronkov tells Security Council

The global fight against the shadowy, ever-morphing threat posed by the ISIL terrorist group - known officially as Da’esh - and its affiliates, remains a “long-term game” for which there are “no quick fixes,” the UN counter-terrorism chief told the Security Council on Wednesday.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111602


World Pulses Day empowers youth, for sustainable ‘agrifood’ systems.

The UN marks World Pulses Day on Thursday, this year celebrating how these nutritious beans, grains and seeds, crucial to so many cuisines worldwide, can empower youth to help achieve sustainable commercial farming (agrifood) systems. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111642



Remarks in Response to China and Russia at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Secretary-General’s Report on the Threat Posed by ISIS.

https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-in-response-to-china-and-russia-at-a-un-security-council-briefing-on-the-secretary-generals-report-on-the-threat-posed-by-isis/


Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Interview with Bianna Golodryga on “CNN Newsroom”

https://usun.usmission.gov/ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfields-interview-with-bianna-golodryga-on-cnn-newsroom/




NATIONAL HEADLINES:


PRICES WEEK FACT SHEET: The Biden-⁠Harris Plan to Boost the Capacity of the Economy and Lower Costs for Working Families--WH

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/10/prices-week-fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-plan-to-boost-the-capacity-of-the-economy-and-lower-costs-for-working-families/


FDA Takes Steps Aimed at Fostering Development of Non-Addictive Alternatives to Opioids for Acute Pain Management

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-aimed-fostering-development-non-addictive-alternatives-opioids-acute-pain-management


Federal Register Notice: CDC’s updated Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids is now open for public comment

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0210-prescribing-opioids.html


EPA Announces $23 Million in Pollution Prevention Grant Opportunities, including $14 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding

Grants include emphasis on projects that address environmental justice and climate change.

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-23-million-pollution-prevention-grant-opportunities-including-14-million


HUD APPROVES AGREEMENT WITH LAS VEGAS HOUSING PROVIDERS RESOLVING CLAIMS OF DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION


WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has approved a Conciliation Agreement with Las Vegas landlord, Anwar Malik, and Malik’s property manager, Ahmad Sharif-Yazdi, to resolve allegations of discrimination brought by a prospective tenant with a disability. The Agreement resolves allegations that Malik and the property manager discriminated against the prospective tenant by refusing to rent a property to her because she had an assistance animal. Read the Agreement.

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_22_023




HEADINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:


Freedom Protesters Defy Trudeau, Continue Blockade On Ambassador Bridge--Daily Wire

https://www.dailywire.com/news/freedom-protesters-defy-deadline-continue-blockade-on-ambassador-bridge


Fight Back Against the Woke Bullies Trying to Silence Conservatives.--PJ MEDIA

https://pjmedia.com/columns/blainepardoe/2022/02/11/fight-back-against-the-woke-bullies-trying-to-silence-conservatives-n1558476


As US Goes Bankrupt, How Many Foreign Crises Can It Afford?

It will cost almost $1 trillion per year to service the U.S. debt by 2031.--American Spectator

https://spectator.org/as-us-goes-bankrupt-how-many-foreign-crises-can-it-afford/


Freedom of Speech Protects Joe Rogan's Free Speech--NEWS MAX

https://www.newsmax.com/judgeandrewpnapolitano/joe-rogan-freedom-of-speech-spotify/2022/02/09/id/1056212/


Republicans Introduce Brutal 'HUNTER' Act After Biden Moves for Taxpayer-Funded Crack Pipes--WJ

https://www.westernjournal.com/republicans-introduce-brutal-hunter-act-biden-moves-taxpayer-funded-crack-pipes/




LOCAL MEETINGS:


CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:


Clallam County Commission work session for 2/14/22

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1302


Clallam County regular board meeting for 2/15/22

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7304


Clallam board of health meeting for 2/15/22

https://clallam.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=clallam_ec728322eacd865d684f96954fe84ddf.pdf&view=1


Clallam County Housing Authority meeting 2/16/22

https://clallam.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=clallam_10419e30aacc9d62a7198b589da0cc6e.pdf&view=1


City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 2/15/22

https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/11186/CC-Agenda-Packet-02152022-


