Monday's business and finance report
WA DFI: Notice Regarding Phishing Scam Targeting EDGAR Filers
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is aware of reports of malicious emails sent to some EDGAR filers that appear to be part of a phishing campaign to compromise company network systems and obtain access to non-public information. The malicious emails purport to be communications from the SEC about changes to Form 10-K and sometimes contain malicious attachments. Clicking on the attachment(s) results in an attempt to install malware designed to obtain unauthorized access to the recipient’s computer and/or network.
Please be advised that the SEC has not made any recent changes to Form 10-K and has not notified filers that changes have been made. Such emails purporting to be from the SEC should be deleted and your network administrator or information security personnel should be notified.
http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumer/alerts/notice-regarding-phishing-scam-targeting-edgar-filers
In other business and finance news
USDA Seeks Project Proposals to Protect and Restore Critical Wetlands
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2017 - Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $15 million in technical and financial assistance to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands. Restored wetlands improve water quality downstream and improve wildlife habitat, while also providing flood prevention and recreational benefits to communities.
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/03/09/usda-seeks-project-proposals-protect-and-restore-critical-wetlands
The Benefits of Helping Great Plains Trees - One Diagnosis at a Time
It began as a causal conversation in a hotel lobby in Kansas. After a day of discussions during the annual meeting of the Great Plains Tree Pest Council , the after-hours talk turned to the idea of updating the 1986 Diseases of Trees in the Great Plains manual.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/03/09/benefits-helping-great-plains-trees-one-diagnosis-time
Celebrating International School Meals Day 2017
Just like reading, writing and arithmetic, making healthy food choices is a learned behavior. And as with those vital academic skills, schools also play an important role in helping students build a healthy foundation for their lives through sound nutrition – not just here in the U.S. but in schools around the world.
International School Meals Day, held on March 9 this year, provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight that fact by raising awareness of nutritious school meals and their importance to the health of our kids. In fact, nearly every country provides some form of school meal for about 368 million children each school day worldwide, including more than 30 million children here in the U.S. through USDA’s National School Lunch Program. And International School Meals Day brings the world a little closer, helping kids understand the importance of healthy nutrition to a healthy future.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/03/08/celebrating-international-school-meals-day-2017
In Conversation with #WomeninAg: Kelly Stange
Every month, USDA shares the story of a woman in agriculture who is leading the industry and helping other women succeed along the way. In honor of International Women’s Day, today we hear from Kelly Stange, an Agricultural Counselor for Germany, Austria, Hungary & Slovenia with USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service who started her career on a Missouri family dairy farm and working in University Extension.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/03/08/conversation-womeninag-kelly-stange
From the US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
State of American Business: Getting More People to Save for Retirement
While the rise of the Millennial generation has drawn much discussion in business, politics, and culture, it misses the on-going demographic change underway in the U.S.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/state-american-business-getting-more-people-save-retirement
Getting Tax Reform Done—and Done Right
In the relationship between government and business, no issue is more fundamental, impactful, or important to get right than taxation. It’s one of government’s oldest responsibilities and one of business’ biggest expenses. Taxes are a critical factor in most major decisions a company makes—including whether to expand, hire new workers, or invest in new technologies. Unfortunately, America has one of the most burdensome tax systems in the world. That is why we must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul our tax code in a way that promotes dynamic economic growth.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/getting-tax-reform-done-and-done-right
America's Infrastructure Was Just Graded A D+ — Here’s What We Should Do About It
Today, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its latest Infrastructure Report Card, a periodic assessment of the condition of our nation’s infrastructure system, including roads, bridges, waterways, railways, public transit, and more.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/americas-infrastructure-was-just-graded-d-here-s-what-we-should-do-about-it
Capital Formation Springs Forward on Capitol Hill
A recent running joke has been that the “Bill” from Schoolhouse Rock would have gotten awfully bored in Washington over the last several years as much of the legislative process ground to a halt. After all, what can you teach the young people about our Constitutional system of government when you’re just hanging out in a House or Senate cloak room, or get stuck in committee for months on end?
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/capital-formation-springs-forward-capitol-hill
America’s Strength in Services Promises Trade Success
George Orwell famously wrote that “to see what is in front of one’s nose needs a constant struggle.” This statement is certainly true for the vast and often overlooked world of trade in services. Consider:
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/americas-strength-services-promises-trade-success
U.S. Chamber Optimistic about House GOP Health Reform Proposal
Now that Republicans in the House of Representatives released their health care reform bill, everyone is offering their take.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/us-chamber-optimistic-about-house-gop-health-reform-proposal
US TREASURY DEPT: Secretary of the Treasury Announces Senior Staff
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the appointment of several key senior staff members who will serve Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin as he begins his tenure.
"I am pleased to have these highly capable and accomplished individuals join my Treasury leadership team," said Secretary Mnuchin. "I look forward to having their valuable input and leadership as we move President Trump's ambitious economic growth agenda forward on behalf of the American public."
https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/sm0025.aspx
US LABOR DEPT:
Program Helped Louisville Youth to Rebuild His Life
To say that James Hooten overcame early mistakes in life would be a monumental understatement. A better description would be to say that he recognized his transgressions, regrouped with help from the U.S. Department of Labor’s YouthBuild program, and then persevered amid all the obstacles meant to keep him down.
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/09/program-helped-louisville-youth-rebuild-his-life
US LABOR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING TO PROVIDE JOB, LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO DISADVANTAGED YOUTH
WASHINGTON – For many of our nation’s at-risk youth, getting educated and starting a successful career are goals often out of reach. Across the U.S., YouthBuild programs seek to help these young people reach their full potential by providing critical job skills in construction to help propel them towards professional success.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20170309-0
US LABOR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY OF NEARLY $500K IN GRANTS TO HELP NATIVE HAWAIIANS, ALASKA NATIVE YOUTH DEVELOP STEM JOB SKILLS
What: The U.S. Department of Labor announces the availability of $497,000 in funding to serve Native Hawaiian and Alaskan Native youth and young adults, ages 14-24, to develop skills needed for high-growth, in-demand occupations and industries.
These grants are designed specifically to provide skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields. They aim to increase Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native enrollment in STEM-related certificate and degree programs, as well as provide education mentoring programs and work experience in STEM-related professions.
Who: Public and private nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, American Indian tribal colleges or universities, and institutions of higher education are eligible. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20170309-1
IRS NEWS
IRS Seeks Applications for Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is seeking qualified applicants for nomination to the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC).
The ETAAC provides an organized public forum for discussion of electronic tax administration issues, such as prevention of identity theft and refund fraud in support of the overriding goal that paperless filing should be the preferred and most convenient method of filing tax and information returns. ETAAC members work closely with the Security Summit, a joint effort of the IRS, state tax administrators and tax industry to fight electronic fraud.
https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/irs-seeks-applications-for-electronic-tax-administration-advisory-committee
Program Report and 2017 Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List
The Internal Revenue Service’s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) Program Office has issued its annual program report, which details how LITCs have provided representation, education, and advocacy for taxpayers who are low income or speak English as a second language (ESL).
https://www.irs.gov/uac/program-report-and-2017-publication-4134-low-income-taxpayer-clinic-list
Tax Time Guide: Protect Personal, Financial, Tax Information and Computers
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to be cautious and protect personal, financial and tax information, particularly at tax time.
https://www.irs.gov/uac/newsroom/tax-time-guide-protect-personal-financial-tax-information-and-computers
US COMMERCE DEPT: Secretary Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. and Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal Announce New Efforts to Resolve Mexican Sugar Export Issues
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. and his Mexican Counterpart Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal announced a renewed effort to resolve ongoing issues with Mexican sugar export and anti-bunching limits.
https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2017/03/secretary-wilbur-l-ross-jr-and-secretary-ildefonso-guajardo-villarreal
THE FED: The Federal Reserve Board announced on Friday it will seek to fine and prohibit Fang Fang and Timothy Fletcher, two former managing directors at J.P. Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific) Limited, from working in the banking industry for their participation in a referral hiring program that violated anti-bribery law.
Fang and Fletcher are alleged to have offered internships and other employment opportunities to individuals referred by foreign officials, clients, and prospective clients in order to obtain improper business advantages in violation of firm policies and U.S. anti-bribery law. In addition to permanently prohibiting them from the banking industry, the Board seeks to impose a $1 million fine against Fang and a $500,000 fine against Fletcher.
The enforcement proceedings against Fang and Fletcher follow the Board's November 2016 enforcement actions against JPMorgan Chase & Co. for unsafe and unsound practices related to the firm's referral hiring program. The Board required JPMorgan Chase & Co. to pay $61.9 million in penalties for control deficiencies related to the firm's referral hiring practices and anti-bribery policies.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/enforcement/20170310a.htm
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.----Romans 8:28 NIV
FREE bible studies offer by World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
News Notebook
Puget Sound Business Journal: Amazon fills up another new downtown Seattle office building: Tilt49
The rumors have been swirling for several months that Amazon.com was leasing a big office building in the Denny Triangle of downtown Seattle, and now the company confirms it's true.
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2017/03/13/amazon-fills-up-another-new-downtown-seattle.html
Monday, March 13, 2017
Saturday, March 11, 2017
DNR, Forest Service sign Good Neighbor agreement
UPDATED PRESS RELEASE POSTED MARCH 10th:
Source: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-forest-service-sign-good-neighbor-agreement
PARTNERSHIP INTENDED TO STREAMLINE MANAGEMENT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC FORESTS
Furthering work to advance healthy, resilient national forests, habitat, and communities, Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester Jim Peña jointly signed a Good Neighbor Authority agreement today.
Stemming from authorities in the 2014 Federal Farm Bill, the Good Neighbor Authority allows the Forest Service to partner with the Department of Natural Resources for watershed restoration and forest management services on National Forest System lands. It allows the agencies to share skills and funding in creative and collaborative ways to manage public forests and watersheds across jurisdictions.
National forests account for 9.3 million acres of forests in Washington, approximately 44% of the state total. Wildfires, habitat connectivity, species recovery, sustainable wood products, and job creation are among the challenges and opportunities facing these public lands.
“The social, economic, and environmental issues tied to public lands go far beyond their boundaries,” said Hilary Franz. “This agreement is an important tool that brings these issues together and makes problem solving through collaboration possible. We can get farther by working together than apart.”
“There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and no agency or organization can do it alone,” said Peña. “This Good Neighbor Authority agreement is a model for how the Forest Service can work together with state partners and communities more effectively—a win-win for the health of our forests and Washingtonians.”
“The agencies, along with help from local collaborative groups, are willing to roll up their sleeves and work on tough forest management issues that cross boundaries,” said State Forester Gerry Day. “We rely heavily on partnerships with public and private land owners to help rural communities, reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and address important habitat issues. Formal agreements like this will further strengthen our partnership with the Forest Service and provide a tool to boost land stewardship and rural communities.”
The Washington Good Neighbor Master Agreement allows federal funds to be used by the state to work directly on federal public land and to leverage state and other dollars. This allows the state, U.S. Forest Service, and local partners to restore and enhance forests on a landscape level, rather than within jurisdictional or regulatory limitations.
Meetings for next week, with commentaries
PORT OF PORT ANGELES TO MEET WITH CITY OF SEQUIM IN JOINT MEETING, MONDAY
Highlight agenda topic: City of Sequim Comprehensive Plan
See details: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/03132017-229
City of Sequim regular meeting on Monday at 6:PM
Agenda item(s) highlights: Proposed Resolution regarding halibut season
See details: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1581
City of Seqium work sesson: Update on the new zoning structure
See details: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1583
Clallam County Work session meeting on Monday, agenda item highlights:
Discussion regarding proposed amendments to Policy 320 – Inspection and Copying of Public Records and an ordinance creating a chapter in the Clallam County Code titled Public Records Access Last year Commissioner Ozias, Prosecuting Attorney Nichols, Administrator Jones, and Trish Holden met to determine a path forward for dealing with the management of County records and the processing of public records requests. Subsequent meetings brought other people together and ultimately two priorities were set - training for ALL County employees on records retention and public records requests; and an update to Policy 320, Inspection and Copying of Public Records.
The training module is at Vivid for processing and HR expects that it will go "live" within the next two weeks. This will be mandatory training.
The Policy subgroup met twice and the attached documents are the result of their work. Due to the extensive amendments to Policy 320, it is recommended that it is repealed and replaced with a new Policy 321 titled "Public Records."
for more details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=32&meta_id=7317
Agreement with Hoh Tribal Nation for furnishing facilities and personnel for the confinement of juvenile offenders for the Hoh Tribal Nation
Clallam County Juvenile & Family Services agrees to furnish its facilities and personnel for the confinement of juvenile offenders from the Hoh Tribal Nation.
For more details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=32&meta_id=7301
See complete agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=32
Clallam County Commission regular business meeting on Tuesday, agenda highlight items:
Resolution calling for a hearing to be held at 10:30 a.m., March 28, for consideration of the following Debatable Emergencies:
Board of Commissioners - Boundary Review Board - In 2016 the Washington State Association of Boundary Review Boards increased dues/$50 Opportunity Fund - William Shore Memorial Pool District funding for a preliminary design options study for aquatic center expansion, pending required addition to the City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan/$39,960
Editorial comment: One expense I think is worth taking for the community, so many people use the pool, and with an additional pool space more people can be served.
Agreements with the following for low income housing assistance:
* North Olympic Regional Veteran’s Housing Network - $30,000
* North Olympic Regional Veteran’s Housing Network - $23,000
* Peninsula Behavioral Health - $16,638
* The Answer for Youth - $21,600
* Volunteers in Medicine of the Olympics - $29,400
Details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=137&meta_id=7333
EXECUTIVE SESSION - 12 p.m. March 14
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development, and the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department..
