APRIL 4th PORT MEETING HIGHLIGHT ITEM

Fishing Fleet Modernization Study, presented by Commissioner Colleen McAleer

During their last meeting Port Commissioner McAleer presented the following study of the fishing fleet modernization study, the following is the staff memo which was present on their April 4th meeting:

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Maritime Federation and the Port of Seattle commissioned a study

entitled “Modernization of the North Pacific Fishing Fleet – An Economic Opportunity

Analysis” in November 2016. The study and brochure (attached) provide in-depth

information and analysis on the aging of North Pacific fleet’s fishing vessels and the

potential opportunity and positive impacts that the fleet modernization efforts could have

on Washington State’s economy.

ANALYSIS:

The “Modernization of the North Pacific Fishing Fleet – An Economic Opportunity

Analysis” study concludes that over the next ten plus years significant economic

opportunities are possible depending on the ability of the fishing industry and policy

makers to maintain and enhance Washington State’s competitiveness in the fleet

modernization effort. Fishing industry stakeholders have indicated that advocacy,

financing and facility improvements are necessary for Washington State to remain

competitive.

Paul Sorensen of BST Associates presented “The Assessment of Boatyard/Shipyard

Options” to the Port Commission in the fall of 2015. In this report, Mr. Sorensen

identified the Port’s current travel lift pier as an impediment to attracting large fishing

fleet vessels to Port Angeles for repair and modernization. The Port’s current travel lift

pier cannot accommodate the weight and beam of most of the larger fishing vessels that

need modernization.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Discuss the potential opportunity for the Port of Port Angeles to participate in the fleet

modernization efforts for the North Pacific Fleet.

You can see the full report on their agenda on April 4th: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/04042017-233

Editorial note: I say anything that will help local fishermen and their trade is a good thing.

For local meetings and local stories making headlines see page 2

PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT ON SYRIA

THE PRESIDENT:  My fellow Americans:  On Tuesday, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad launched a horrible chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians.  Using a deadly nerve agent, Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women, and children.  It was a slow and brutal death for so many.  Even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack.  No child of God should ever suffer such horror.
Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched.  It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.  There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and ignored the urging of the U.N. Security Council.
Years of previous attempts at changing Assad's behavior have all failed, and failed very dramatically.  As a result, the refugee crisis continues to deepen and the region continues to destabilize, threatening the United States and its allies.
Tonight, I call on all civilized nations to join us in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria, and also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types.  We ask for God's wisdom as we face the challenge of our very troubled world.  We pray for the lives of the wounded and for the souls of those who have passed.  And we hope that as long as America stands for justice, then peace and harmony will, in the end, prevail.
Goodnight.  And God bless America and the entire world.  Thank you.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/06/statement-president-trump-syria

Related stories
NY TIMES: Striking at Assad Carries Opportunities, and Risks, for Trump
WASHINGTON — In launching a military strike just 77 days into his administration, President Trump has the opportunity, but hardly a guarantee, to change the perception of disarray in his administration.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/striking-at-assad-carries-opportunities-and-risks-for-trump/ar-BBzxw8M?li=BBnbcA1

Bloomberg: Putin's Syria Gambit at Risk as Trump Challenges With Airstrikes
(Bloomberg) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin risks losing hard-won gains in Syria after the U.S. upended the balance of forces by striking at his ally President Bashar al-Assad in response to an apparent chemical attack that killed scores of people.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/putins-syria-gambit-at-risk-as-trump-challenges-with-airstrikes/ar-BBzw0G7?li=BBnbcA1

WP: Syrian President Assad condemns U.S. missile strike as ‘arrogant aggression’
BEIRUT — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reacted with outrage on Friday to U.S. cruise missile strikes on a Syrian military air base, calling them an “unjust and arrogant aggression” that would only increase his government’s determination to “crush” militant groups in Syria, according to the state news agency.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/syrian-president-assad-condemns-us-missile-strike-as-%E2%80%98arrogant-aggression%E2%80%99/ar-BBzvFZr