City of Sequim Council meeting for 2/14/22

https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2545


City of Forks Council meeting for 2/14/22

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Agenda-20220214.pdf


Clallam County PUD meeting for 2/14/22

https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2-14-22-BOC-Packet.pdf


OMC BOARD MEETING FOR 2/16/22

https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AGENDA-February-16-2022.pdf



JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:


Jefferson County Commission meeting for 2/14/22

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/55f6cb85-7707-4f93-b2bf-84cb259efe88


Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, Port Townsend City Council, Port of

Port Townsend, and Jefferson County Public Utility District #1

Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=cityofpt_b68b3496c0fb60f9aa99a5140e7dfe22.pdf&view=



Weekly devotional


BIBLE VERSE: 1 Corinthians 13: 6-7 (New International Version)

 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 

 


Weekly Bible Study:  Anything to Make a Point. by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/AnythingToMakeAPoint.htm



 


   


Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/


(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)

  1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362


 The Chosen: About the life of Christ

https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen

 

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley

Your donation is appreciated.


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Saturday, February 5, 2022

THE KING HAS SPOKEN! INSLEE'S MOVE TO SILENCE DESTENT

 “Politicians are not above anyone else”

Inslee argues for stronger accountability against politicians seeking to undermine elections or incite violence.

From the governor's medium page.

https://medium.com/wagovernor/politicians-are-not-above-anyone-else-2bed16009af4


January 6, 2021, was a pivotal day in America’s history. Attempts to hold elected leaders accountable for their roles in spreading disinformation and inciting a deadly, attempted coup of the U.S. Capitol are ongoing. But Gov. Jay Inslee says the growing numbers of candidates and elected officials who knowingly espouse false information about elections pose a longer-term threat to democracy.

Recent polls show alarming trends in the faith of U.S. elections and acceptance of violence against the government. An Axios-Momentive poll last month indicates more than 40 percent of Americans do not believe President Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 presidential election, while a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll reveals nearly one-third of Americans believe violence against the government can be justified.


Inslee’s SB 5843 applies specifically to elected officials or candidates who “knowingly, recklessly or maliciously” make false statements or claims about elections and have an intent of inciting lawlessness, undermining an election, or falsely claiming they won. The bill makes such action a gross misdemeanor.

The bill does not apply to instances where an individual has evidence of election fraud.

The bill was heard today by the Senate Committee on State Government & Election. Inslee was first to testify.


“After Jan. 6, I have this question: Do politicians think they have a right to foment violence and degrade our democracy by knowingly lying about elections results? No they do not.

“That’s where we’re at in American politics today and it is our future if we don’t act. This is not just our recent past. The horrific insurrection we all witnessed at the U.S. Capitol — and the mob we saw break through the gates here — represent the here-and-now. And they are harbingers of what is to come. Our democracy remains an experiment and we cannot take it for granted.”


The bill, sponsored by Sen. David Frockt, establishes clear parameters intended to preserve the right to free political speech.

Inslee’s office consulted with nationally-known constitutional law scholar, Laurence Tribe, while drafting the proposal. While it’s impossible to speculate on the outcomes of potential constitutional challenges, Tribe believes the bill is written “in a manner that respects the text and purposes of the First Amendment and the precedents construing it.”


Catherine Ross, a constitutional law professor from George Washington University Law School who focuses on the First Amendment, also provided expert feedback to Inslee’s office on the proposed legislation. She testified at today’s hearing in favor of the bill.

“I first learned about Governor Inslee’s proposal from an article in the Washington Post that quoted my work to suggest this bill would face an uphill battle. But on reading this piece I agreed with the governor that these are exceptional times in which lies about the results of the last election pose a realistic threat,” Ross testified. “I thought Washington’s interests were so important I wanted this bill to be done right, and I reached out and offered to help. I consulted and helped craft the language which I do believe addresses the First Amendment problems.”



Related news stories: ‘What have we come to?’: Inslee bill to criminalize election fraud lies advances.