The purpose of this session is to discuss with the BoCC three lawsuits (technically called Petitions for Review) filed against the County with the Western WA Growth Management Hearings Board. The cause numbers for the Petitions are 00-2-8, 01-2-20 and 17-2-3. These Petitions allege the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance ("CAO") falls short of what the Growth Management Act (or "GMA") requires for the protection of CAO and therefore is Invalid, because our inadequate CAO "substantially interferes" with the goals and policy of the GMA. Ordinance 915, enacted in November 2016, is the County’s effort to have the Western WA Growth Board find the County’s CAO to be compliant with the GMA. The Prosecutor needs authority to sign a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement and upon such approval the DCD Director will sign and make public a related Administrator’s Interpretation. The goal is to end 17 years of litigation relating to the County’s CAO.
Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposes, specifically actual litigation against the County.
The Board may recess into Executive Session to consider employment or dismissal of personnel, to review the performance of a public employee, to consult with legal counsel, to consider the position to be taken in collective bargaining, to consider acquisition or sale of real estate, or other matters per RCW 42.30.110
The Board may recess into Executive Session to consider employment or dismissal of personnel, to review the performance of a public employee, to consult with legal counsel, to consider the position to be taken in collective bargaining, to consider acquisition or sale of real estate, or other matters per RCW 42.30.110
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=137
Joint meeting with Clallam County PUD will be held at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 223 East 4th Street, Port Angeles, Room 160.
Main topic: Discussion regarding Agency coordination on the Carlsborg Sewer project.
From the PUD: CLALLAM COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1
COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE FOR MARCH 13, 2017
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of PUD No. 1 of Clallam County will
conduct a special meeting at the PUD Main Office, located at 104 Hooker Road in Carlsborg, on
Monday, March 13, 2017, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The purpose of the special meeting is to hold
an executive session to discuss with legal counsel litigation or potential litigation pursuant to
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). No final action is anticipated and no other business will be transacted.
Source: https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Preagenda-March-13-2017.pdf
CITY OF FORKS AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Special use lease with DNR
See agenda for details: http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/agenda31317.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHTLIGHT ITEMS:
AGREEMENT re: Construction Surveying Services, Olympic Discovery Trail Project,
South Discovery Bay, Segment A, County Road Project No. 18019550; In the Amount of
$29,993; Jefferson County Public Works; Van Aller Surveying
See agenda for more details: http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commissioners/Agenda/2017%20Agendas/03-13-17.pdf
NEWS COMMENTARIES FROM NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS SOURCES
PJ MEDIA: Georgia State Representative Files Bill to Automatically Censor Internet Content
https://pjmedia.com/trending/2017/03/10/georgia-state-rep-files-bill-to-automatically-censor-internet-content/
PATRIOT POST: House Republicans Repeat an Obama Error
Like the Democrats in 2009, the majority party’s priorities aren’t responsive to the moment.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/47928
THE HILL: From Cold War to Gold War: It’s Trump’s nuclear arms race now
http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/foreign-policy/323440-from-cold-war-to-gold-war-its-trumps-nuclear-arms-race-now
THE WASHINGTON TIMES: A day without a militant feminist
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/8/international-womens-day-draws-militant-feminists/
PACIFIC NORTHWEST VOICES
Bellingham Herald: Terrified of a homeless man, I refused to listen to him. The guilt was strong.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/opinion/article136458253.html#navlink=SecList
THE OLYMPIAN: Progress, not perfection, at Port of Olympia
http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/editorials/article137563323.html#navlink=Lead
SEATTLE TIMES: Don’t let President Trump trample on Puget Sound’s environmental gains
http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/dont-let-president-trump-trample-on-puget-sounds-environmental-gains/
THE COLUMBIAN: Bridges begin to build in Olympia; law would ticket drivers who text
http://www.columbian.com/news/2017/mar/11/in-our-view-cheers-jeers-96/
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV
Free bible study offered by the World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
NEWS NOTEBOOK
Public can provide comments on salmon fisheries at a dozen meetings and online
OLYMPIA – State fishery managers have scheduled more than a dozen public meetings through mid-April – including three in eastern Washington –as they continue to develop this year's salmon fishing seasons.
The public meetings are opportunities for anglers, commercial fishers and others interested in salmon to discuss regional and statewide fisheries issues with representatives from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/mar1017a/
Source: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/dnr-forest-service-sign-good-neighbor-agreement
PARTNERSHIP INTENDED TO STREAMLINE MANAGEMENT OF WASHINGTON PUBLIC FORESTS
Furthering work to advance healthy, resilient national forests, habitat, and communities, Washington’s Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester Jim Peña jointly signed a Good Neighbor Authority agreement today.
Stemming from authorities in the 2014 Federal Farm Bill, the Good Neighbor Authority allows the Forest Service to partner with the Department of Natural Resources for watershed restoration and forest management services on National Forest System lands. It allows the agencies to share skills and funding in creative and collaborative ways to manage public forests and watersheds across jurisdictions.
National forests account for 9.3 million acres of forests in Washington, approximately 44% of the state total. Wildfires, habitat connectivity, species recovery, sustainable wood products, and job creation are among the challenges and opportunities facing these public lands.
“The social, economic, and environmental issues tied to public lands go far beyond their boundaries,” said Hilary Franz. “This agreement is an important tool that brings these issues together and makes problem solving through collaboration possible. We can get farther by working together than apart.”
“There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and no agency or organization can do it alone,” said Peña. “This Good Neighbor Authority agreement is a model for how the Forest Service can work together with state partners and communities more effectively—a win-win for the health of our forests and Washingtonians.”
“The agencies, along with help from local collaborative groups, are willing to roll up their sleeves and work on tough forest management issues that cross boundaries,” said State Forester Gerry Day. “We rely heavily on partnerships with public and private land owners to help rural communities, reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and address important habitat issues. Formal agreements like this will further strengthen our partnership with the Forest Service and provide a tool to boost land stewardship and rural communities.”
The Washington Good Neighbor Master Agreement allows federal funds to be used by the state to work directly on federal public land and to leverage state and other dollars. This allows the state, U.S. Forest Service, and local partners to restore and enhance forests on a landscape level, rather than within jurisdictional or regulatory limitations.
Meetings for next week, with commentaries
PORT OF PORT ANGELES TO MEET WITH CITY OF SEQUIM IN JOINT MEETING, MONDAY
Highlight agenda topic: City of Sequim Comprehensive Plan
See details: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/03132017-229
City of Sequim regular meeting on Monday at 6:PM
Agenda item(s) highlights: Proposed Resolution regarding halibut season
See details: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1581
City of Seqium work sesson: Update on the new zoning structure
See details: http://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1583
Clallam County Work session meeting on Monday, agenda item highlights:
Discussion regarding proposed amendments to Policy 320 – Inspection and Copying of Public Records and an ordinance creating a chapter in the Clallam County Code titled Public Records Access Last year Commissioner Ozias, Prosecuting Attorney Nichols, Administrator Jones, and Trish Holden met to determine a path forward for dealing with the management of County records and the processing of public records requests. Subsequent meetings brought other people together and ultimately two priorities were set - training for ALL County employees on records retention and public records requests; and an update to Policy 320, Inspection and Copying of Public Records.
The training module is at Vivid for processing and HR expects that it will go "live" within the next two weeks. This will be mandatory training.
The Policy subgroup met twice and the attached documents are the result of their work. Due to the extensive amendments to Policy 320, it is recommended that it is repealed and replaced with a new Policy 321 titled "Public Records."
for more details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=32&meta_id=7317
Agreement with Hoh Tribal Nation for furnishing facilities and personnel for the confinement of juvenile offenders for the Hoh Tribal Nation
Clallam County Juvenile & Family Services agrees to furnish its facilities and personnel for the confinement of juvenile offenders from the Hoh Tribal Nation.
For more details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=32&meta_id=7301
See complete agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=32
Clallam County Commission regular business meeting on Tuesday, agenda highlight items:
Resolution calling for a hearing to be held at 10:30 a.m., March 28, for consideration of the following Debatable Emergencies:
Board of Commissioners - Boundary Review Board - In 2016 the Washington State Association of Boundary Review Boards increased dues/$50 Opportunity Fund - William Shore Memorial Pool District funding for a preliminary design options study for aquatic center expansion, pending required addition to the City of Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan/$39,960
Editorial comment: One expense I think is worth taking for the community, so many people use the pool, and with an additional pool space more people can be served.
Agreements with the following for low income housing assistance:
* North Olympic Regional Veteran’s Housing Network - $30,000
* North Olympic Regional Veteran’s Housing Network - $23,000
* Peninsula Behavioral Health - $16,638
* The Answer for Youth - $21,600
* Volunteers in Medicine of the Olympics - $29,400
Details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=137&meta_id=7333
EXECUTIVE SESSION - 12 p.m. March 14
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development, and the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department..
The purpose of this session is to discuss with the BoCC three lawsuits (technically called Petitions for Review) filed against the County with the Western WA Growth Management Hearings Board. The cause numbers for the Petitions are 00-2-8, 01-2-20 and 17-2-3. These Petitions allege the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance ("CAO") falls short of what the Growth Management Act (or "GMA") requires for the protection of CAO and therefore is Invalid, because our inadequate CAO "substantially interferes" with the goals and policy of the GMA. Ordinance 915, enacted in November 2016, is the County’s effort to have the Western WA Growth Board find the County’s CAO to be compliant with the GMA. The Prosecutor needs authority to sign a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement and upon such approval the DCD Director will sign and make public a related Administrator’s Interpretation. The goal is to end 17 years of litigation relating to the County’s CAO.
Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposes, specifically actual litigation against the County.
The Board may recess into Executive Session to consider employment or dismissal of personnel, to review the performance of a public employee, to consult with legal counsel, to consider the position to be taken in collective bargaining, to consider acquisition or sale of real estate, or other matters per RCW 42.30.110
The Board may recess into Executive Session to consider employment or dismissal of personnel, to review the performance of a public employee, to consult with legal counsel, to consider the position to be taken in collective bargaining, to consider acquisition or sale of real estate, or other matters per RCW 42.30.110
See full agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=137
Joint meeting with Clallam County PUD will be held at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 223 East 4th Street, Port Angeles, Room 160.
Main topic: Discussion regarding Agency coordination on the Carlsborg Sewer project.
From the PUD: CLALLAM COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1
COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE FOR MARCH 13, 2017
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of PUD No. 1 of Clallam County will
conduct a special meeting at the PUD Main Office, located at 104 Hooker Road in Carlsborg, on
Monday, March 13, 2017, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The purpose of the special meeting is to hold
an executive session to discuss with legal counsel litigation or potential litigation pursuant to
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). No final action is anticipated and no other business will be transacted.
Source: https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Preagenda-March-13-2017.pdf
CITY OF FORKS AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM: Special use lease with DNR
See agenda for details: http://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/agenda31317.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHTLIGHT ITEMS:
AGREEMENT re: Construction Surveying Services, Olympic Discovery Trail Project,
South Discovery Bay, Segment A, County Road Project No. 18019550; In the Amount of
$29,993; Jefferson County Public Works; Van Aller Surveying
See agenda for more details: http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commissioners/Agenda/2017%20Agendas/03-13-17.pdf
NEWS COMMENTARIES FROM NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS SOURCES
PJ MEDIA: Georgia State Representative Files Bill to Automatically Censor Internet Content
https://pjmedia.com/trending/2017/03/10/georgia-state-rep-files-bill-to-automatically-censor-internet-content/
PATRIOT POST: House Republicans Repeat an Obama Error
Like the Democrats in 2009, the majority party’s priorities aren’t responsive to the moment.
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/47928
THE HILL: From Cold War to Gold War: It’s Trump’s nuclear arms race now
http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/foreign-policy/323440-from-cold-war-to-gold-war-its-trumps-nuclear-arms-race-now
THE WASHINGTON TIMES: A day without a militant feminist
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/8/international-womens-day-draws-militant-feminists/
PACIFIC NORTHWEST VOICES
Bellingham Herald: Terrified of a homeless man, I refused to listen to him. The guilt was strong.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/opinion/article136458253.html#navlink=SecList
THE OLYMPIAN: Progress, not perfection, at Port of Olympia
http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/editorials/article137563323.html#navlink=Lead
SEATTLE TIMES: Don’t let President Trump trample on Puget Sound’s environmental gains
http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/dont-let-president-trump-trample-on-puget-sounds-environmental-gains/
THE COLUMBIAN: Bridges begin to build in Olympia; law would ticket drivers who text
http://www.columbian.com/news/2017/mar/11/in-our-view-cheers-jeers-96/
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV
Free bible study offered by the World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
NEWS NOTEBOOK
Public can provide comments on salmon fisheries at a dozen meetings and online
OLYMPIA – State fishery managers have scheduled more than a dozen public meetings through mid-April – including three in eastern Washington –as they continue to develop this year's salmon fishing seasons.
The public meetings are opportunities for anglers, commercial fishers and others interested in salmon to discuss regional and statewide fisheries issues with representatives from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/mar1017a/
Friday, March 10, 2017
REP. KILMER: Coffman, Kilmer Praise VA Move to Increase Mental Health Services for At-Risk Veterans
SOURCE Press release issued March 8th
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/coffman-kilmer-praise-va-move-to-increase-mental-health-services-for-at-risk-veterans_-
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) praised an announcement from Veterans Affairs Secretary, David Shulkin, that the VA will move to immediately increase mental health services for at-risk veterans. At a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing VA Secretary Shulkin committed to providing mental health services for veterans with other than honorable discharges.
“I was delighted to hear Secretary Shulkin say that he is authorizing mental health assessments and urgent mental healthcare services for our veterans with “other than honorable” discharges. This will particularly help those suffering from the “invisible” wounds of combat that can lead to behavioral and other mental health conditions and, sadly in too many cases to an other than honorable discharge.” Said Representative Coffman, adding “This is a great first step, but Representative. Kilmer and I will continue to press for the passage of our Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act to make this authorization permanent.”
“Two years ago I met with a group of young veterans in Tacoma who described how some of our most at risk veterans were those struggling with mental health issues because of their experiences on the battlefield, and how in many cases those who need our help the most were being denied access to the medical professionals that could help them heal,” said Representative Kilmer. “This is good step forward and builds on the legislation I introduced with Representative Coffman to let more veterans facing a crisis know they are not alone. These folks should have a place to turn for expert support and treatment.”