CONGRESSIONAL AND STATE HEADLINE NEWS

News from our Congressional delegation to Washington DC:
Kilmer, Renacci Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Fix America’s Election Watchdog
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Jim Renacci (R-OH) reintroduced a bipartisan bill to fix the commission charged with enforcing federal election laws. The Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act would reform the Federal Election Commission (FEC) so it can more effectively carry out its original mission to oversee campaign finance laws.
Representatives Mark Amodei (R-NV), Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Scott Peters (D-CA), Walter Jones (R-NC), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Lou Barletta (R-PA), Jared Polis (D-CO), Ken Buck (R-CO), and John Sarbanes (D-MD) are also original cosponsors of the bill.  
In recent years the Commission has routinely deadlocked when it comes to investigating significant cases involving the nation’s campaign finance laws. In 2006, the FEC commissioners deadlocked on just fewer than 3 percent of all major enforcement cases they reviewed. By 2016 that jumped to 30 percent.
“We need to bring people-power back to this Congress,” said Kilmer. “But the Commission designed to be the people’s advocate in our elections has seen more gridlock than Congress. Meaningful, substantial reforms at the Federal Election Commission need to happen so it can get back to weeding out campaign finance abuse and holding those who skirt the rules accountable. Making the Commission work will help us revitalize our democracy and put the focus back on citizens rather than special interests.”---press release issued 4. 6. 17
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-renacci-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-fix-americas-election-watchdog-

Kilmer, Members Lead Bipartisan Letter to President Trump Emphasizing Support for the Federal Programs that Support Iconic Bodies of Water
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), David Joyce (R-OH), and Bobby Scott (D-VA) led a bipartisan letter urging President Trump not to eliminate investments in iconic bodies of water. The letter, signed by 31 other members, warned that the President should reconsider his budget proposal that would completely eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency’s Geographic Programs that provide cleanup funding for Puget Sound, the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, and other major bodies of water.
The members wrote in the letter sent today: “Collectively, the EPA’s Geographic Program funds have been used by state, local, and tribal governments to implement thousands of on-the-ground projects to improve water quality, protect and restore native habitats, enhance fish and shellfish populations, and combat invasive species. Although every region has shown significant improvement as the result of these investments, there is still a great deal of work to do.”
“We know that you are strongly in favor of growing the economy, protecting clean water, and creating jobs. The federal funding provided through the Geographic Programs does just that,” the members added. ----press release issued 4. 4. 17
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-members-lead-bipartisan-letter-to-president-trump-emphasizing-support-for-the-federal-programs-that-support-iconic-bodies-of-water_



Senator Murray on Her Strong Opposition to Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch: Serious Concerns with Record on Women’s Health, Workers Rights, and Disability Rights
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) laid out her concerns with President Trump’s U.S. Supreme Court nominee on the Senate floor, and urged her colleagues to join her in voting no on advancing his nomination. Sen. Murray urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to abstain from using the nuclear option to permanently change Senate rules in order to force through a Supreme Court nominee without the traditional 60 votes. She also expressed deep concern with Judge Gorsuch’s record of not protecting women’s constitutionally protected health care rights, siding with corporations over workers, and ruling against children with disabilities.
“If you believe in transparency in our elections, and upholding the integrity of our democracy—or you believe we need a justice that will protect the rights of all Americans and stand with them and not with President Trump and millionaires and billionaires—the choice is clear,” said Senator Murray. “As I’ve urged my colleagues for weeks, with so much chaos in the Administration and so many questions surrounding this President’s commitment to the rule of law— slow down. Stop playing political games.  Respect the families we represent, respect the separation of powers, and stop trying to jam this nominee through—and whatever you do, do not blow up the Senate rules for Supreme Court nominees.---press release issued 4. 5. 17
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=B8388554-5B55-4354-BC92-729512667F67

Following New Reports of Drug-Resistant Outbreak, Sen. Murray Calls on Olympus to Verify Medical Scopes are Safe for Use in U.S.
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray, top Democrat on the Senate health committee, is calling on the President and CFO of Olympus Corporation to provide immediate answers following new reports that its closed-channel duodenoscopes have been linked to a new outbreak of antibiotic-resistant infections. The duodenoscopes at issue had reportedly been rebuilt as part of a recall agreement between Olympus and FDA following an investigation launched by Senator Murray in 2015, which linked these devices to 25 different outbreaks, including one at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.
The latest reported outbreak linked to these devices affected five patients, one of whom died, at a hospital outside the U.S.
“This tragic incident is particularly alarming because your company recalled and reportedly fixed the device in question after an investigation by my staff revealed a dangerous flaw in the design of Olympus duodenoscopes,” wrote Senator Murray. “I write to you today to request information in order to assess whether repaired Olympus closed-channel duodenoscopes are safe, and to understand whether the federal oversight of medical device safety in the United States is operating as it should.”---press release issued 4. 4. 17
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D4519745-83E9-4FC5-9BEA-1B996B13F464