A bill from Gov. Jay Inslee that would make it a misdemeanor for elected leaders or candidates to spread unfounded allegations of election fraud was passed out of committee in the state Legislature on Wednesday.--My Northwest

https://mynorthwest.com/3334034/inslee-bill-criminalize-election-fraud-lies-passes-committee/


The future of election security and access in Washington state

New Secretary of State Steve Hobbs discusses his plans to fight misinformation and what the failure to pass voting rights legislation means for our state.--Cross Cut Seattle

https://crosscut.com/podcast/crosscut-talks/3/39/podcast-future-election-security-and-access-washington-state


'Pro-Free Speech': Washington State Governor's Plot to Criminalize Election Fraud Complaints Moves Forward--PJ MEDIA

https://pjmedia.com/uncategorized/victoria-taft/2022/02/03/pro-free-speech-washington-state-governors-plot-to-criminalize-election-fraud-complaints-moves-forward-n1555537


Note: This coming from a guy who is serving his third term as governor! Talk about someone who doesn't know how to walk away from an elected position!



In Other State headlines:

Biden Administration approves public assistance request for counties and Tribes impacted by November storms.

https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/biden-administration-approves-public-assistance-request-counties-and-tribes-impacted


Today, Gov. Jay Inslee thanked the Biden Administration after learning the state’s Major Disaster Declaration approved earlier this year to help individuals and families impacted by last November’s floods has been amended to include additional support.


“We have a long way to go to achieve a full recovery following the record rainfall that hit our state last November. It’s going to take time, and a lot of money to get back on our feet. I appreciate that President Biden is offering his support and making programs available to ensure our families and communities quickly, and fully recover," Inslee said.


The president’s declaration now makes available the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program for infrastructure damage suffered during severe storms that occurred Nov 5 through Dec 2 for seven counties and five tribes. The program helps offset costs these counties, tribes and state agencies incurred to provide emergency protective measures, as well as repair and replacement of some disaster-damaged facilities.


Jurisdictions that FEMA determined qualify for the Public Assistance program include: Clallam, Island, Jefferson, Lewis, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom Counties, as well as the Hoh Indian Tribe, Lummi Tribe of the Lummi Reservation, Nooksack Indian Tribe of Washington, Quileute Nation, and the Swinomish Indian Community.


Earlier this year, Biden approved FEMA’s Individual Assistance for those who experienced losses during the incident period in Clallam, Skagit and Whatcom Counties, as well as for the federally recognized Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Quileute Nation. The IA program helps individuals and families who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.


In collaboration with the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division, FEMA has established several Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the impacted jurisdictions. Recovery specialists from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Washington state agencies are available to help flood survivors apply for federal assistance and receive information about help available for homeowners, renters and business owners.


Individuals can find a list of Recover Center locations here or can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) for assistance.





Inslee issues Green Crab Infestation proclamation.

Gov. Jay Inslee today issued an emergency order to address the exponential increase in the European green crab population within the Lummi Nation’s Sea Pond and outer coast areas. The European green crab is a globally-damaging invasive species that, if they become permanently established, will particularly harm endangered species, impact resources that are part of the cultural identity of the tribes and native peoples, and affect small businesses.


The emergency order directs the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to begin implementation of emergency measures, as necessary, to effect the eradication of or to prevent the permanent establishment and expansion of the European green crab. The order also directs the Department of Ecology to, and requests that the Department of Natural Resources and the State Parks and Recreation Commission, identify European green crab management as a high priority on their respective state-owned aquatic lands and to facilitate implementing emergency measures. Finally, the order urges the Legislature to provide additional emergency funding as requested by the WDFW as soon as possible.

https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-issues-green-crab-infestation-proclamation


Veterinary Shortage Areas Designated in WA.

Are you having trouble finding a veterinarian to work on your livestock?

https://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2022/01/veterinary-shortage-areas-designated-in.html


WSDA awards $1.5 million in grants for Farm to School efforts.

Last fall, WSDA announced a new grant program to promote and expand farm to school efforts by supporting local food purchasing in schools, child care centers, and summer meal programs statewide. 

https://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2022/01/wsda-awards-15-million-in-grants-for.html


AG Ferguson files lawsuit against Center for COVID Control over invalid and false test results.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a lawsuit against Center for COVID Control, an Illinois-based company that ran several testing centers in Washington state, for providing invalid, false and delayed COVID-19 test results to Washingtonians, or sometimes providing no results at all. The company’s unlawful practices included storing tests in garbage bags for over a week rather than properly refrigerating them, and backdating sample collection dates so that stale samples would still be processed.

https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-center-covid-control-over-invalid-and-false