A service member receives a less than honorable discharge, or “bad paper” discharge, when released from the military for relatively minor forms of misconduct. In many recent instances, however, this misconduct resulted from a service member’s experiences during a combat deployment.
Last year the New York Times reported on the experiences of service members like Kristofer Goldsmith, who was discharged from the Army for missing a plane to Baghdad while he was hospitalized. He was never screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and overdosed after coming home. Thomas Burke, currently at Yale Divinity School was charged with misconduct for drug use while serving in the Marines but was never evaluated for PTSD.
Since 2009, the Army has separated at least 22,000 combat veterans diagnosed with mental health disabilities or TBI for alleged misconduct. This has occurred despite congressionally mandated reforms intended to halt the administrative separations of veterans suffering from service-related conditions.
The bill also requires a third-party study of veteran suicide to review: The effect of combat service on veteran suicide rates; the rate and method of suicide among veterans who have received healthcare from VA; and the rate and method of suicide among veterans who have not received healthcare from the VA.
According to the VA’s 2016 veteran suicide report, an average of 20 veterans per day commits suicide. However, evidence collected suggests that there is a decrease in rates of suicide among veterans receiving VA health care, as opposed to veterans who do not.
More news from our Congressional Delegation to Washington DC
Senator Murray Statement on Meeting with Agriculture Secretary Nominee Sonny Perdue
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, Governor Sonny Perdue.
“At a time when the families I represent have so many questions about the Trump Administration’s divisive and extreme agenda, I appreciate Governor Perdue sitting down with me today to discuss his thoughts about serving in the Cabinet and about programs at the Department of Agriculture that help working families in both the rural and urban areas of Washington state. I’m proud to come from a state that has a strong agricultural economy, which is supported by several Department of Agriculture programs that address issues from crop insurance to conservation and rural development. Continued commitment to these programs is critical to agricultural producers and rural communities, and I urged Governor Perdue to commit to protecting these. Just as important are food support and nutrition programs run by the Department of Agriculture, including SNAP, the school breakfast and lunch programs, and other key programs that offer a helping hand to fight hunger. Over 300,000 kids in Washington state are at risk of going hungry, and these programs are essential for working families who are one crisis away from going hungry.
“Republicans have targeted these programs for years, and I am concerned that under the pressure of President Trump’s extreme agenda, programs that help the most vulnerable members of our society are even more at risk. I asked for Governor Perdue’s commitment to continue supporting SNAP, school nutrition programs, and the summer nutrition programs that help kids during the summer months. I made very clear that decreased access or reduced benefits would be unacceptable – and that in order to earn my support, I needed assurance that he could be a voice for families and not simply another voice for millionaires and billionaires in this Trump cabinet. I hope Governor Perdue considers our discussion as he moves through the confirmation process, and that he publicly makes his support for these programs clear before his nomination comes before the full Senate.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=61D0727D-28BE-4CC7-B7EF-5C5902185021
Sen. Murray, Sen. Collins, and Rep. Langevin Renew Bipartisan Push to Expand Veteran Caregiver Services to Veterans of All Eras
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) to reintroduce bipartisan legislation in both the Senate and the House to expand a successful program that helps those who care for wounded, ill, or injured veterans. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act would open the program to veterans of all eras, making resources available to more of the family members and other loved ones who have taken on a caregiver role for veterans.
A RAND study commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, titled “Hidden Heroes: America’s Military Caregivers,” demonstrated that caregivers, often a spouse, parent, child, or even a close friend, sacrifice their own physical, emotional, and financial well-being in order to provide care to servicemembers and veterans that improves quality of life and can result in faster and improved rehabilitation and recovery. The legislation being reintroduced today recognizes that sacrifice and offers support services.
“Even though military caregivers don’t wear uniforms or go overseas, they still serve our country – and they need to know their country is there to support them when they put their own lives on hold to care for a loved one who served,” Senator Murray said. “This bill is an important step in ensuring caregivers and veterans of all eras can access this critical program, allowing veterans stay with their loves ones and out of hospitals and nursing homes.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C09E2133-9BE8-4290-AF9D-729FC9AEC387
VETERANS: Two Leading Groups Honor Senator Patty Murray for Her Work on IVF Legislation
(Washington, D.C.) — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) was honored to receive national recognition today from two leading groups for her work to ensure veterans with service-connected injuries have access to assisted reproductive technology, including IVF. Last December, President Obama signed legislation into law that gave the Department of Veterans Affairs the authority to cover the costs of assisted reproductive technology for the first time since the early 1990s. Sen. Murray thanked both groups, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the National Military Families Association, for their partnership in making the legislation a reality, as well as for supporting Sen. Murray’s newly-reintroduced bill to expand the Caregivers program.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=AC73A908-E854-4A28-9EA4-BEE91433E7FE
Cantwell, Burr & Tillis Reintroduce Bill to Identify Solutions for Inadequate Doppler Radar
Cantwell: Better weather forecasting means first responders can better protect human life and property
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) re-introduced legislation to identify solutions for areas across the country that lack sufficient severe weather detection.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-burr-and-tillis-reintroduce-bill-to-identify-solutions-for-inadequate-doppler-radar
Senators to Trump Admin: Coast Guard Critical to National, Economic Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter sent today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Gary Peters (D-MI), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) led a bipartisan group of 23 senators urging Office of Management and Budget Administrator Mick Mulvaney not to make a $1.3 billion dollar cut to the budget of the United States Coast Guard. According to reports, the FY 2018 Presidential Budget Request could amount to almost 12 percent of the service’s budget being cut.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-to-trump-admin-coast-guard-critical-to-national-economic-security
Cantwell, Murray Push for Better Worker Safety Protection, End Retaliation Against Hanford Workers and Whistleblowers
Senators Ask IG to Address Workers’ Concerns with Compensation Claims Following Chemical Vapor Exposures
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) wrote the Acting Inspector General in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to urge implementation of safety recommendations for Hanford workers and to encourage protection of whistleblowers. The senators also requested that the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) review the third-party company who handles workers’ compensation claims at Hanford, Penser North America, Inc.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-push-for-better-worker-safety-protection-end-retaliation-against-hanford-workers-and-whistleblowers-
Cantwell, House & Senate Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Timber Innovation Act
Legislation will help spur economic development through the construction of tall wood buildings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senator Energy and Natural Resources Committee, along with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and several of her Senate and House colleagues, reintroduced the Timber Innovation Act – bipartisan, bicameral legislation that aims to find new and innovative uses for wood as a building material. The legislation will accelerate the research and development of wood for use in construction projects – such a cross-laminated timber – focusing on the construction of buildings over 85 feet in height.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-house-and-senate-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-timber-innovation-act-
Local stories making headlines...
Peninsula Daily News: Clallam County renews contracts for mental health, chemical dependency treatment
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/clallam-county-renews-contracts-for-mental-health-chemical-dependency-treatment/
Peninsula Daily News: Port Angeles Civic Field improvement expected to be place in time for first Lefties game
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/port-angeles-civic-field-improvement-expected-to-be-place-in-time-for-first-lefties-game/
Peninsula Daily News: Port Angeles city manager concerned about upcoming second-class-city vote
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/port-angeles-city-manager-concerned-about-upcoming-second-class-city-vote/
Editorial Comment: I say again, I bet half if not all of those who signed that petition now regretting the did, and probably vote against the change. Now more so after the city agreed to put the issue of fluoridation to the voters, and agreed to go along with what the voters decide on. So this whole issue of changing to a second class city is a moot point.
Peninsula Daily News: Port of Port Angeles in talks with new airline; Zephyr proposal still on table
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/port-of-port-angeles-in-talks-with-new-airline-zephyr-proposal-still-on-table/
Peninsula Daily News: Clallam County sends letter to Department of Natural Resources on timber harvests, marbled murrelet
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/clallam-county-sends-letter-to-department-of-natural-resources-on-timber-harvests-marbled-murrelet/
Peninsula Daily News: Subsidy would be needed for passenger air service in Port Angeles, official says
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/subsidy-would-be-needed-for-passenger-air-service-in-port-angeles-official-says/
PORT O CALL: Create our own airline, here’s how.
http://portocallpublishing.com/2017/02/create-our-own-airline-heres-how/
KONP RADIO: McKeen Reviews PA's Overall Health To Chamber Of Commerce
http://konp.com/the_full_story.php?news_id=12350
KONP RADIO: Fire burns part of mill power generating plant
http://konp.com/the_full_story.php?news_id=12352
Sequim Gazette: Is Clallam opening the door to tiny houses?
http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/is-clallam-opening-the-door-to-tiny-houses/
Forks Forum: Makah Cultural and Research Center receive $232,000 grant from National Endowment for the Humanities
http://www.forksforum.com/news/makah-cultural-and-research-center-receive-232000-grant-from-national-endowment-for-the-humanities
PT LEADER: PT high schooler rescues boaters
http://www.ptleader.com/news/pt-high-schooler-rescues-boaters/article_6987c9e4-038d-11e7-84a0-0f7df0047c4f.html
News from Across the Strait (Victoria BC)
TIMES COLONIST: Working group set up to establish Langford-Victoria commuter rail service
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/working-group-set-up-to-establish-langford-victoria-commuter-rail-service-1.11324219
TIMES COLONIST: Wrongful dismissal nets fired Oak Bay Marina employee $89,349
http://www.timescolonist.com/business/wrongful-dismissal-nets-fired-oak-bay-marina-employee-89-349-1.11324217
VICTORIA NEWS: Senior care will improve, health minister vows
http://www.vicnews.com/news/415818354.html
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
1 Peter 3:15 NKJV
Free bible study offered by World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
NEWS NOTEBOOK
You probably have already guessed I changed back to a single page format, not all these pages on the side panel menu I had even got me confused at times, so the front page is back being the report for that day. The side panel pages will be for short stories and special features.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/coffman-kilmer-praise-va-move-to-increase-mental-health-services-for-at-risk-veterans_-
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) praised an announcement from Veterans Affairs Secretary, David Shulkin, that the VA will move to immediately increase mental health services for at-risk veterans. At a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing VA Secretary Shulkin committed to providing mental health services for veterans with other than honorable discharges.
“I was delighted to hear Secretary Shulkin say that he is authorizing mental health assessments and urgent mental healthcare services for our veterans with “other than honorable” discharges. This will particularly help those suffering from the “invisible” wounds of combat that can lead to behavioral and other mental health conditions and, sadly in too many cases to an other than honorable discharge.” Said Representative Coffman, adding “This is a great first step, but Representative. Kilmer and I will continue to press for the passage of our Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act to make this authorization permanent.”
“Two years ago I met with a group of young veterans in Tacoma who described how some of our most at risk veterans were those struggling with mental health issues because of their experiences on the battlefield, and how in many cases those who need our help the most were being denied access to the medical professionals that could help them heal,” said Representative Kilmer. “This is good step forward and builds on the legislation I introduced with Representative Coffman to let more veterans facing a crisis know they are not alone. These folks should have a place to turn for expert support and treatment.”
A service member receives a less than honorable discharge, or “bad paper” discharge, when released from the military for relatively minor forms of misconduct. In many recent instances, however, this misconduct resulted from a service member’s experiences during a combat deployment.
Last year the New York Times reported on the experiences of service members like Kristofer Goldsmith, who was discharged from the Army for missing a plane to Baghdad while he was hospitalized. He was never screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and overdosed after coming home. Thomas Burke, currently at Yale Divinity School was charged with misconduct for drug use while serving in the Marines but was never evaluated for PTSD.
Since 2009, the Army has separated at least 22,000 combat veterans diagnosed with mental health disabilities or TBI for alleged misconduct. This has occurred despite congressionally mandated reforms intended to halt the administrative separations of veterans suffering from service-related conditions.
The bill also requires a third-party study of veteran suicide to review: The effect of combat service on veteran suicide rates; the rate and method of suicide among veterans who have received healthcare from VA; and the rate and method of suicide among veterans who have not received healthcare from the VA.
According to the VA’s 2016 veteran suicide report, an average of 20 veterans per day commits suicide. However, evidence collected suggests that there is a decrease in rates of suicide among veterans receiving VA health care, as opposed to veterans who do not.
More news from our Congressional Delegation to Washington DC
Senator Murray Statement on Meeting with Agriculture Secretary Nominee Sonny Perdue
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, Governor Sonny Perdue.
“At a time when the families I represent have so many questions about the Trump Administration’s divisive and extreme agenda, I appreciate Governor Perdue sitting down with me today to discuss his thoughts about serving in the Cabinet and about programs at the Department of Agriculture that help working families in both the rural and urban areas of Washington state. I’m proud to come from a state that has a strong agricultural economy, which is supported by several Department of Agriculture programs that address issues from crop insurance to conservation and rural development. Continued commitment to these programs is critical to agricultural producers and rural communities, and I urged Governor Perdue to commit to protecting these. Just as important are food support and nutrition programs run by the Department of Agriculture, including SNAP, the school breakfast and lunch programs, and other key programs that offer a helping hand to fight hunger. Over 300,000 kids in Washington state are at risk of going hungry, and these programs are essential for working families who are one crisis away from going hungry.
“Republicans have targeted these programs for years, and I am concerned that under the pressure of President Trump’s extreme agenda, programs that help the most vulnerable members of our society are even more at risk. I asked for Governor Perdue’s commitment to continue supporting SNAP, school nutrition programs, and the summer nutrition programs that help kids during the summer months. I made very clear that decreased access or reduced benefits would be unacceptable – and that in order to earn my support, I needed assurance that he could be a voice for families and not simply another voice for millionaires and billionaires in this Trump cabinet. I hope Governor Perdue considers our discussion as he moves through the confirmation process, and that he publicly makes his support for these programs clear before his nomination comes before the full Senate.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=61D0727D-28BE-4CC7-B7EF-5C5902185021
Sen. Murray, Sen. Collins, and Rep. Langevin Renew Bipartisan Push to Expand Veteran Caregiver Services to Veterans of All Eras
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) to reintroduce bipartisan legislation in both the Senate and the House to expand a successful program that helps those who care for wounded, ill, or injured veterans. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act would open the program to veterans of all eras, making resources available to more of the family members and other loved ones who have taken on a caregiver role for veterans.