As Republicans Renew Talks on Health Care Behind Closed Doors, Sen. Murray and other Democrats Urge Trump Administration to Reveal New Details of Plan Meant to Appeal to the House Freedom Caucus
(Washington, D.C.) – Sen. Murray, ranking member of the Senate health committee, joined 20 other U.S. Senators to call on the Trump Administration to release details of the health care plan presented to the House Freedom Caucus. In a bid to win the far right group’s support, reports indicate that the Administration identified specific Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules that the Administration would gut in exchange for the Freedom Caucus’ support. With President Trump and Speaker Paul Ryan determined to push on with their disastrous health care scheme, the release of the Administration’s planned actions is vital.
The Senators wrote, “Rather than continuing down this path, we request that you heed Democrats’ calls to stop working to repeal the ACA and stop taking actions that would undermine our health care system.  In order to provide much needed oversight and transparency regarding the Administration’s path forward on the ACA, please provide the document that was presented to Congressional Republicans on March 23, 2017, which outlined ACA regulations the Administration could repeal on its own.  We hope you will set aside your plans to unravel these regulations so that we can move forward to improve our health care system, but until you make the commitment, we will continue our efforts to hold you accountable.”----press release issued 4. 4. 17
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=DE03E317-57AD-497C-A50F-DBAB99964A8A


For more Congressional and state headline news see page 2

NATIONAL WEEKLY

From the WHITE HOUSE:
Remarks by President Trump at 2017 North America's Building Trades Unions National Legislative Conference
" For decades now, we’ve watched as our factories have shuttered -- almost 70,000 factories -- our jobs have been stolen, and blue collar wages have declined.  We’ve seen the economic pain inflicted on our fellow Americans in Pittsburgh and Detroit and Baltimore.  We didn’t just offshore our jobs, we offshored a big, big part of the American Dream." ---President Trump
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/04/remarks-president-trump-2017-north-americas-building-trades-unions

Remarks by President Trump and Vice President Pence at CEO Town Hall on Unleashing American Business
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  It's a great privilege to be able to welcome you to the White House.  Thank you so much.  I want to thank everyone involved in the Partnership for New York City -- Michael Corbat, Stephen Schwarzman.  It's an honor to have the leaders that are gathered in the room here with us today.  I know the President is on his way over, and it's my great privilege this morning to share a few thoughts, in the midst of this important conversation on the topics that you're covering before I introduce my friend and the 45th President of the United States.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/04/remarks-president-trump-and-vice-president-pence-ceo-town-hall

Statement from President Donald J. Trump
Today’s chemical attack in Syria against innocent people, including women and children, is reprehensible and cannot be ignored by the civilized world. These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration’s weakness and irresolution. President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a “red line” against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing. The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this intolerable attack.---press release issued 4. 4. 17
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/04/statement-president-donald-j-trump

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Heath P. Tarbert to the Department of the Treasury
If confirmed, Heath P. Tarbert of Maryland will serve as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, International Markets and Development. Mr. Tarbert is a leading attorney in the financial services field with over 15 years of experience.  Mr. Tarbert is a partner in the global law firm Allen & Overy LLP.  He previously served in all three branches of the Federal Government, including as Special Counsel to the Senate Banking Committee, as Associate Counsel to President George W. Bush, and as law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.  Mr. Tarbert’s policy work includes serving as Senior Fellow at the Harvard Law School Program on International Financial Systems.  He is a member of the American Law Institute and the Bretton Woods Committee.  Mr. Tarbert is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.  He earned his BS from Mount St. Mary’s University, his JD and SJD from the University of Pennsylvania, and his DPhil from Oxford University where he was a Thouron Scholar.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/04/president-donald-j-trump-announces-intent-nominate-heath-p-tarbert