State agencies begin implementing improvements to WA Cares Fund  

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee has signed two bills, House Bill 1732 and House Bill 1733, which make changes to the WA Cares Fund, a first-of-its-kind program ensuring all Washingtonians have access to affordable long-term care when they need it. House Bill 1732 enables near-retirees to qualify for partial benefits and delays the WA Cares Fund by 18 months, directing employers to begin withholding premiums starting July 1, 2023. House Bill 1733 will allow certain veterans with disabilities, spouses and registered domestic partners of military service members, workers on temporary nonimmigrant visas, and employees who work in Washington but live in a different state to opt out of WA Cares. 

https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/update-on-changes-to-wa-cares-01-2022


WDFW to kick off coastal steelhead management long-term planning with Feb. 17 Ad-hoc Coastal Steelhead Advisory Group online meeting.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/wdfw-kick-coastal-steelhead-management-long-term-planning-feb-17-ad-hoc-coastal-steelhead


State disciplines health care providers            

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has taken disciplinary actions or withdrawn charges against the following health care providers in our state.

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom/Articles/ID/3078/State-disciplines-health-care-providers-R22-4



From our congressional delegation to DC:


Senator Murray Introduces Bill to Prevent U.S. Weapons Going Towards Human Rights Abuses

Senator Murray reintroduced her Values in Arms Export Act, which would restore Congressional authority over weapons sales, and create more oversight to prevent United States weapons going towards human rights violations.

https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-introduces-bill-to-prevent-u-s-weapons-going-towards-human-rights-abuses/


Senator Murray Pushes for Swift Confirmation of Shalanda Young for OMB Director

Senator Murray: “I can’t think of anything more appropriate than putting a working mom in charge of America’s budget… We need a steady hand to help guide our economic recovery— the best person for that job is Shalanda Young.”

https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-pushes-for-swift-confirmation-of-shalanda-young-for-omb-director/


Washington Labor Leader Max Vekich‘s Nomination for Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission Advances to Senate Floor

Cantwell: “His voice, I think will be an important one in addressing supply chain issues at our busiest seaports around the United States.”

https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/washington-labor-leader-max-vekichs-nomination-for-commissioner-of-the-federal-maritime-commission-advances-to-senate-floor


Cantwell Calls on Federal Trade Commission to Investigate Fraudulent COVID Tests

Hearing followed complaints by local officials, lawsuit filed by Washington state Attorney General

https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-calls-on-federal-trade-commission-to-investigate-fraudulent-covid-tests




World news headlines:


Africa needs to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination rate six-fold.

The COVID-19 vaccination rate in Africa needs to increase six-fold for the continent to meet the 70 per cent target set for the middle of this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111202


Finding homes for more than a million displaced Ukrainians.

Around 1.5 million Ukrainians have been forced from their homes since fighting in the far east of the country began in 2014. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are supporting those who have been displaced, as they try to adjust to their new lives.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111182


Philippines: More support needed for thousands still reeling from Typhoon Rai

Humanitarians are scaling up assistance in the Philippines to assist hundreds of thousands still impacted by Typhoon Rai which struck the islands seven weeks ago, the UN said on Wednesday, launching a $169 million revised appeal to meet the urgent and growing needs.  

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111142


Remarks at the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation---USUN

https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-the-11th-ministerial-meeting-of-the-un-group-of-friends-of-mediation/


Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Black History Month and a Diverse Workforce.

https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-by-ambassador-linda-thomas-greenfield-on-black-history-month-and-a-diverse-workforce/



NATIONAL HEADLINES:


Remarks by President Biden Announcing the Framework for His Build Back Better Agenda and Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill--WH

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/10/28/remarks-by-president-biden-announcing-the-framework-for-his-build-back-better-agenda-and-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill/


Department of State Offers Reward for Information to Bring Bolivian Narcotics Trafficker to Justice--US STATE DEPT.

https://www.state.gov/department-of-state-offers-reward-for-information-to-bring-bolivian-narcotics-trafficker-to-justice/


U.S. to Deploy 3,000 Troops to Romania, Poland, Germany---DOD

The United States will move approximately 3,000 service members to Romania, Poland and Germany in response to Russia's continuing build-up of forces on its western border with Ukraine and in Belarus, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said today during a news conference.