A RAND study commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, titled “Hidden Heroes: America’s Military Caregivers,” demonstrated that caregivers, often a spouse, parent, child, or even a close friend, sacrifice their own physical, emotional, and financial well-being in order to provide care to servicemembers and veterans that improves quality of life and can result in faster and improved rehabilitation and recovery. The legislation being reintroduced today recognizes that sacrifice and offers support services.
“Even though military caregivers don’t wear uniforms or go overseas, they still serve our country – and they need to know their country is there to support them when they put their own lives on hold to care for a loved one who served,” Senator Murray said. “This bill is an important step in ensuring caregivers and veterans of all eras can access this critical program, allowing veterans stay with their loves ones and out of hospitals and nursing homes.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C09E2133-9BE8-4290-AF9D-729FC9AEC387
VETERANS: Two Leading Groups Honor Senator Patty Murray for Her Work on IVF Legislation
(Washington, D.C.) — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) was honored to receive national recognition today from two leading groups for her work to ensure veterans with service-connected injuries have access to assisted reproductive technology, including IVF. Last December, President Obama signed legislation into law that gave the Department of Veterans Affairs the authority to cover the costs of assisted reproductive technology for the first time since the early 1990s. Sen. Murray thanked both groups, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the National Military Families Association, for their partnership in making the legislation a reality, as well as for supporting Sen. Murray’s newly-reintroduced bill to expand the Caregivers program.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=AC73A908-E854-4A28-9EA4-BEE91433E7FE
Cantwell, Burr & Tillis Reintroduce Bill to Identify Solutions for Inadequate Doppler Radar
Cantwell: Better weather forecasting means first responders can better protect human life and property
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) re-introduced legislation to identify solutions for areas across the country that lack sufficient severe weather detection.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-burr-and-tillis-reintroduce-bill-to-identify-solutions-for-inadequate-doppler-radar
Senators to Trump Admin: Coast Guard Critical to National, Economic Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter sent today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Gary Peters (D-MI), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) led a bipartisan group of 23 senators urging Office of Management and Budget Administrator Mick Mulvaney not to make a $1.3 billion dollar cut to the budget of the United States Coast Guard. According to reports, the FY 2018 Presidential Budget Request could amount to almost 12 percent of the service’s budget being cut.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-to-trump-admin-coast-guard-critical-to-national-economic-security
Cantwell, Murray Push for Better Worker Safety Protection, End Retaliation Against Hanford Workers and Whistleblowers
Senators Ask IG to Address Workers’ Concerns with Compensation Claims Following Chemical Vapor Exposures
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) wrote the Acting Inspector General in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to urge implementation of safety recommendations for Hanford workers and to encourage protection of whistleblowers. The senators also requested that the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) review the third-party company who handles workers’ compensation claims at Hanford, Penser North America, Inc.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-push-for-better-worker-safety-protection-end-retaliation-against-hanford-workers-and-whistleblowers-
Cantwell, House & Senate Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Timber Innovation Act
Legislation will help spur economic development through the construction of tall wood buildings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senator Energy and Natural Resources Committee, along with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and several of her Senate and House colleagues, reintroduced the Timber Innovation Act – bipartisan, bicameral legislation that aims to find new and innovative uses for wood as a building material. The legislation will accelerate the research and development of wood for use in construction projects – such a cross-laminated timber – focusing on the construction of buildings over 85 feet in height.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-house-and-senate-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-timber-innovation-act-
Local stories making headlines...
Peninsula Daily News: Clallam County renews contracts for mental health, chemical dependency treatment
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/clallam-county-renews-contracts-for-mental-health-chemical-dependency-treatment/
Peninsula Daily News: Port Angeles Civic Field improvement expected to be place in time for first Lefties game
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/port-angeles-civic-field-improvement-expected-to-be-place-in-time-for-first-lefties-game/
Peninsula Daily News: Port Angeles city manager concerned about upcoming second-class-city vote
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/port-angeles-city-manager-concerned-about-upcoming-second-class-city-vote/
Editorial Comment: I say again, I bet half if not all of those who signed that petition now regretting the did, and probably vote against the change. Now more so after the city agreed to put the issue of fluoridation to the voters, and agreed to go along with what the voters decide on. So this whole issue of changing to a second class city is a moot point.
Peninsula Daily News: Port of Port Angeles in talks with new airline; Zephyr proposal still on table
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/port-of-port-angeles-in-talks-with-new-airline-zephyr-proposal-still-on-table/
Peninsula Daily News: Clallam County sends letter to Department of Natural Resources on timber harvests, marbled murrelet
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/clallam-county-sends-letter-to-department-of-natural-resources-on-timber-harvests-marbled-murrelet/
Peninsula Daily News: Subsidy would be needed for passenger air service in Port Angeles, official says
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/subsidy-would-be-needed-for-passenger-air-service-in-port-angeles-official-says/
PORT O CALL: Create our own airline, here’s how.
http://portocallpublishing.com/2017/02/create-our-own-airline-heres-how/
KONP RADIO: McKeen Reviews PA's Overall Health To Chamber Of Commerce
http://konp.com/the_full_story.php?news_id=12350
KONP RADIO: Fire burns part of mill power generating plant
http://konp.com/the_full_story.php?news_id=12352
Sequim Gazette: Is Clallam opening the door to tiny houses?
http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/is-clallam-opening-the-door-to-tiny-houses/
Forks Forum: Makah Cultural and Research Center receive $232,000 grant from National Endowment for the Humanities
http://www.forksforum.com/news/makah-cultural-and-research-center-receive-232000-grant-from-national-endowment-for-the-humanities
PT LEADER: PT high schooler rescues boaters
http://www.ptleader.com/news/pt-high-schooler-rescues-boaters/article_6987c9e4-038d-11e7-84a0-0f7df0047c4f.html
News from Across the Strait (Victoria BC)
TIMES COLONIST: Working group set up to establish Langford-Victoria commuter rail service
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/working-group-set-up-to-establish-langford-victoria-commuter-rail-service-1.11324219
TIMES COLONIST: Wrongful dismissal nets fired Oak Bay Marina employee $89,349
http://www.timescolonist.com/business/wrongful-dismissal-nets-fired-oak-bay-marina-employee-89-349-1.11324217
VICTORIA NEWS: Senior care will improve, health minister vows
http://www.vicnews.com/news/415818354.html
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
1 Peter 3:15 NKJV
Free bible study offered by World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
NEWS NOTEBOOK
You probably have already guessed I changed back to a single page format, not all these pages on the side panel menu I had even got me confused at times, so the front page is back being the report for that day. The side panel pages will be for short stories and special features.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
WA COMMERCE DEPT: Commerce grants $100K to help launch new marine systems job training program in Port Townsend
EDC Team Jefferson, maritime industry team up with Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding to address high demand for skilled marine systems technicians
Press release issued March 7th
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/growing-the-economy/commerce-grants-100k-help-launch-new-marine-systems-job-training-program-port-townsend/
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded a $100,000 WorkStart grant to help the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding (NWSWB) launch a new marine systems training program in Port Townsend. A recent update to the state’s Maritime Industry Cluster Study found that marine systems technicians are in critically short supply, forcing some local companies to turn away work, and to seek or train workers out of state to get the skills necessary to keep their businesses competitive.
“These funds will help our workforce remain connected to our state’s maritime roots. This program will allow more companies with critical workforce needs to succeed,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender.
Washington’s diverse maritime industry directly contributes over 69,000 jobs and has a combined economic impact over $37 billion annually, reaching from urban centers to rural towns up and down the state’s working waterfronts.
EDC Team Jefferson – the economic development council for Jefferson County – requested funding for the industry-prioritized marine vessel systems curriculum at NWSWB. Students will receive intensive hands-on training in topics such as basic electrical, marine diesel engines, propulsion, steering and controls, and marine plumbing.
“Our local maritime industry continues to be a key driving force for our economy. This grant opportunity from Commerce will help build resiliency for this sector by keeping our workforce effectively trained to meet current and future demand,” said Team Jefferson executive director Brian Kuh.
“The diverse maritime industry in Washington State provides family-wage jobs on the Olympic Peninsula and across the state. The industry needs a well-trained technician workforce to be competitive and grow. The school’s plan to expand curricula to include vessel systems aligns perfectly with industry demand and the skill sets needed to enter the marine trades workforce,” said Ann Avary, director of the Northwest Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology.
“NWSWB works closely with the industry. Over its 35-year history, our graduates have built successful businesses and hired other graduates,” said NWSWB executive director Betsy Davis. “This program will become an important, sustainable component of the marine trades on Port Townsend Bay.”
“The Port of Port Townsend considers vocational training to be a key ingredient in building a thriving local economy,” wrote Sam Gibboney, Executive Director of the Port of Port Townsend. “Many businesses in Boat Haven have hired graduates of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding over the years. The new Marine Systems Curriculum is highly relevant to the work going on in the Port today.”
Click here for more state news headlines..
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/the-olympic-digest-report.html
NEWS NOTEBOOK
Air Service a Priority for Port of Port Angeles
The Port of Port Angeles continues to diligently pursue options to re-establish air service in Clallam County. Chief among the concerns are affordable fare prices and reasonably scheduled flights.
http://www.portofpa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=142
Press release issued March 7th
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/growing-the-economy/commerce-grants-100k-help-launch-new-marine-systems-job-training-program-port-townsend/
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded a $100,000 WorkStart grant to help the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding (NWSWB) launch a new marine systems training program in Port Townsend. A recent update to the state’s Maritime Industry Cluster Study found that marine systems technicians are in critically short supply, forcing some local companies to turn away work, and to seek or train workers out of state to get the skills necessary to keep their businesses competitive.
“These funds will help our workforce remain connected to our state’s maritime roots. This program will allow more companies with critical workforce needs to succeed,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender.
Washington’s diverse maritime industry directly contributes over 69,000 jobs and has a combined economic impact over $37 billion annually, reaching from urban centers to rural towns up and down the state’s working waterfronts.
EDC Team Jefferson – the economic development council for Jefferson County – requested funding for the industry-prioritized marine vessel systems curriculum at NWSWB. Students will receive intensive hands-on training in topics such as basic electrical, marine diesel engines, propulsion, steering and controls, and marine plumbing.
“Our local maritime industry continues to be a key driving force for our economy. This grant opportunity from Commerce will help build resiliency for this sector by keeping our workforce effectively trained to meet current and future demand,” said Team Jefferson executive director Brian Kuh.
“The diverse maritime industry in Washington State provides family-wage jobs on the Olympic Peninsula and across the state. The industry needs a well-trained technician workforce to be competitive and grow. The school’s plan to expand curricula to include vessel systems aligns perfectly with industry demand and the skill sets needed to enter the marine trades workforce,” said Ann Avary, director of the Northwest Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology.
“NWSWB works closely with the industry. Over its 35-year history, our graduates have built successful businesses and hired other graduates,” said NWSWB executive director Betsy Davis. “This program will become an important, sustainable component of the marine trades on Port Townsend Bay.”
“The Port of Port Townsend considers vocational training to be a key ingredient in building a thriving local economy,” wrote Sam Gibboney, Executive Director of the Port of Port Townsend. “Many businesses in Boat Haven have hired graduates of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding over the years. The new Marine Systems Curriculum is highly relevant to the work going on in the Port today.”
Click here for more state news headlines..
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/the-olympic-digest-report.html
NEWS NOTEBOOK
Air Service a Priority for Port of Port Angeles
The Port of Port Angeles continues to diligently pursue options to re-establish air service in Clallam County. Chief among the concerns are affordable fare prices and reasonably scheduled flights.
http://www.portofpa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=142
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
WH: Remarks by President Trump and Representative Steve Scalise in Meeting with the U.S. House Deputy Whip Team
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, everybody, and Mike Pence is going to be here in a few minutes. We miss Mike when he's not around.
So I want to thank the members of the House Deputy Whip team. It will be very important over the next number of months. We have a great team and we're going to have a lot of victories, a lot of wins, but we have a great team.
Together, we're going to do incredible things for the great citizens of our country. As I said during my joint address to Congress -- and I think you mostly liked that, right?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/07/remarks-president-trump-and-representative-steve-scalise-meeting-us
More news from the White House:
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 5 through March 11, 2017, as National Consumer Protection Week
The economic strength and vitality of our Nation is directly linked to our consumers' confidence in the integrity and security of their personal information and the robust protection of their privacy. As an increasing number of transactions and activities occur online, the safety of vital consumer information is increasingly at risk. The American people deserve freedom from unscrupulous actors who perpetrate identity theft, abuse personal information, or engage in fraud.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/06/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-march-5-through-march-11-2017
Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security
SUBJECT: Implementing Immediate Heightened Screening and Vetting of Applications for Visas and Other Immigration Benefits, Ensuring Enforcement of All Laws for Entry into the United States, and Increasing Transparency among Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government and for the American People
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/06/memorandum-secretary-state-attorney-general-secretary-homeland-security
Related story:
Dept of Homeland Security: Statement by Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly on President's Executive Order Signed Today
“Fourteen years ago on March 1, 2003, DHS was established. We did so as a nation because we needed to rethink our approach to homeland security. Many will recall the conclusions we reached then; that we needed to overcome a “lack of imagination” with regard to the threats we faced, and, second, that we needed to overcome our collective inability to take the dots of intelligence and arrange them into a more comprehensive picture of the threats posed to America and our way of life.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/03/06/statement-secretary-homeland-security-john-kelly-presidents-executive-order-signed
NEWS NOTEBOOK:
Kilmer & Heck speak out against President Trump’s Draft Proposal for EPA that Slashes Investments in Puget Sound by 93 Percent
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10), co-founders of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, spoke out against a draft plan from the Trump Administration that would slash the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) budget for Puget Sound cleanup by 93 percent to $2 million. (press release dated March 3rd)
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-and-heck-speak-out-against-president-trumps-draft-proposal-for-epa-that-slashes-investments-in-puget-sound-by-93-percent-
So I want to thank the members of the House Deputy Whip team. It will be very important over the next number of months. We have a great team and we're going to have a lot of victories, a lot of wins, but we have a great team.