Remarks by President Trump and President Al-Sisi of Egypt Before Bilateral Meeting
PRESIDENT TRUMP:  It's great to be with the President of Egypt.  And I will tell you, President al-Sisi has been somebody that's been very close to me from the first time I met him.  I met during the campaign, and at that point there were two of us, and we both met.  And hopefully you like me a lot more.  But it was very long.  It was supposed to be just a quick brief meeting, and we were with each other for a long period of time.  We agreed on so many things.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/04/03/remarks-president-trump-and-president-al-sisi-egypt-bilateral-meeting

For more national headline news see page 2



NEWS NOTEBOOK:

City of Port Angeles press release issued 4. 4. 17
Traffic Revisions on Highway 101
Minor traffic revisions, to include intermittent lane closures, will be in effect on Highway 101 between Oak Street and Tumwater Truck Route on Wednesday and Thursday, April 5 & 6, from 8 AM until approximately 4 PM.  City crews will be trimming trees and performing vegetation control in the area.  The public is encouraged to slow down for their safety and that of the workers.
Please drive safely and watch for temporary traffic control signs and flaggers.  Our goal is to complete the project safely with minimal inconvenience to the public.  The City of Port Angeles appreciates your understanding and patience.  It is always possible that repairs may take longer due to unforeseen circumstances, or that the work could be postponed due to weather conditions.

WEEKLY WORLD NEWS AND EVENTS

Secretary-General Condemns Bombing in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Secretary-General condemns today’s bombing in the Saint Petersburg Metro.  He extends his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and the people of the Russian Federation.  Those responsible for this appalling act must be held accountable. ---press release April 3, 2017
http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sgsm18481.doc.htm

Related stories
UN Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack which took place in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 3 April 2017 and during which at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and to their families, and to the people and to the Government of the Russian Federation. They wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7740

Statement on the Explosion in the St. Petersburg Metro
The images of lives lost and people injured in St. Petersburg are heartbreaking. We extend our condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, and to the people of Russia. You can be sure the United States will stand with Russia on defeating these extremists who continue to senselessly harm innocent people.
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7739

The United States Condemns the Attack in St. Petersburg, Russia
The United States condemns today’s reprehensible attack on passengers of the St. Petersburg metro system. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed, and our thoughts and prayers are with those injured in the attack and with the Russian people.
https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/04/269421.htm

Officials: St. Petersburg subway blast was suicide attack
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — A 22-year-old suicide bomber born in the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan was behind a blast on the St. Petersburg subway that killed 14 people, Russian investigators said Tuesday.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/13dd2db38ee64e92907d8585867aabbe/st-petersburg-subway-bomber-identified-kyrgyz-man

REU: Russian metro bomb suspect a Muslim born in central Asia: investigators
OSH, Kyrgyzstan/ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, April 4 (Reuters) - A Russian suicide bomber originally from mainly Muslim Kyrgyzstan detonated the explosives in a St Petersburg train carriage that killed 14 people and wounded 50, authorities said on Tuesday.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-metro-bomb-suspect-a-muslim-born-in-central-asia-investigators/ar-BBzgNmo

USA TODAY: Russian subway bombing reveals terror vulnerability
The St. Petersburg subway bombing demonstrated the terror risks facing subway stations because of their open access and large crowds, but experts said Monday that Russian transportation security has been less stringent than in the U.S.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-subway-bombing-reveals-terror-vulnerability/ar-BBzhVTM


More world news and events see page 2

MONDAY'S BUSINESS AND FINANCE REPORT

USDA: California Community Hosts Second Annual MyPlate-Inspired Fun Run
More than 500 students were asked that question during a morning greeting at Castle Rock Elementary, in the heart of the Central Valley of California. The students enthusiastically raised their hands.  The next question was “how many of you like to run and exercise?”  Again, over 500 students emphatically raised their hands.  This particular exercise inspired our MyPlate Color Run.
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/03/30/california-community-hosts-second-annual-myplate-inspired-fun-run

USDA Offers Renewal Options for Expiring Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 – Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young today announced that a contract renewal sign-up is underway for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), USDA’s largest working lands conservation program with more than 80 million acres enrolled.  USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) made several updates to the popular program last fall.  These changes help producers better evaluate conservation options that benefit their operations while improving the health and productivity of private and Tribal working lands.
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/03/30/usda-offers-renewal-options-expiring-conservation-stewardship