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2920844/us-to-deploy-3000-troops-to-romania-poland-germany/


Pennsylvania Housing Provider Ordered to Pay Damages and Redress Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Disability Status

The Justice Department announced today that the owner and former manager of rental properties in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, have agreed to resolve a federal lawsuit brought by the United States in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The United States alleged that the defendants violated the Fair Housing Act when they refused to let a tenant’s girlfriend move in with him because she was pregnant with his son and because the tenant was in recovery from an addiction to alcohol.--DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/pennsylvania-housing-provider-ordered-pay-damages-and-redress-discrimination-based-pregnancy


Justice Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture Launch Online Tool Allowing Farmers, Ranchers to Report Anticompetitive Practices

Today, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Agriculture (USDA) launched farmerfairness.gov, a new online tool that allows farmers and ranchers to anonymously report potentially unfair and anticompetitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors. The launch of the new portal will advance the goals of Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, including by creating more competitive agricultural markets that are fairer to producers and consumers. As part of the agencies’ enforcement partnership, the agencies are signing an interagency memorandum of understanding to further foster cooperation and communication between the agencies and effectively process the complaints received through the portal.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-us-department-agriculture-launch-online-tool-allowing-farmers-ranchers




In OTHER HEADLINES:

Russia Denies Fabricating Pretext for Ukraine Invasion--NEWSMAX

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/russia-ukraine-fabricate-pretext/2022/02/04/id/1055492/


COVID, geopolitical concerns make Beijing Games far from joyous for NBC--NY POST

https://nypost.com/2022/02/03/covid-geopolitics-make-olympics-2022-not-so-joyous-for-nbc/


Senate Republicans probe Biden's botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, identify planning failures--Washington Times

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/feb/4/senate-republicans-probe-bidens-botched-withdrawal/


What You Say as a Representative Matters: Rep. David Kustoff on Antisemitism in America, Congress--Daily Signal

https://www.dailysignal.com/2022/02/04/david-kustoff-on-anti-semitism-in-america-and-congress/


G.O.P. Declares Jan. 6 Attack ‘Legitimate Political Discourse’--NY TIMES

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/04/us/politics/republicans-jan-6-cheney-censure.html



LOCAL MEETINGS:


Clallam County Commission Worksession for 2/7/22

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1301


Clallam County Commission Board meeting for 2/8/22

https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7303


Port of Port Angeles Commission Meeting for 2/8/22

https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02082022-572




Jefferson County Meetings:


Jefferson Commission board meeting for 2/7/22

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/bb16b332-ee10-463b-8296-4f4d31c19bd9


City of Port Townsend Council meeting for 2/7/22

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1694


Port of Port Townsend Commission Meeting

1st Monthly Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

Agenda 

https://portofpt.com/event/feb-9-port-commission-meeting/





Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE:  Psalm 33:4-5 (New International Version)
 
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
 
 

Weekly Bible Study:   Animal Rights and the Bible
by Darryl G. Treat
 

   

Free bible studies (WBS)
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
  1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

 The Chosen: About the life of Christ
 
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
Your donation is appreciated.

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Saturday, January 29, 2022

STATE SELLS OUT CAREGIVERS, TO ANOTHER STATE!

By, Peter Ripley 

" It's a nightmare as IP's have to re-apply with a Montana base firm." --Quote from an independent provider (IP)

I never thought I would ask let alone to seek assistance in my personal living circumstances, up until now I been pretty independent in my daily activities, such as transfers to the bathroom, and the bed from my wheelchair, pretty confident in my transfer abilities. Until my light heart attack, and fall occurred, early October. That led me to be hospitalized, and convalesces for the past three months. 

That takes a lot out ones confidence in doing safe transfers. Top it off with a power wheelchair which barely stays in place when turned off, and brakes which suppose to work. Makes transfers more daunting a task. Hence I finally, realized that I need help with some of my basic day, to day needs, that a caregiver would be helpful to me. 

However, caregivers are now faced with a dilemma, working with an out of state care provider firm, since Washington sold the in home care program back in 2019 to a firm in Montana, called Consumer Direct Care. The problem is they now have to go though the hiring system, and not guaranteed a job after working years under the Washington State program.