Together, we're going to do incredible things for the great citizens of our country. As I said during my joint address to Congress -- and I think you mostly liked that, right?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/07/remarks-president-trump-and-representative-steve-scalise-meeting-us
More news from the White House:
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 5 through March 11, 2017, as National Consumer Protection Week
The economic strength and vitality of our Nation is directly linked to our consumers' confidence in the integrity and security of their personal information and the robust protection of their privacy. As an increasing number of transactions and activities occur online, the safety of vital consumer information is increasingly at risk. The American people deserve freedom from unscrupulous actors who perpetrate identity theft, abuse personal information, or engage in fraud.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/06/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-march-5-through-march-11-2017
Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security
SUBJECT: Implementing Immediate Heightened Screening and Vetting of Applications for Visas and Other Immigration Benefits, Ensuring Enforcement of All Laws for Entry into the United States, and Increasing Transparency among Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government and for the American People
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/06/memorandum-secretary-state-attorney-general-secretary-homeland-security
Related story:
Dept of Homeland Security: Statement by Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly on President's Executive Order Signed Today
“Fourteen years ago on March 1, 2003, DHS was established. We did so as a nation because we needed to rethink our approach to homeland security. Many will recall the conclusions we reached then; that we needed to overcome a “lack of imagination” with regard to the threats we faced, and, second, that we needed to overcome our collective inability to take the dots of intelligence and arrange them into a more comprehensive picture of the threats posed to America and our way of life.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/03/06/statement-secretary-homeland-security-john-kelly-presidents-executive-order-signed
NEWS NOTEBOOK:
Kilmer & Heck speak out against President Trump’s Draft Proposal for EPA that Slashes Investments in Puget Sound by 93 Percent
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Denny Heck (WA-10), co-founders of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, spoke out against a draft plan from the Trump Administration that would slash the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) budget for Puget Sound cleanup by 93 percent to $2 million. (press release dated March 3rd)
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-and-heck-speak-out-against-president-trumps-draft-proposal-for-epa-that-slashes-investments-in-puget-sound-by-93-percent-
For more national and advocacy news headlines click here
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/the-national-weekly-digest.html
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/the-national-weekly-digest.html
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
UN Secretary-General António Guterres: Women’s Rights Reduced, Restricted, Reversed,
Secretary-General Says in Observance Message, Citing Outdated Attitudes, Entrenched Male Chauvinism
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for International Women’s Day, observed on 8 March:
Source: http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18457.doc.htm
'Women’s rights are human rights. But, in these troubled times, as our world becomes more unpredictable and chaotic, the rights of women and girls are being reduced, restricted and reversed. Empowering women and girls is the only way to protect their rights and make sure they can realize their full potential.
Historical imbalances in power relations between men and women, exacerbated by growing inequalities within and between societies and countries, are leading to greater discrimination against women and girls. Around the world, tradition, cultural values and religion are being misused to curtail women’s rights, to entrench sexism and defend misogynistic practices.
Women’s legal rights, which have never been equal to men’s on any continent, are being eroded further. Women’s rights over their own bodies are questioned and undermined. Women are routinely targeted for intimidation and harassment in cyberspace and in real life. In the worst cases, extremists and terrorists build their ideologies around the subjugation of women and girls and single them out for sexual and gender-based violence, forced marriage and virtual enslavement.
Despite some improvements, leadership positions across the board are still held by men, and the economic gender gap is widening, thanks to outdated attitudes and entrenched male chauvinism. We must change this by empowering women at all levels, enabling their voices to be heard and giving them control over their own lives and over the future of our world. Denying the rights of women and girls is not only wrong in itself, it has a serious social and economic impact that holds us all back. Gender equality has a transformative effect that is essential to fully functioning communities, societies and economies.
Women’s access to education and health services has benefits for their families and communities that extend to future generations. An extra year in school can add up to 25 per cent to a girl’s future income. When women participate fully in the labour force, it creates opportunities and generates growth. Closing the gender gap in employment could add $12 trillion to global gross domestic product by 2025. Increasing the proportion of women in public institutions makes them more representative, increases innovation, improves decision-making and benefits whole societies.
Gender equality is central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the global plan agreed by leaders of all countries to meet the challenges we face. Sustainable Development Goal 5 calls specifically for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and this is central to the achievement of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
I am committed to increasing women’s participation in our peace and security work. Women negotiators increase the chances of sustainable peace, and women peacekeepers decrease the chances of sexual exploitation and abuse. Within the United Nations, I am establishing a clear road map with benchmarks to achieve gender parity across the system, so that our Organization truly represents the people we serve. Previous targets have not been met. Now we must move from ambition to action.
On International Women’s Day, let us all pledge to do everything we can to overcome entrenched prejudice, support engagement and activism, and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment."
For more world news headlines click here
News Notebook:
Sen. Murray on President Trump’s Updated Executive Order: Still Un-American and Will Not Make Us Safer.
Source: http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=DB202DD8-5E80-458C-A041-6D2434B678FB
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) spoke out against President Donald Trump’s newly announced executive order to replace the executive order that was halted by a federal judge in Seattle, a decision that was then upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court.
“No matter how many games President Trump plays with the language of this executive order, it is clear that these attempts to slam the door on Muslim immigrants and refugees are un-American, they won’t make us any safer, and they are flat-out wrong. Millions of people across the country have stood up and made their voices heard to oppose this hateful and divisive ban in the weeks since President Trump first announced it—and we’re not going to give up now. President Trump should work with us to focus on actually keeping our families safe, not on dangerous, divisive, and hateful actions that betray our American values and would hurt women and children fleeing horrific violence across the world.”
Senator Murray strongly condemned President Trump’s original executive order on immigration announced in January, and met with a local family affected by the ban at Sea-Tac International Airport immediately after. Senator Murray co-sponsored two bills to block President Trump’s harmful ban on refugees, visitors, and immigrants. When the Ninth Circuit Court upheld a Seattle judge’s action to block the order, Sen. Murray called it “a victory for the millions of us in Washington state” who stood up and made their voices heard, calling the original executive order hateful, unconstitutional, and in no way reflecting our nation’s values. She also spoke on the Senate floor after the original executive order was announced, expressing deep concerns with the Trump administration’s policies, including the executive order.
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for International Women’s Day, observed on 8 March:
Source: http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18457.doc.htm
'Women’s rights are human rights. But, in these troubled times, as our world becomes more unpredictable and chaotic, the rights of women and girls are being reduced, restricted and reversed. Empowering women and girls is the only way to protect their rights and make sure they can realize their full potential.
Historical imbalances in power relations between men and women, exacerbated by growing inequalities within and between societies and countries, are leading to greater discrimination against women and girls. Around the world, tradition, cultural values and religion are being misused to curtail women’s rights, to entrench sexism and defend misogynistic practices.
Women’s legal rights, which have never been equal to men’s on any continent, are being eroded further. Women’s rights over their own bodies are questioned and undermined. Women are routinely targeted for intimidation and harassment in cyberspace and in real life. In the worst cases, extremists and terrorists build their ideologies around the subjugation of women and girls and single them out for sexual and gender-based violence, forced marriage and virtual enslavement.
Despite some improvements, leadership positions across the board are still held by men, and the economic gender gap is widening, thanks to outdated attitudes and entrenched male chauvinism. We must change this by empowering women at all levels, enabling their voices to be heard and giving them control over their own lives and over the future of our world. Denying the rights of women and girls is not only wrong in itself, it has a serious social and economic impact that holds us all back. Gender equality has a transformative effect that is essential to fully functioning communities, societies and economies.
Women’s access to education and health services has benefits for their families and communities that extend to future generations. An extra year in school can add up to 25 per cent to a girl’s future income. When women participate fully in the labour force, it creates opportunities and generates growth. Closing the gender gap in employment could add $12 trillion to global gross domestic product by 2025. Increasing the proportion of women in public institutions makes them more representative, increases innovation, improves decision-making and benefits whole societies.
Gender equality is central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the global plan agreed by leaders of all countries to meet the challenges we face. Sustainable Development Goal 5 calls specifically for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and this is central to the achievement of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
I am committed to increasing women’s participation in our peace and security work. Women negotiators increase the chances of sustainable peace, and women peacekeepers decrease the chances of sexual exploitation and abuse. Within the United Nations, I am establishing a clear road map with benchmarks to achieve gender parity across the system, so that our Organization truly represents the people we serve. Previous targets have not been met. Now we must move from ambition to action.
On International Women’s Day, let us all pledge to do everything we can to overcome entrenched prejudice, support engagement and activism, and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment."
For more world news headlines click here
News Notebook:
Sen. Murray on President Trump’s Updated Executive Order: Still Un-American and Will Not Make Us Safer.
Source: http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=DB202DD8-5E80-458C-A041-6D2434B678FB
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) spoke out against President Donald Trump’s newly announced executive order to replace the executive order that was halted by a federal judge in Seattle, a decision that was then upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court.
“No matter how many games President Trump plays with the language of this executive order, it is clear that these attempts to slam the door on Muslim immigrants and refugees are un-American, they won’t make us any safer, and they are flat-out wrong. Millions of people across the country have stood up and made their voices heard to oppose this hateful and divisive ban in the weeks since President Trump first announced it—and we’re not going to give up now. President Trump should work with us to focus on actually keeping our families safe, not on dangerous, divisive, and hateful actions that betray our American values and would hurt women and children fleeing horrific violence across the world.”
Senator Murray strongly condemned President Trump’s original executive order on immigration announced in January, and met with a local family affected by the ban at Sea-Tac International Airport immediately after. Senator Murray co-sponsored two bills to block President Trump’s harmful ban on refugees, visitors, and immigrants. When the Ninth Circuit Court upheld a Seattle judge’s action to block the order, Sen. Murray called it “a victory for the millions of us in Washington state” who stood up and made their voices heard, calling the original executive order hateful, unconstitutional, and in no way reflecting our nation’s values. She also spoke on the Senate floor after the original executive order was announced, expressing deep concerns with the Trump administration’s policies, including the executive order.
Monday, March 6, 2017
US LABOR DEPT: In recognition of the U.S. Department of Labor's 104th birthday, we’ve dug into the archives and found some fun facts.
1. Birthday Buddies: President William Howard Taft signed the act creating the Labor Department on March 4, 1913, in his final hours as president. We share our March 4 birthday with legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne (born in 1888), the state of Vermont (joined the United States in 1791) and the U.S. Constitution (declared effective in 1789).
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/02/7-skillful-facts-about-labor-department
More Dept. of Labor headlines...
Getting Veterans Licensed to Work
As you begin to transition from service, you make a surprising discovery: Suddenly, it doesn’t matter that you were promoted three times, won service medals and logged hundreds of thousands of miles driving. Employers require you to re-certify and re-train for the very same work you performed in the military. Even though you’ve got the skills, it’s hard to get a foot in the door. For too many veterans, this is a real problem.
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/02/getting-veterans-licensed-work
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR FORMER AMARILLO, TEXAS’ PANTEX PLANT WORKERS
WASHINGTON – Former Pantex plant workers in Amarillo, Texas, may qualify as part of a new worker Special Exposure Cohort class that will simplify filing of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act claims.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/owcp/owcp20170302
12 Stats About Working Women
This Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at women’s contributions to the U.S. labor force. Here are some noteworthy statistics we’ve rounded up!
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/01/12-stats-about-working-women
US LABOR DEPARTMENT PROPOSES DELAY TO BERYLLIUM RULE EFFECTIVE DATE
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a proposed delay in the effective date of the rule entitled Occupational Exposure to Beryllium, from March 21, 2017, to May 20, 2017.
The announcement follows a White House memorandum, entitled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” issued Jan. 20, 2017, that directed the department to undertake a review of any new or pending regulations and temporarily postpone the date that they would take effect.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20170301
For more business and fiance news click here
News Notebook:
WA DEPT. OF COMMERCE: Commerce grants $8.4 million to Washington State tribes for crime victim services Sixteen Washington State tribes awarded Federal Victims of Crime Act funds from the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $8,450,105 to 16 tribes to serve victims of crime. Funding for the grants comes from the U.S. Department of Justice, which administers the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund. The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy in the Department of Commerce administers VOCA funds in Washington State. VOCA is a major funding source for victim services throughout Washington.
Commerce set aside these funds to expand and enhance access to crime victim services in tribal communities, which are disproportionately affected by crime. A study funded by the National Institute of Justice found that American Indian and Alaska Native women and men suffer violence at an alarmingly high rate. More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women and men (84.3 percent and 81.6 percent, respectively) have experienced violence in their lifetime.
The programs supported by this funding focus on effective, accessible and culturally relevant victim services, such as traditional art therapy. These grants will enhance current services, improve coordination of child and youth programs, and add parenting support services. Services also will expand for elder and vulnerable adult victims of crime.
“This funding addresses critical needs in tribal communities and reflects significant progress in our combined efforts to improve coordination between tribes and state government,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “We were pleased that so many tribes applied for this funding.”
See more details: http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-grants/commerce-grants-8-4-million-washington-state-tribes-crime-victim-services/
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/02/7-skillful-facts-about-labor-department
More Dept. of Labor headlines...
Getting Veterans Licensed to Work
As you begin to transition from service, you make a surprising discovery: Suddenly, it doesn’t matter that you were promoted three times, won service medals and logged hundreds of thousands of miles driving. Employers require you to re-certify and re-train for the very same work you performed in the military. Even though you’ve got the skills, it’s hard to get a foot in the door. For too many veterans, this is a real problem.
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/02/getting-veterans-licensed-work
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR FORMER AMARILLO, TEXAS’ PANTEX PLANT WORKERS
WASHINGTON – Former Pantex plant workers in Amarillo, Texas, may qualify as part of a new worker Special Exposure Cohort class that will simplify filing of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act claims.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/owcp/owcp20170302
12 Stats About Working Women
This Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at women’s contributions to the U.S. labor force. Here are some noteworthy statistics we’ve rounded up!