US DEPT. OF LABOR: Why Do You Ask?
On any given day, about 80 percent of the population age 15 and up watch television, and they watch for an average of 3 hours 29 minutes.* That’s an interesting piece of trivia, you may be thinking, but why does the Bureau of Labor Statistics need to know that? Without context, TV watching may seem like an odd area of focus – but this is just one of many statistics the agency collects as part of the American Time Use Survey. And Americans across the country use that information every day to get their jobs done.
The statistics above, for example, may be helpful to those promoting healthy behaviors and products, such as those who work in the health and fitness industries. The data can also be useful to television producers in determining programming.
Unlike other BLS surveys that track employment, wages and prices, the American Time Use Survey tracks a less conventional, but equally important, economic resource that we never have enough of: time. The survey compiles data on how much time Americans spend doing paid work, unpaid household work (such as taking care of children or doing household chores) and all the other activities that compose a typical day.
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/31/why-do-you-ask

PRESIDENT TRUMP NULLIFIES DRUG TESTING RULE
Administration looks to ensure appropriate drug testing requirements are in place for persons seeking unemployment benefits
WASHINGTON – Today, President Donald J. Trump signed legislation to nullify a U.S. Department of Labor rule that narrowly limited the circumstances under which drug testing may be carried out by states in administering their unemployment insurance systems.
The president’s action halts a 2016 rule drawn up by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, based on a 2012 law. The rule contradicted clear congressional intent – it narrowly limited the circumstances under which drug testing may be carried out and constrained a state’s ability to conduct a drug testing program under the act.---press release issued March 31, 2017
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20170331

Job Corps: A Road Best Taken for Drop-out
While in high school, Josiah Hernandez came to a difficult crossroads in his young life. Twenty credits short of graduation and struggling with academic and self discipline, he dropped out. Just a few months later, in search of direction, he found the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program.---Labor dept blog
https://blog.dol.gov/2017/03/28/job-corps-road-best-taken-drop-out

For more business and finance news headlines see page 2

WASH AG: FERGUSON FILES $2.1M CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWSUIT AGAINST TIM EYMAN

Mar 31 2017--Press release issued from the AG
Alleges personal use of campaign funds, intentional concealment
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a campaign finance lawsuit against Tim Eyman, alleging improper personal use of $308,000 in contributions made to political committees, concealment of contributions totaling $490,185 and misleading reporting. The lawsuit also accuses for-profit signature gathering firm Citizen Solutions of participating in a scheme to conceal campaign money the company funneled to Eyman.
If successful, Eyman and his for-profit company, Tim Eyman Watchdog for Taxpayers, could face $1.8 million in penalties, plus $308,000 in reimbursement.
Citizen Solutions and one of its principals, William Agazarm, could face penalties up to $924,555.
Ferguson will also ask the court to bar Eyman from participating in or directing financial transactions for any political committees going forward. A 2002 agreement permanently barred Eyman from serving as treasurer for political committees. Yet, the lawsuit alleges, Eyman still managed to weave an elaborate web of financial transactions to hide campaign funds, enriching himself while keeping his contributors and the public at large in the dark.
This scheme duped contributors who thought they were donating to one initiative, but instead were supporting Eyman’s personal expenses and a completely different initiative.
“Taking kickbacks from contractors, using campaign funds for personal expenses, redirecting donations made for one initiative to a different initiative — it’s hard to imagine what more Mr. Eyman could have done to show his contempt for our campaign finance disclosure laws,” Ferguson said.
The complaint filed today in Thurston County Superior Court stems from a state Public Disclosure Commission investigation. In August 2012, the PDC received a complaint about Eyman and two of his political committees: Voters Want More Choices and Protect Your Right to Vote on Initiatives.
In September 2015, PDC staff presented the results of their investigation to the Commission, which then referred the case to the Attorney General’s Office.
On Nov. 13, 2015, the Attorney General’s Office issued civil orders to Eyman, his for-profit company, two of his political committees and Citizen Solutions.
The orders sought business and financial information, including banking and tax records, regarding Eyman initiative campaigns in Washington. While the respondents produced a smattering of records, some of which were heavily censored, they did not fully respond to the subpoenas.
In June 2016, a judge ordered Eyman to comply with the subpoenas in the Attorney General’s investigation. Even then, the defendants failed to meet the court-ordered deadline, and it took a contempt motion to obtain the records.
In September 2016, the courts ordered Eyman, his political committees and Citizen Solutions to pay the Attorney General’s Office a total of $33,000 for the costs of enforcing subpoenas in the investigation.
Read more: http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ferguson-files-21m-campaign-finance-lawsuit-against-tim-eyman