This also effects clients who need continued care, because of the uncertainty of available caregivers, in the new system. Clients end up having no care, or minimal hours due to the lack of care providers.

Mileage, is a big issue, because they don't pay enough to drive a 100 miles a month for a clients, says an IP. The IP's can opt out of driving for clients, how many IPS will opt out on driving for their clients? Where would this leave the client if their IP opts out on driving? In short, in my opinion, will leave clients between a rock and a hard place.



Related stories below.


Controversial Home Care Overhaul Passes in Washington State.

About 35,000 individual home care workers in Washington will be managed by a private entity rather than the state by 2021, under a law signed Tuesday by Democratic Governor Jay Inslee.---Home health care news.

https://homehealthcarenews.com/2018/03/controversial-home-care-overhaul-passes-in-washington-state/


All Individual Providers (IP) must changeover to CDWA in 2021 and 2022 if they wish to continue being an IP.

How Individual Providers (IP) are employed and paid is changing. Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) was selected by DSHS to be the Consumer Directed Employer (CDE).----ARC of Washington State

https://arcwa.org/2021/10/01/all-individual-providers-ip-must-changeover-to-cdwa-in-2021-and-2022-if-they-wish-to-continue-being-an-ip/




This week's top headlines...

Inslee shares Washington’s pandemic story with U.S. House COVID committee
Almost two years to the day after the first case of the novel coronavirus in the U.S. was confirmed in Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee testified before the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis about how the state has responded and the lessons learned.
Inslee was joined on the panel by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser.

WSDA to launch ‘carcass management preparedness’ training.
Animal disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and technological emergencies threaten animal agricultural production in the United States. The potential impact on Washington’s economy from a disease outbreak in animal agriculture operations could be devastating.

Save the date for SoilCon, the soil health conference.
The annual conference is organized by the Washington Soil Health Initiative, a joint effort of WSDA, Washington State University, and the Washington State Conservation Commission to study soil health in our state and explore ways to improve it.


AG Ferguson investigation shuts down Amazon price-fixing program nationwide.
SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that, as a result of his office’s price-fixing investigation, Amazon will shut down the “Sold by Amazon” program nationwide.

AG Ferguson files lawsuit against Google for secretly tracking consumers’ location.
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson will file a lawsuit today against technology giant Google for deceptively leading consumers to believe that they have control over how their location data is collected and used by Google. In reality, consumers cannot effectively prevent Google from collecting, storing and profiting from their location data.

Auburn business owners plead guilty to felonies, will repay workers more than $33K as a result of AG’s wage theft case.
SEATTLE — As a result of an Attorney General’s Office prosecution, two business owners have pleaded guilty to felony theft, and will repay more than $33,000 in stolen wages to 24 employees of their house cleaning business.

Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board invests $5.1 million in four counties.
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $3,937,996 in low-interest loans and $1,136,999 in grants for economic development and public infrastructure improvements.
Jefferson County – $50,000 grant to the Port of Port Townsend for the “Western Boat Yard Expansion Project.” This project consists of preliminary site plan and layout of the proposed expansion, conceptual engineering design, environmental impact analysis and permitting. CERB funds are matched by $50,000 in local resources.


Battle Ground contractor fined $136,000 for repeated water quality violations.
LA CENTER – 
The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Hamilton Excavating LLC $136,000 for repeated water quality and Construction Stormwater General Permit condition violations during construction activities at the Highland Terrace Subdivision in La Center.

Fecal Matters: Health advisory issued for Eagle Harbor, Kitsap County.
On 1/26/2022, the Kitsap Public Health District issued a no-contact health advisory for Eagle Harbor. This advisory is due to loss of UV disinfection at the sewage treatment plant. The advisory is in place until 2/2/2022. Signs are posted at public access points to include Joel Pritchard Park. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected area. This includes swimming, diving, wading, beachcombing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.

Three flu-related deaths reported in Washington as flu activity rises.
OLYMPIA – Flu activity across Washington has risen to moderate levels and, for the first time in roughly two years, Washington state is reporting multiple flu-related deaths. Three individuals, all age 65 or older, who tested positive for influenza A have died. The third death will be included in this week’s Washington State Influenza Update, which the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) releases every Friday.

WDFW seeks public comments on 2022-2023 hunting seasons.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public comments on proposed recommendations for 2022-2023 hunting seasons.