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/01/12-stats-about-working-women
US LABOR DEPARTMENT PROPOSES DELAY TO BERYLLIUM RULE EFFECTIVE DATE
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a proposed delay in the effective date of the rule entitled Occupational Exposure to Beryllium, from March 21, 2017, to May 20, 2017.
The announcement follows a White House memorandum, entitled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” issued Jan. 20, 2017, that directed the department to undertake a review of any new or pending regulations and temporarily postpone the date that they would take effect.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20170301
For more business and fiance news click here
News Notebook:
WA DEPT. OF COMMERCE: Commerce grants $8.4 million to Washington State tribes for crime victim services Sixteen Washington State tribes awarded Federal Victims of Crime Act funds from the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $8,450,105 to 16 tribes to serve victims of crime. Funding for the grants comes from the U.S. Department of Justice, which administers the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund. The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy in the Department of Commerce administers VOCA funds in Washington State. VOCA is a major funding source for victim services throughout Washington.
Commerce set aside these funds to expand and enhance access to crime victim services in tribal communities, which are disproportionately affected by crime. A study funded by the National Institute of Justice found that American Indian and Alaska Native women and men suffer violence at an alarmingly high rate. More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women and men (84.3 percent and 81.6 percent, respectively) have experienced violence in their lifetime.
The programs supported by this funding focus on effective, accessible and culturally relevant victim services, such as traditional art therapy. These grants will enhance current services, improve coordination of child and youth programs, and add parenting support services. Services also will expand for elder and vulnerable adult victims of crime.
“This funding addresses critical needs in tribal communities and reflects significant progress in our combined efforts to improve coordination between tribes and state government,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “We were pleased that so many tribes applied for this funding.”
See more details: http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-grants/commerce-grants-8-4-million-washington-state-tribes-crime-victim-services/
Saturday, March 4, 2017
DOE: Changes proposed for stormwater, wastewater permit fees(corrected headline)
Public invited to review and comment through April 11
OLYMPIA – To help recoup the costs to implement the state’s water quality permitting program that protects lakes, rivers and marine waters from pollution, the Department of Ecology is proposing an increase in annual fees that industries, local governments and others pay to be covered by stormwater and wastewater discharge permits.
Permits protect clean water by setting limits on how much pollution may be discharged into the environment. Permit holders also receive technical assistance from the state when pollution problems occur.
The fee changes being considered would cover the state’s increasing costs over the next two years due to inflation.
Fees, required by state law, can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the type of activity the permit covers.
Nearly 6,000 local governments and businesses have water quality permits that allow them to discharge limited amounts of pollution. Ecology is accepting public comments on the proposal through April 11.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2017/023.htmlhttp://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2017/023.html
For meetings and news commentaries click here
News Notebook
From the minutes of the last PA City Council meeting:
Manager McKeen spoke about the citizen petition to revert to Second Class City status, noting that he plans to engage a subject matter expert to provide a formal legal opinion on the petition. Manager McKeen said that Council will receive a report at its March 21 meeting.
Related news Story:
PORT O CALL: LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Eloise Kailin M.D., Chair Our Water Our Choice PAC
A petition to City of Port Angeles for Change of Government , signed by over a thousand registered voters, and certified by County Auditor has been waiting since last May for the City Attorney to issue its ballot title.
http://portocallpublishing.com/2017/02/letter-to-the-editor-from-dr-eloise-kailin/
Editorial Comment: It amazes me how some are still clinging on a ballot measure coming next fall which by all accounts a moot point. Point one, if you recall the city council agreed to put the issue on continuing fluoridation on next November ballot, and the mayor made sure the council would accept the outcome of that vote. Which by the way should have happened from the start. Point two: A new council will be elected into office next November, perhaps replacing at least three council members who chose to ignore the will of the people in that Citizen Advisory poll which was mailed to the utility customers.
Point three; Kailin, is assuming that all of those signers of that petition to change the city form of government will actually vote for it. Can anyone really believe that all those signers will vote for it, giving points one, and two? I think not.
Friday, March 3, 2017
"One of the fastest growing threats to our country is the danger posed by cyberattacks. "-- Rep. Kilmer
Representatives Kilmer & Comstock along with Senators Warner & Gardner Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help State, Local, and Tribal Governments Counter Cyber-Attacks
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Barbara Comstock (R-VA) along with U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help state, local, and tribal governments more effectively counter cyber threats.
According to a 2015 Ponemon Institute study, 50 percent of state and local governments faced 6 to 25 cyber breaches in the past 24 months. In the past year hackers also breached more than 200,000 personal voter records in Illinois and Arizona. Most states currently use less than two percent of their IT budget on cybersecurity.
The State Cyber Resiliency Act would set up a cyber security grant program that would provide resources for states to develop and implement effective cyber resiliency plans. This includes efforts to identify, detect, protect, respond, and recover from cyber threats. It also encourages states to invest in the cybersecurity workforce.
read more: https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/representatives-kilmer-and-comstock-along-with-senators-warner_gardner-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-state-local-and-tribal-governments-counter-cyber-attacks-
In other news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC:
Sen. Murray: We Need Independent Investigation into Trump Campaign’s Contact with Russia, Attorney General Must Recuse Himself
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement:
“The new reports of communication between the most senior levels of the Trump Campaign and Russia are deeply troubling, and they underscore why it’s so critical to begin an independent investigation immediately to get the full scope of what happened, who was involved, and why. This isn’t about politics—this is about the integrity of our elections, our national security, and our standing around the world, and no member of Congress should stand in the way of a thorough investigation.
“With new reports that Attorney General Sessions not only had contact with Russians during the campaign but that he also misled the American people and members of Congress during his confirmation hearing, it is clearer than ever that this matter warrants further investigation. If he indeed lied, I expect him to resign. In the meantime, Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from participating from any investigation in any way.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=9B7A3EC0-D734-4522-8DF5-9B23DEEF4DE5
Sen. Murray to Vote No on Gov. Perry for Energy Secretary: Unqualified to Make Critical Energy Decisions, Uphold Government’s Commitment to Hanford Cleanup
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that she will be voting no on President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Energy, Governor Rick Perry. In a speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Murray outlined her concerns with his lack of experience with Department of Energy programs, and his loyalty to big oil and corporations rather than advancing our country’s energy challenges, or fighting for working families. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray is committed to making sure the federal government fulfills its legal and moral obligation to clean up Hanford in a safe and timely manner and support critical research and development conducted at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
“Here we are again, debating yet another cabinet nominee sent over from the White House– this time, Governor Rick Perry—whose interests have been more closely aligned with those of Big Oil and corporations rather than advancing our country’s energy challenges, or fighting for the working families we represent,” said Senator Murray. “Getting the job should be borne of a solid understanding of the agency, a respect for the tens of thousands of workers they would lead, and most importantly, a commitment to putting families across the country first. So as a voice for my home state of Washington—where DOE’s presence is extremely important—I will vote no on Governor Perry’s nomination. And I urge my colleagues to do the same.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A17EB3A6-91EC-431E-9B18-6C91BE22DDE8
Sen. Murray to Vote No on Dr. Carson for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: We Need an Experienced Leader to Fight the Homelessness Epidemic and Address Affordable Housing
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on voting against Dr. Ben Carson for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“At a time when so many families in Washington state are struggling with the rapidly rising costs of housing, I believe Dr. Ben Carson is the wrong choice to lead the agency that directly affects them– and I will be voting no on his nomination. HUD is often the last line of defense in our country when it comes to combatting homelessness and promoting affordability, and I am deeply concerned that Dr. Carson’s past comments run counter to the department’s essential functions. As I continue to fight to help make sure the federal government is a partner to communities in Washington state and around the country to address housing affordability, I am concerned Dr. Carson does not have a strong commitment to the very federal programs he would oversee, nor the management experience to provide the strong leadership that is needed.”
Senator Murray has been a long-time champion for HUD programs like McKinney Vento, Section 8 vouchers, and HUD-VASH that work to get people off the streets and into safe, appropriate housing, and she has continually worked to help ensure these programs receive critical federal support. In 2008, Senator Murray helped restart the HUD-VASH program and has continued to help fund it every year since. Since 2008, more than 79,000 vouchers have been awarded and over 111,000 homeless veterans have been served through HUD-VASH.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6A52C3F7-0796-49D8-A356-DB6C6632880B
Cantwell Statement on AG Sessions’ Undisclosed Meetings with Russian Officials
Cantwell: “There are still too many questions left unanswered”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement in response to the news that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had failed to disclose two meetings he had taken with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign. Since news of the meetings broke, Sessions, in the face of public pressure, announced he would recuse himself from any investigation into the presidential campaigns, including contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials and operatives.
“After his contact with Russian officials during the Trump campaign, it’s only appropriate that Attorney General Sessions recuse himself from these investigations; however, I am troubled by the timing of his decision. Why did it take allegations of wrong-doing for him to come to this decision rather than disclosing these meetings during his confirmation hearings?
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-ag-sessions-undisclosed-meetings-with-russian-officials
Murray, Cantwell Ask DOJ to Uphold Existing Policy on State Marijuana Laws
Letter Expresses Concern Regarding Recent Remarks by Sean Spicer on Federal Enforcement
Washington, D.C. – Today, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, including Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions expressing concern that the Trump administration may begin enforcing federal law in states that have legalized marijuana. It asks the U.S. Department of Justice to clarify the Trump administration’s policy on law enforcement in states that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/murray-cantwell-ask-doj-to-uphold-existing-policy-on-state-marijuana-laws
Cantwell Statement on President Trump’s Address to Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement following President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress:
“President Trump’s call for ‘flexibility’ sounds a lot like the Paul Ryan plan on Medicaid. Capping Medicaid would take health care from millions, kill jobs and local economies, shutter hospitals and clinics, and shift billions of dollars in costs to states and local governments. We need to continue innovating in health care to drive better care at lower cost – not cut, cap, and block grant Medicaid. I will continue fighting to protect health care access and bring costs down for working Washingtonians and for all Americans.”
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-president-trumps-address-to-congress
For local news and headlines click here
News Notebook
Marine Corrosion Protection Workshop Offered
Washington Sea Grant, WSU Jefferson County Extension and the NW School of Wooden Boatbuilding are co-sponsoring a Marine Corrosion Protection Workshop Sunday, March 19, 2017.
This is a hands-on class for marine professionals and boat owners (both commercial and recreational). This workshop is being taught by Kevin Ritz, a ABYC certified Master Marine Technician and Certification Instructor in Electrical, Corrosion and Systems.
http://www.portofpa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=141
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Barbara Comstock (R-VA) along with U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help state, local, and tribal governments more effectively counter cyber threats.
According to a 2015 Ponemon Institute study, 50 percent of state and local governments faced 6 to 25 cyber breaches in the past 24 months. In the past year hackers also breached more than 200,000 personal voter records in Illinois and Arizona. Most states currently use less than two percent of their IT budget on cybersecurity.
The State Cyber Resiliency Act would set up a cyber security grant program that would provide resources for states to develop and implement effective cyber resiliency plans. This includes efforts to identify, detect, protect, respond, and recover from cyber threats. It also encourages states to invest in the cybersecurity workforce.
read more: https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/representatives-kilmer-and-comstock-along-with-senators-warner_gardner-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-state-local-and-tribal-governments-counter-cyber-attacks-
In other news from our congressional delegation to Washington DC:
Sen. Murray: We Need Independent Investigation into Trump Campaign’s Contact with Russia, Attorney General Must Recuse Himself
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement:
“The new reports of communication between the most senior levels of the Trump Campaign and Russia are deeply troubling, and they underscore why it’s so critical to begin an independent investigation immediately to get the full scope of what happened, who was involved, and why. This isn’t about politics—this is about the integrity of our elections, our national security, and our standing around the world, and no member of Congress should stand in the way of a thorough investigation.
“With new reports that Attorney General Sessions not only had contact with Russians during the campaign but that he also misled the American people and members of Congress during his confirmation hearing, it is clearer than ever that this matter warrants further investigation. If he indeed lied, I expect him to resign. In the meantime, Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from participating from any investigation in any way.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=9B7A3EC0-D734-4522-8DF5-9B23DEEF4DE5
Sen. Murray to Vote No on Gov. Perry for Energy Secretary: Unqualified to Make Critical Energy Decisions, Uphold Government’s Commitment to Hanford Cleanup
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that she will be voting no on President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Energy, Governor Rick Perry. In a speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Murray outlined her concerns with his lack of experience with Department of Energy programs, and his loyalty to big oil and corporations rather than advancing our country’s energy challenges, or fighting for working families. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray is committed to making sure the federal government fulfills its legal and moral obligation to clean up Hanford in a safe and timely manner and support critical research and development conducted at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
“Here we are again, debating yet another cabinet nominee sent over from the White House– this time, Governor Rick Perry—whose interests have been more closely aligned with those of Big Oil and corporations rather than advancing our country’s energy challenges, or fighting for the working families we represent,” said Senator Murray. “Getting the job should be borne of a solid understanding of the agency, a respect for the tens of thousands of workers they would lead, and most importantly, a commitment to putting families across the country first. So as a voice for my home state of Washington—where DOE’s presence is extremely important—I will vote no on Governor Perry’s nomination. And I urge my colleagues to do the same.”
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A17EB3A6-91EC-431E-9B18-6C91BE22DDE8
Sen. Murray to Vote No on Dr. Carson for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: We Need an Experienced Leader to Fight the Homelessness Epidemic and Address Affordable Housing
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on voting against Dr. Ben Carson for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“At a time when so many families in Washington state are struggling with the rapidly rising costs of housing, I believe Dr. Ben Carson is the wrong choice to lead the agency that directly affects them– and I will be voting no on his nomination. HUD is often the last line of defense in our country when it comes to combatting homelessness and promoting affordability, and I am deeply concerned that Dr. Carson’s past comments run counter to the department’s essential functions. As I continue to fight to help make sure the federal government is a partner to communities in Washington state and around the country to address housing affordability, I am concerned Dr. Carson does not have a strong commitment to the very federal programs he would oversee, nor the management experience to provide the strong leadership that is needed.”