(For local meetings and news headlines see page 2)

WA COMMERCE: State invests $123K to help train 90 certified marine welders in Port Angeles over five years

Assistance, partnership needed to meet demand for skilled aluminum welders as Armstrong Marine expands to fulfill $38 million contract to build Navy maintenance barges in peninsula community
The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded a $123,000 Governor’s Work Start grant to develop customized curriculum and train certified aluminum welders to support business expansion and new jobs at Armstrong Marine Inc. (AMI) in Port Angeles. AMI recently won a $38 million government contract to build state-of-the-art maintenance barges for the U.S. Navy.
Partners in the Port Angeles project, Impact Washington and Peninsula College, will work together with AMI to develop an expedited training.  The company plans to double its workforce in the Port Angeles area, hiring 60 new workers over the next 24 months. In addition to fulfilling AMI’s need to train qualified marine welders, the Work Start program will become regular curriculum at Peninsula College to support future growth in the state’s $37.6 billion maritime industry sector.
Port Angeles and Sequim High Schools also may be involved in supporting a Running Start pathway to skilled, good-paying jobs in the marine trades on the rural Olympic Peninsula.
“Boat and ship building, repair and maintenance is a vital subsector of Washington’s maritime industry, and a key economic driver for Clallam County,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “This project not only supports Armstrong Marine’s immediate expansion plans, but also supports our goals to increase export opportunities and continue to build our maritime, military and defense sectors.”
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/state-invests-123k-help-train-90-certified-marine-welders-port-angeles-five-years/

From our congressional delegation to Washington DC

Kilmer, Russell Reintroduce Bill to Open Defense Jobs to Military Retirees
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Steve Russell (R-OK) reintroduced a bill to make sure military retirees have fair access to jobs with the Department of Defense. Under current law, servicemembers who retire have to wait 180 before even applying for civilian jobs at military facilities like the Pentagon.
From 2001 until last year, the President had issued a waiver to lift the hiring rule. But the waiver went away at the end of 2016, causing individuals like Tom Bartz Jr. who the Kitsap Sun reported now is dealing with a delayed start date at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-russell-reintroduce-bill-to-open-defense-jobs-to-military-retirees-

Lawmakers Push for Open Data in Government
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06), Blake Farenthold (R-TX-27) and Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Ben Sasse (R-NE) jointly reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to open up government data to improve services and support new discoveries in the private sector.
The Open, Public, Electronic and Necessary (OPEN) Government Data Act requires that public data be accessible at Data.gov so individuals, organizations and other government offices can utilize it. Last week, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee reviewed and discussed the bill.
“Our goal is to make data more open to the public and more efficiently used by government agencies,” said Kilmer. “Making open data standard practice will create a more responsive government and help everyday Americans. It saves taxpayer money and gives innovators new tools to help fuel breakthroughs. I’m proud to be a part of this effort to empower positive change for our government, citizens, and businesses.”
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/lawmakers-push-for-open-data-in-government

Kilmer Presses Navy for Answers on Impacts of Training Missions on Olympic Peninsula
TACOMA, WA – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-0) pressed the Navy for answers on the impacts of training missions on the Olympic Peninsula. In a letter to Sean Stackley, Acting Secretary of the Navy, Kilmer asked for further clarification on recent activity near Olympic National Park and surrounding communities.
In a series of questions to the Navy, Kilmer asked how public comments were incorporated into the environmental review for projects like Growler flights and electronic range testing. He also questioned whether the Navy has worked with other agencies to most effectively measure how much jet noise can be heard on the Olympic Peninsula.
Kilmer wrote in the letter: “Given your agency’s mission, I request assistance in further understanding your recent and ongoing efforts impacting Washington’s Sixth Congressional District. Like many of my neighbors, I want my kids, and their kids to enjoy the pristine environment that I have been privileged to experience.”
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-presses-navy-for-answers-on-impacts-of-training-missions-on-olympic-peninsula-

Editorial note: How about the fact that the Navy will bring much needed commerce to the local area Kilmer, what happened to ensuring jobs for the Olympic Peninsula Congressman Kilmer?