From our congressional delegation to DC

Kilmer’s Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Economic Growth & Create Jobs Included as Pilot Program in U.S. Competition Bill
Pilot Program of RECOMPETE Act Establishes New Grant Program to Invest in Communities That Have Faced Long-Term Economic Challenges.
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that a pilot version of the bipartisan Rebuilding Economies and Creating Opportunities for More People Everywhere to Excel Act (RECOMPETE Act) was included in the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act of 2022 (America COMPETES Act of 2022).

Cantwell Announces $7.8 Million Emergency Connectivity Funds for WA Schools and Libraries to Support Remote Learning
Over $96 million has been awarded to Washington state schools to help connect students online. Funding came from Cantwell’s year-long effort with fellow Senate Democrats to ensure students do not fall behind during pandemic.


After American Rescue Plan Brought Down Costs, Washington State and National Open Enrollment Set Records for Health Care Sign Ups.


WORLD NEWS HEADLINES

‘Urgent, renewed effort’ needed to restore civilian rule in Myanmar: Bachelet.
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet appealed on Friday for the international community to intensify pressure on Myanmar’s military to stop its campaign of violence against citizens, and to insist on the prompt return to civilian rule, almost one year after seizing power in a coup. 

In central Sahel, ‘needs are growing faster than generosity’
“Needs are growing faster than generosity” in the central Sahel, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs told a group of senior officials on Thursday, meeting to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation across the vast African region. 

UN remembers ‘unprecedented horror and calculated cruelty’ of the Holocaust.
The Holocaust “defined the United Nations”, Secretary-General António Guterres told a virtual ceremony marking Holocaust Remembrance Day on Thursday, recalling that the UN Charter was drafted in San Francisco “as the Dachau concentration camp was liberated”.

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Northeast Syria--USUN

Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Hnitarian Situation in Syria.


NATIONAL HEADLINES:

Executive Order on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees.--WH

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Mike Eckel of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty--US STATE DEPT.

USDA Announces Additional Farm Service Agency and Rural Development State Directors.

Federal Reserve Board releases discussion paper that examines pros and cons of a potential U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC)

HUD Announces Landlord Incentives Cohort of ‘Moving to Work’ Demonstration
29 Public Housing Authorities Selected to Join the Demonstration, 70 PHAs now part of MTW Expansion

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Thursday announced the Landlord Incentives cohort of the expansion of the Moving to Work (MTW) Demonstration Program. Through this cohort, HUD will evaluate landlord incentives and their impact on participation in HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program to improve residents’ ability to use vouchers in their community.

FTC Finds Huge Surge in Consumer Reports about Losing Money To Scams Initiated Through Social Media.
About one fourth of all fraud losses reported to the FTC stem from scams that consumers said originated on social media.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta Delivers Remarks at Justice Counts Virtual Conference
Washington, DC ~ Wednesday, January 26, 2022

IRS begins 2022 tax season; urges extra caution for taxpayers to file accurate tax returns electronically to speed refunds, avoid delays.




LOCAL MEETINGS:

Clallam County work session for 1/31/22

Clallam County Commission board meeting for 2/1/22

City of Port Angeles city council meeting for 2/1/22

OMC Board meeting for 2/2/22


JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:

Jefferson County special board meeting for 1/31/22



Headlines from other sources:

The Censorship Is Escalating at an Alarming Rate--PJ Media

You Turned Your Back on Us First’
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas gets an earful from Border Patrol agents over Biden’s open border.--Patriot post

Surprise! Hollywood Awards Finally Recognize Non-Woke 'Yellowstone'--News busters

Facebook’s Cryptofantasy Is a Cryptosetback
Libra was yet another example of ego-driven disruption.--American Spectator

Media Attack Investigative Reporter for Investigating and Reporting on CAIR
By A. J. CASCHETTA
Hamas-linked CAIR gets a free pass from lazy media that smear Steven Emerson as an ‘Islamophobe.’--National Review





Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE:  Mark 9:35 (New International Version)
 
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
 
 

Weekly Bible Study:  Anachronism?
by Steven Harper

   

Free bible studies (WBS)
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)

(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
  1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

 The Chosen: About the life of Christ
 
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
Your donation is appreciated.

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