Senator Murray has been a long-time champion for HUD programs like McKinney Vento, Section 8 vouchers, and HUD-VASH that work to get people off the streets and into safe, appropriate housing, and she has continually worked to help ensure these programs receive critical federal support. In 2008, Senator Murray helped restart the HUD-VASH program and has continued to help fund it every year since. Since 2008, more than 79,000 vouchers have been awarded and over 111,000 homeless veterans have been served through HUD-VASH.
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6A52C3F7-0796-49D8-A356-DB6C6632880B
Cantwell Statement on AG Sessions’ Undisclosed Meetings with Russian Officials
Cantwell: “There are still too many questions left unanswered”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement in response to the news that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had failed to disclose two meetings he had taken with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign. Since news of the meetings broke, Sessions, in the face of public pressure, announced he would recuse himself from any investigation into the presidential campaigns, including contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials and operatives.
“After his contact with Russian officials during the Trump campaign, it’s only appropriate that Attorney General Sessions recuse himself from these investigations; however, I am troubled by the timing of his decision. Why did it take allegations of wrong-doing for him to come to this decision rather than disclosing these meetings during his confirmation hearings?
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-ag-sessions-undisclosed-meetings-with-russian-officials
Murray, Cantwell Ask DOJ to Uphold Existing Policy on State Marijuana Laws
Letter Expresses Concern Regarding Recent Remarks by Sean Spicer on Federal Enforcement
Washington, D.C. – Today, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, including Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions expressing concern that the Trump administration may begin enforcing federal law in states that have legalized marijuana. It asks the U.S. Department of Justice to clarify the Trump administration’s policy on law enforcement in states that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/murray-cantwell-ask-doj-to-uphold-existing-policy-on-state-marijuana-laws
Cantwell Statement on President Trump’s Address to Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement following President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress:
“President Trump’s call for ‘flexibility’ sounds a lot like the Paul Ryan plan on Medicaid. Capping Medicaid would take health care from millions, kill jobs and local economies, shutter hospitals and clinics, and shift billions of dollars in costs to states and local governments. We need to continue innovating in health care to drive better care at lower cost – not cut, cap, and block grant Medicaid. I will continue fighting to protect health care access and bring costs down for working Washingtonians and for all Americans.”
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-president-trumps-address-to-congress
For local news and headlines click here
News Notebook
Marine Corrosion Protection Workshop Offered
Washington Sea Grant, WSU Jefferson County Extension and the NW School of Wooden Boatbuilding are co-sponsoring a Marine Corrosion Protection Workshop Sunday, March 19, 2017.
This is a hands-on class for marine professionals and boat owners (both commercial and recreational). This workshop is being taught by Kevin Ritz, a ABYC certified Master Marine Technician and Certification Instructor in Electrical, Corrosion and Systems.
http://www.portofpa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=141
Thursday, March 2, 2017
JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT WILD OLYMPICS WENT AWAY....
WILD OLYMPICS: Senator Murray and Representative Kilmer Renew Commitment to Protecting Olympic Peninsula Wilderness, Rivers
Source: http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E2F2CDE4-32D1-4639-8299-199F0C9D3070
(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) re-introduced the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to protect environmentally sensitive parts of the Olympic Peninsula, support outdoor recreation opportunities, and preserve and grow jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.
“It is critical that we keep fighting to ensure these pristine areas of the Olympic Peninsula are preserved for generations to come,” said Senator Murray. “As someone who enjoys hiking and fishing in Washington state, I am thrilled to work with Congressman Kilmer and the local community to keep up the momentum and preserve some of Washington state’s most prized wild spaces.”
“As someone who grew up in Port Angeles, I’ve always said that we don’t have to choose between economic growth and environmental protection,” said Representative Kilmer. “I’m proud to continue fighting for a bill that is part of a practical, balanced strategy to protect our natural beauty while attracting businesses to stay, grow, and invest in our future. I’m grateful for the partnership of Senator Murray and folks throughout our region who helped develop this proposal.”
The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would designate 126,554 acres of existing federal land as wilderness in the Olympic National Forest and designate 464 river miles across 19 rivers and major tributaries on the Olympic Peninsula as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The wilderness designation permanently protects old growth and ancient forest habitat throughout the region. The Wild and Scenic Rivers designation would add federal recognition to the outstanding river systems on the Peninsula, protecting them as a source of clean drinking water and helping to keep Puget Sound clean for generations to come. This designation does not restrict private property rights.
Senator Murray and Representative Kilmer have spent a significant amount of time engaging with community members and local business leaders on the Olympic Peninsula to ensure this legislation works for the community.
For state news headlines click here
Source: http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E2F2CDE4-32D1-4639-8299-199F0C9D3070
(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) re-introduced the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to protect environmentally sensitive parts of the Olympic Peninsula, support outdoor recreation opportunities, and preserve and grow jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.
“It is critical that we keep fighting to ensure these pristine areas of the Olympic Peninsula are preserved for generations to come,” said Senator Murray. “As someone who enjoys hiking and fishing in Washington state, I am thrilled to work with Congressman Kilmer and the local community to keep up the momentum and preserve some of Washington state’s most prized wild spaces.”
“As someone who grew up in Port Angeles, I’ve always said that we don’t have to choose between economic growth and environmental protection,” said Representative Kilmer. “I’m proud to continue fighting for a bill that is part of a practical, balanced strategy to protect our natural beauty while attracting businesses to stay, grow, and invest in our future. I’m grateful for the partnership of Senator Murray and folks throughout our region who helped develop this proposal.”
The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would designate 126,554 acres of existing federal land as wilderness in the Olympic National Forest and designate 464 river miles across 19 rivers and major tributaries on the Olympic Peninsula as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The wilderness designation permanently protects old growth and ancient forest habitat throughout the region. The Wild and Scenic Rivers designation would add federal recognition to the outstanding river systems on the Peninsula, protecting them as a source of clean drinking water and helping to keep Puget Sound clean for generations to come. This designation does not restrict private property rights.
Senator Murray and Representative Kilmer have spent a significant amount of time engaging with community members and local business leaders on the Olympic Peninsula to ensure this legislation works for the community.
For state news headlines click here
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
DEMOCRATS ACTED LIKE HIGH SCHOOL BRATS DURING SPEECH
Remarks by President Trump in Joint Address to Congress
Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/02/28/remarks-president-trump-joint-address-congress
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States -- and citizens of America:
Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our nation's path towards civil rights and the work that still remains to be done. (Applause.) Recent threats targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms.
Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present. That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart. A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning. A new national pride is sweeping across our nation. And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.
What we are witnessing today is the renewal of the American spirit. Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead. All the nations of the world -- friend or foe -- will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.
Watch full speech on you tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJuvNMLBcQk
Related stories:
Trump gives GOP leaders rallying cry, roadmap for change
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump gave Republican congressional leaders a rallying cry and even a roadmap as they try to push through a sweeping and divisive agenda on health care, taxes and more.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c5d20028efc04fe095333e11f9375732/trump-speech-may-help-settle-gop-legislative-disputes
Analysis: A softer Trump wins praise. But will it last?
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump finally gave Republicans what they've spent months begging him to deliver: a pivot to presidential behavior.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/88efab09fc7b4f6ba9e4b915bc2f98fb/analysis-trump-pivot-pleases-gop-will-it-last
Presidential Trump says 'join forces' for new greatness
WASHINGTON (AP) — Heralding a "new chapter of American greatness," President Donald Trump issued a broad call for overhauling the nation's health care system and significantly boosting military spending Tuesday night, swapping his trademark pugnaciousness and personal insults for a more restrained tone as he addressed Congress for the first time.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/5f1f482734ab4d098f461bd1ed2b8df8/trump-looks-refocus-his-presidency-address-congress
In speech, Trump tries to turn from divisive to deal-maker (REU)
U.S. President Donald Trump showed a different side in his first address to Congress. This Trump was part deal-maker, part salesman, asking for unity and trying to repackage his populist message in more palatable terms.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-tone-analysis-idUSKBN1683EC
Trump to lift federal coal ban, other green rules, next week: White House (REU)
U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to sign an executive order next week that lifts a ban on new federal coal mining leases and starts the process of killing other Obama-era initiatives to combat global climate change, a White House official said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-energy-idUSKBN168592
Editorial Comment: One only need to watch the video of the speech to catch on how some members of congress was acting like.
"And in fact it was the exact opposite of what they had heard. Yeah, Trump alluded to it’s time to compromise. The real line of the night to me — and it’s hard to pick just one. But when he looked at these Democrats sitting on their hands and told them that these trivial, trivial disagreements… It’s time to move past this and start thinking big. By the way, as an aside, I have to tell you, folks, as I was watching the speech last night — and I really mean this." ---Rush Limbaugh radio show
https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2017/03/01/democrats-heard-donald-trump-for-the-first-time-last-night/
Trump's Triumph Is Demos' Disaster
The shell-shocked expressions on Democrat faces were priceless.---- Patriot Post
When a political novice who has never held an elected office at any level arrives in the swamp as the newly elected president of the United States, there is going to be an adjustment period. While that adjustment period is certainly not over, the speech Donald Trump delivered to Congress Tuesday night outlining his vision for a unified nation and his agenda to “make America great” was outstanding.
https://patriotpost.us/alexander/47732
For more national and advocacy headlines click here
NEWS NOTEBOOK
DNC chair: Trump's speech was 'Bannon on steroids with a smile'
New Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman Tom Perez needled President Trump over his speech to Congress, saying the address was a veiled version of the views held by Trump's controversial chief strategist and former Breitbart executive Stephen Bannon.---The Hill
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/dnc-chair-trumps-speech-was-bannon-on-steroids-with-a-smile/ar-AAnERuU
Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/02/28/remarks-president-trump-joint-address-congress
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States -- and citizens of America:
Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our nation's path towards civil rights and the work that still remains to be done. (Applause.) Recent threats targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms.
Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present. That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart. A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning. A new national pride is sweeping across our nation. And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.
What we are witnessing today is the renewal of the American spirit. Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead. All the nations of the world -- friend or foe -- will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.
Watch full speech on you tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJuvNMLBcQk
Related stories:
Trump gives GOP leaders rallying cry, roadmap for change
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump gave Republican congressional leaders a rallying cry and even a roadmap as they try to push through a sweeping and divisive agenda on health care, taxes and more.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c5d20028efc04fe095333e11f9375732/trump-speech-may-help-settle-gop-legislative-disputes
Analysis: A softer Trump wins praise. But will it last?
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump finally gave Republicans what they've spent months begging him to deliver: a pivot to presidential behavior.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/88efab09fc7b4f6ba9e4b915bc2f98fb/analysis-trump-pivot-pleases-gop-will-it-last
Presidential Trump says 'join forces' for new greatness
WASHINGTON (AP) — Heralding a "new chapter of American greatness," President Donald Trump issued a broad call for overhauling the nation's health care system and significantly boosting military spending Tuesday night, swapping his trademark pugnaciousness and personal insults for a more restrained tone as he addressed Congress for the first time.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/5f1f482734ab4d098f461bd1ed2b8df8/trump-looks-refocus-his-presidency-address-congress
In speech, Trump tries to turn from divisive to deal-maker (REU)
U.S. President Donald Trump showed a different side in his first address to Congress. This Trump was part deal-maker, part salesman, asking for unity and trying to repackage his populist message in more palatable terms.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-tone-analysis-idUSKBN1683EC
Trump to lift federal coal ban, other green rules, next week: White House (REU)
U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to sign an executive order next week that lifts a ban on new federal coal mining leases and starts the process of killing other Obama-era initiatives to combat global climate change, a White House official said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-energy-idUSKBN168592
Editorial Comment: One only need to watch the video of the speech to catch on how some members of congress was acting like.
"And in fact it was the exact opposite of what they had heard. Yeah, Trump alluded to it’s time to compromise. The real line of the night to me — and it’s hard to pick just one. But when he looked at these Democrats sitting on their hands and told them that these trivial, trivial disagreements… It’s time to move past this and start thinking big. By the way, as an aside, I have to tell you, folks, as I was watching the speech last night — and I really mean this." ---Rush Limbaugh radio show
https://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2017/03/01/democrats-heard-donald-trump-for-the-first-time-last-night/
Trump's Triumph Is Demos' Disaster
The shell-shocked expressions on Democrat faces were priceless.---- Patriot Post
When a political novice who has never held an elected office at any level arrives in the swamp as the newly elected president of the United States, there is going to be an adjustment period. While that adjustment period is certainly not over, the speech Donald Trump delivered to Congress Tuesday night outlining his vision for a unified nation and his agenda to “make America great” was outstanding.
https://patriotpost.us/alexander/47732
For more national and advocacy headlines click here
NEWS NOTEBOOK
DNC chair: Trump's speech was 'Bannon on steroids with a smile'
New Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman Tom Perez needled President Trump over his speech to Congress, saying the address was a veiled version of the views held by Trump's controversial chief strategist and former Breitbart executive Stephen Bannon.---The Hill
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/dnc-chair-trumps-speech-was-bannon-on-steroids-with-a-smile/ar-AAnERuU
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Vowing to ‘Defend the Defenders’, Secretary-General Urges End of Double Standards in Tackling Abuse, Bias, Rising Intolerance Worldwide
Source: http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18456.doc.htm
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Human Rights Council, in Geneva today:
It is a profound honour to address the Human Rights Council. For 10 years, you may have known me as the “other” High Commissioner, just down the road. And so it is a great privilege to be with you for the first time in my capacity as Secretary-General. I am here in a spirit of gratitude. And I am here at a time of urgency.