Reps. Kilmer and Kustoff Introduce Bill to Protect Religious Institutions
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 27, 2017 – Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) and Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA) today introduced the Combating Anti-Semitism Act of 2017. This bipartisan legislation, also co-sponsored by Congressman Ted Poe (R-TN), Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy, III (D-MA), would increase the federal penalty for bomb threats and other credible threats of violence against community religious centers and ensure these acts can be prosecuted as a hate crime.
“The rise in threats at religious community centers is deeply disturbing and makes it clear that existing federal laws do not suitably deter these acts of hate,” said Kustoff. “Religious tolerance is the bedrock on which our great nation was founded. We must defend the individual liberties of our neighbors of all faiths and protect places of worship, and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that addresses the issue head on.”
http://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-kilmer-and-kustoff-introduce-bill-to-protect-religious-institutions

For more news on our congressional delegation to Washington DC, and State news headlines see page 2

                   

ADVOCACY NOTEBOOK, A WEEKLY LOOK AT CAUSES THAT MATTER

UN NEWS CENTER: Children in countries facing famine threatened by lack of water, sanitation – UN agency
29 March 2017 – In African and Middle Eastern countries facing famine, unsafe water is as dangerous for severely malnourished children as lack of food, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today warned, noting that nearly 27 million people are at risk in northeast Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56453#.WN0gXfkrIps

Medicines should help, not harm, says UN health agency launching global patient safety 'challenge'
29 March 2017 – Medicines should help, not harm, says UN health agency launching new global patient safety 'challenge'
Underlining that medicines should fulfil their real purpose – help people, not harm them – the United Nations health agency today launched a world-wide 'Challenge' that that seeks to reduce severe, avoidable medication-associated damage across the globe by half over the next five years.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56457#.WN0hAPkrIps

WE THE PEOPLE
Stop the sales of all weapons and arms to Saudi Arabia, until they stop enslaving women and end The Guardianship Laws.
Saudi Arabia is looking to continue its war in Yemen and the current administration plans to begin selling arms to them.
We want Congress or the President to use the only leverage we have and stop all sales of Weapons and Arms to Saudi Arabia until they end the Guardianship laws.
Guardianship Laws in Saudi Arabia require women to get a mans permission to Work, Go to School, Leave the house, Travel outside of the country, or leave the country in general. Women are forcibly bound and every major decision in their lives is taken away from them and given to a Male Guardian in their life who chooses what she can or can not do.
The laws strip the basic human right of Autonomy and Saudi Arabia has promised twice to end them before and still have not. We must act now while we have leverage. ---petition link
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/stop-sales-all-weapons-and-arms-saudi-arabia-until-they-stop-enslaving-women-and-end-guardianship-laws

United States: 12 Deaf Plaintiffs Sue Banner Health For Lack Of ASL Interpreters And Lack Of Auxiliary Communication Aids---Mondag
http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=580252&email_access=on&chk=2055056&q=1474804

For more Advocacy news headlines see page 2

WEEKLY LOOK AT NATIONAL NEWS & EVENTS

WH: Remarks by President Trump at Signing of Executive Order to Create Energy Independence
"That is what this is all about:  bringing back our jobs, bringing back our dreams -- and making America wealthy again." ----President Trump
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/28/remarks-president-trump-signing-executive-order-create-energy

Related story: Background Briefing on the President's Energy Independence Executive Order
 The President will sign it.  This policy is in keeping with President Trump's desire to make the United States energy independent.  He believes that we can serve the twin goals of protecting the environment and providing clean air and clean water, getting the EPA back to its core mission, while at the same time, again, moving forward on energy production in the United States.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/27/background-briefing-presidents-energy-independence-executive-order