Disregard for human rights is a disease, and it is a disease that is spreading — north, south, east and west. The Human Rights Council must be part of the cure. You can be pivotal for prevention, sounding early warnings of crises. Commissions of Inquiry and fact-finding missions respond to serious allegations of human rights violations around the world. The scrutiny and recommendations of the Council’s independent experts shed light, enhance protection and guide policy. The Council’s growing engagement with civil society strengthens so much of your work and is especially vital at a time when civil society space is shrinking in so many places. And through the Universal Periodic Review, every country in the world has had its human rights record thoroughly examined.
Despite differences among members, this Council is based on a shared understanding: upholding the rights of all people and in the interest of all States. And that truth is integral to every aspect of the work of the United Nations. Our three pillars of peace, development and human rights are inseparable and they are mutually reinforcing. Human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights - must never be seen as a luxury or “saved for later”, after peace and development have been achieved.
Human rights are an intrinsic part of all that we do and all that we are. And so we must speak up for human rights in an impartial way without double standards. We must invest in human rights and recognize human rights as values and goals unto themselves, not allowing them to be instrumentalized as a political tool. And indeed, the integrity and credibility of this Council will only be enhanced by proceeding in a manner that avoids unbalanced treatment of Member States.
I say all of these things as the Secretary-General of the United Nations. But, my support for human rights goes deeper. It’s personal. I grew up under the Salazar dictatorship in Portugal. I did not know democracy until I was 24 years old. I came of age seeing how the denial of not just civil and political rights, but also social, cultural and economic rights, corroded every aspect of society. It condemned many to a life of poverty. It triggered mass migration. Portuguese couldn’t vote through the ballot box, so many voted with their feet.
And I saw the dictatorship oppressing not only its own citizens, but also the people of the African colonies, including by waging wars for 13 long and bloody years. And my passion for defending human rights has sprung both from the grass roots as a young man and later from the top as Prime Minister leading a country in pursuit of human rights and dignity for all its citizens. And it only grew stronger serving as High Commissioner for Refugees and witnessing the terrible consequences of ignoring — or blatantly trampling on — people’s fundamental rights and dignity.
Now, as Secretary-General, I see every day how the future of our world and the future of human rights go hand-in-hand. Our world is becoming more dangerous, less predictable, more chaotic. New conflicts are multiplying. Old ones never die. And both are more and more interconnected with the threat of global terrorism and violent extremism.
Again and again, we see violations of human rights as early and leading indicators of crisis. Again and again, we have seen human rights abuses play into the hands of extremists. At the same time, violations of economic rights, such as massive inequalities within and between States, are a growing source of social unrest.
If we are to truly address these challenges, we must make prevention our priority, tackle root causes of conflict and react earlier and more effectively in addressing human rights concerns. That is the lesson of so many conflicts and the driving force behind the Human Rights Up Front initiative. We know that just as denial of human rights is part of the problem, the active promotion of human rights is part of the solution. And that means supporting Member States in building capacity, strengthening States, institutions and civil society.
Perhaps the best prevention tool we have is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the treaties that derive from it. The rights set out in it identify many of the root causes of conflict, but equally they provide real world solutions through real change on the ground.
I look to the Human Rights Council to be fully engaged and help affect the change on the range of issues that requires your attention in our troubled and turbulent world. They include deliberate and systematic violations of international humanitarian law in a growing number of conflicts and which this Council has done much to expose.
We are increasingly seeing the perverse phenomenon of populism and extremism feeding off each other in a frenzy of growing racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hatred and other forms of intolerance. Minorities, indigenous communities and others face discriminations and abuse across the world. And the same applies to members of the LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons] community. The rights of refugees and migrants are under attack. Human trafficking is on the rise. And with so many people escaping war, the international community must not escape its responsibilities.
We must do our utmost to re-establish the integrity of the international refugee protection regime. Our challenge here is not really about “sharing the burden”. It is about “sharing the responsibility”. We have a collective responsibility embedded in the values we share and the Charter that defines us.
By the same measure, we must forcefully resist calls to reinstate torture. Torture is cowardly, produces no usable information and shames every country that inflicts it. And similarly, let us work together to turn back efforts to reinstate capital punishment. I say this as a citizen of a country that abolished the death penalty 150 years ago.
We simply cannot achieve any of our goals without the full participation of women and girls. Within the United Nations, I am committed to establish a clear road map with benchmarks to achieve gender parity across the system. I will soon propose to the General Assembly ambitious new steps to help end sexual exploitation and abuse committed under the United Nations flag.
We must do far more around the world. Hard fought gains on women’s rights are being chipped away, whether it is through a pushback on women’s reproductive rights or turning a blind eye to domestic violence or violently enforcing traditional gender roles. Let us say loud and clear: women’s rights are human rights.
As we do so, I also make a special appeal for the rights of children. Millions of children around the world are denied their rights. And children are the main victims of war and crises, the effects of which often last a lifetime. More than half of the world’s refugees are children, perhaps the most defenceless people on Earth. Let us act to protect children of all ages, ensure they know their rights, and can live and breathe those rights every day and everywhere.
Let us also recognize that we must do more to ensure equal attention to economic, social and cultural rights. The corpus of human rights is indivisible and interdependent. We cannot pick and choose, emphasizing some and ignoring others. The 2030 Agenda [for Sustainable Development] provides an ideal platform to demonstrate our commitment to all human rights. As the High Commissioner has often pointed out, the right to development is at the core of the 2030 Agenda. The right to quality education, housing, food, water, equal access to employment — these and other economic and social rights — can and must be realized.
As we work to promote all human rights, I want to express a final word of appreciation and admiration to those on the front lines. To human rights defenders, I say: thank you for your courage. The United Nations is on your side. And I am on your side. I remind Member States of their responsibility to ensure that human rights defenders can operate without fear of intimidation. Human rights defenders must be able to freely participate in the Council and engage more broadly with the United Nations without fear of reprisal. This is critical to our work and to the credibility of Member States.
Journalists are an essential part of the checks and balances of any society. They, too, must be guaranteed full protection in law and practice to do their vital work independently and without interference.
The struggle for human rights is at the heart a struggle to expand the horizons of the possible, to bring out the best of our selves and to unleash the best of our societies. Human rights inspire. Human rights transform. Human rights drive progress and change the course of history.
I am determined to raise the profile of human rights and to speak out whenever necessary. And I will do my utmost to defend the defenders. We will build a safer and more stable world for our children as we recognize the interconnections between peace, development and human rights. We will advance security by advancing dignity, justice, equality and the rule of law. I thank the Human Rights Council for working to point the way. Thank you very much.
For more world news end events click here
News NOTEBOOK
Times Colonist: Greater Victoria school district puts class trips to U.S. on hold
Board wants clarity on travel restrictions; Sooke trustees to discuss the issue tonight
“Until more certainty and clarity is established regarding travel restrictions, no future trips to the United States will be planned,” said board spokeswoman Katie Hamilton.
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/greater-victoria-school-district-puts-class-trips-to-u-s-on-hold-1.10585975
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Human Rights Council, in Geneva today:
It is a profound honour to address the Human Rights Council. For 10 years, you may have known me as the “other” High Commissioner, just down the road. And so it is a great privilege to be with you for the first time in my capacity as Secretary-General. I am here in a spirit of gratitude. And I am here at a time of urgency.
Disregard for human rights is a disease, and it is a disease that is spreading — north, south, east and west. The Human Rights Council must be part of the cure. You can be pivotal for prevention, sounding early warnings of crises. Commissions of Inquiry and fact-finding missions respond to serious allegations of human rights violations around the world. The scrutiny and recommendations of the Council’s independent experts shed light, enhance protection and guide policy. The Council’s growing engagement with civil society strengthens so much of your work and is especially vital at a time when civil society space is shrinking in so many places. And through the Universal Periodic Review, every country in the world has had its human rights record thoroughly examined.
Despite differences among members, this Council is based on a shared understanding: upholding the rights of all people and in the interest of all States. And that truth is integral to every aspect of the work of the United Nations. Our three pillars of peace, development and human rights are inseparable and they are mutually reinforcing. Human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights - must never be seen as a luxury or “saved for later”, after peace and development have been achieved.
Human rights are an intrinsic part of all that we do and all that we are. And so we must speak up for human rights in an impartial way without double standards. We must invest in human rights and recognize human rights as values and goals unto themselves, not allowing them to be instrumentalized as a political tool. And indeed, the integrity and credibility of this Council will only be enhanced by proceeding in a manner that avoids unbalanced treatment of Member States.
I say all of these things as the Secretary-General of the United Nations. But, my support for human rights goes deeper. It’s personal. I grew up under the Salazar dictatorship in Portugal. I did not know democracy until I was 24 years old. I came of age seeing how the denial of not just civil and political rights, but also social, cultural and economic rights, corroded every aspect of society. It condemned many to a life of poverty. It triggered mass migration. Portuguese couldn’t vote through the ballot box, so many voted with their feet.
And I saw the dictatorship oppressing not only its own citizens, but also the people of the African colonies, including by waging wars for 13 long and bloody years. And my passion for defending human rights has sprung both from the grass roots as a young man and later from the top as Prime Minister leading a country in pursuit of human rights and dignity for all its citizens. And it only grew stronger serving as High Commissioner for Refugees and witnessing the terrible consequences of ignoring — or blatantly trampling on — people’s fundamental rights and dignity.
Now, as Secretary-General, I see every day how the future of our world and the future of human rights go hand-in-hand. Our world is becoming more dangerous, less predictable, more chaotic. New conflicts are multiplying. Old ones never die. And both are more and more interconnected with the threat of global terrorism and violent extremism.
Again and again, we see violations of human rights as early and leading indicators of crisis. Again and again, we have seen human rights abuses play into the hands of extremists. At the same time, violations of economic rights, such as massive inequalities within and between States, are a growing source of social unrest.
If we are to truly address these challenges, we must make prevention our priority, tackle root causes of conflict and react earlier and more effectively in addressing human rights concerns. That is the lesson of so many conflicts and the driving force behind the Human Rights Up Front initiative. We know that just as denial of human rights is part of the problem, the active promotion of human rights is part of the solution. And that means supporting Member States in building capacity, strengthening States, institutions and civil society.
Perhaps the best prevention tool we have is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the treaties that derive from it. The rights set out in it identify many of the root causes of conflict, but equally they provide real world solutions through real change on the ground.
I look to the Human Rights Council to be fully engaged and help affect the change on the range of issues that requires your attention in our troubled and turbulent world. They include deliberate and systematic violations of international humanitarian law in a growing number of conflicts and which this Council has done much to expose.
We are increasingly seeing the perverse phenomenon of populism and extremism feeding off each other in a frenzy of growing racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hatred and other forms of intolerance. Minorities, indigenous communities and others face discriminations and abuse across the world. And the same applies to members of the LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons] community. The rights of refugees and migrants are under attack. Human trafficking is on the rise. And with so many people escaping war, the international community must not escape its responsibilities.
We must do our utmost to re-establish the integrity of the international refugee protection regime. Our challenge here is not really about “sharing the burden”. It is about “sharing the responsibility”. We have a collective responsibility embedded in the values we share and the Charter that defines us.
By the same measure, we must forcefully resist calls to reinstate torture. Torture is cowardly, produces no usable information and shames every country that inflicts it. And similarly, let us work together to turn back efforts to reinstate capital punishment. I say this as a citizen of a country that abolished the death penalty 150 years ago.
We simply cannot achieve any of our goals without the full participation of women and girls. Within the United Nations, I am committed to establish a clear road map with benchmarks to achieve gender parity across the system. I will soon propose to the General Assembly ambitious new steps to help end sexual exploitation and abuse committed under the United Nations flag.
We must do far more around the world. Hard fought gains on women’s rights are being chipped away, whether it is through a pushback on women’s reproductive rights or turning a blind eye to domestic violence or violently enforcing traditional gender roles. Let us say loud and clear: women’s rights are human rights.
As we do so, I also make a special appeal for the rights of children. Millions of children around the world are denied their rights. And children are the main victims of war and crises, the effects of which often last a lifetime. More than half of the world’s refugees are children, perhaps the most defenceless people on Earth. Let us act to protect children of all ages, ensure they know their rights, and can live and breathe those rights every day and everywhere.
Let us also recognize that we must do more to ensure equal attention to economic, social and cultural rights. The corpus of human rights is indivisible and interdependent. We cannot pick and choose, emphasizing some and ignoring others. The 2030 Agenda [for Sustainable Development] provides an ideal platform to demonstrate our commitment to all human rights. As the High Commissioner has often pointed out, the right to development is at the core of the 2030 Agenda. The right to quality education, housing, food, water, equal access to employment — these and other economic and social rights — can and must be realized.
As we work to promote all human rights, I want to express a final word of appreciation and admiration to those on the front lines. To human rights defenders, I say: thank you for your courage. The United Nations is on your side. And I am on your side. I remind Member States of their responsibility to ensure that human rights defenders can operate without fear of intimidation. Human rights defenders must be able to freely participate in the Council and engage more broadly with the United Nations without fear of reprisal. This is critical to our work and to the credibility of Member States.
Journalists are an essential part of the checks and balances of any society. They, too, must be guaranteed full protection in law and practice to do their vital work independently and without interference.
The struggle for human rights is at the heart a struggle to expand the horizons of the possible, to bring out the best of our selves and to unleash the best of our societies. Human rights inspire. Human rights transform. Human rights drive progress and change the course of history.
I am determined to raise the profile of human rights and to speak out whenever necessary. And I will do my utmost to defend the defenders. We will build a safer and more stable world for our children as we recognize the interconnections between peace, development and human rights. We will advance security by advancing dignity, justice, equality and the rule of law. I thank the Human Rights Council for working to point the way. Thank you very much.
For more world news end events click here
News NOTEBOOK
Times Colonist: Greater Victoria school district puts class trips to U.S. on hold
Board wants clarity on travel restrictions; Sooke trustees to discuss the issue tonight
“Until more certainty and clarity is established regarding travel restrictions, no future trips to the United States will be planned,” said board spokeswoman Katie Hamilton.
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/greater-victoria-school-district-puts-class-trips-to-u-s-on-hold-1.10585975
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