Remarks by the President on Signing House Joint Resolutions 37, 44, 57, and 58 under the Congressional Review Act
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody, for being here.  I want to welcome many state and local leaders; and we've had them all over the White House today, and it’s a great honor -- including Governor Eric Greitens of Missouri; Governor Gary Herbert of Utah; Lieutenant Governor Jenean Hampton of Kentucky -- who are all at the White House and who are all doing something very, very important today.
I’m signing four bills under the Congressional Review Act.  Before this administration only one time in our history had a President signed a bill that used the CRA to cancel a federal regulation.  So we're doing a lot of them, and they deserve to be done.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/27/remarks-president-signing-house-joint-resolutions-37-44-57-and-58-under

First Lady Melania Trump to Honor International Women of Courage
First Lady Melania Trump and the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon will present the 2017 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award today at the Department of State.  The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m.
International Women of Courage has honored more than 100 courageous women from over 60 countries around the world. This year's ceremony is meant to showcase and support a group of women who put their personal safety and sometimes lives at risk in order to help improve their communities.  The award, now in its 11th year, honors those who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to advance the lives of others across the globe.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/29/first-lady-melania-trump-honor-international-women-courage

Remarks by President Trump and Vice President Pence in Roundtable with Women Small Business Owners
" Empowering and promoting women in business is an absolute priority in the Trump administration because I know how crucial women are as job creators, role models, and leaders all throughout our communities." ---President Trump
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/27/remarks-president-trump-and-vice-president-pence-roundtable-women-small


For more national headline news see page 2

WEEKLY LOOK AT WORLD NEWS & EVENTS

US MISSION TO THE UN:    U.S. Statement on a Resolution on the “Situation of and Assistance to Palestinian Women” at the 2017 Commission on the Status of Women

The United States strongly objects to this biased and counterproductive resolution as well as this body’s insistence on including political elements and one-sided condemnations. This political posturing detracts from the real challenges at hand – problems we should all commit to solving.

The United States, along with many of our international partners, remains committed to practical and effective support of the Palestinian people, including Palestinian women.

https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7727



U.S. Statement on a Resolution on Preventing and Eliminating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace at the 2017 Commission on the Status of Women

The United States thanks Israel for taking the initiative to bring about the first CSW resolution devoted to addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. We are pleased to co-sponsor this resolution. It is particularly fitting that it is adopted during a CSW session on women’s economic empowerment in the context of employment. The United States places importance on addressing sexual harassment at work. In her statement to the CSW last week, Ambassador Haley affirmed the United States’ commitment to advancing women’s human rights and economic empowerment. This resolution commendably raises awareness about the issue and contains action-oriented solutions to address it.

https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7726


Matthew Dolbow, Counselor for Economic and Social Affairs, U.S. Mission to the United Nations

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States thanks our facilitator Egypt, all participating delegations, civil society partners, and the untiring staff of UN Women on their diligent efforts toward developing a substantive, action-oriented set of Agreed Conclusions that were able to be adopted by consensus.

https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7724


Remarks at a Commemorative Meeting of the UN General Assembly to Mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Today, we remember the horrors of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. We remember the millions of Africans torn from their families; the countless people who suffered and died from disease, starvation, and the most inhumane treatment imaginable as they were put on ships and sold into bondage.

https://usun.state.gov/remarks/7723



UN: Security Council Sanctions Committee Concerning South Sudan Meets Special Representatives on Children, Sexual Violence in Conflict
During its informal consultations on 21 March 2017, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan was briefed by Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Zainab Hawa Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

 http://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc12766.doc.htm

For more world news headlines see page 2

MONDAY'S BUSINESS AND FINANCE REPORT

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
State of American Business: Moving Technology Ahead
It wasn’t too long ago that technology was considered its own business sector. But now – from transportation and energy to finance and medicine – technology is deeply integrated across sectors and across our economy. Businesses rely on technology to interact with their customers, improve their services, and make their operations more globally competitive. Technology is transforming all industries, which helps grow our economy.
By transforming these industries, technology is also creating the jobs of the future. New jobs are being created across our economy; they can be seen anywhere from transportation logistics to programmers and radiologists. In 2016 there were 6 million jobs in the U.S. technology industry with expected growth of 4.1% this year.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/state-american-business-moving-technology-ahead

Optimism Soars for Midsize Businesses
Midsize businesses are a critical component of our economy, providing nearly 40 million jobs and 40% of America’s GDP. They are yesterday’s small businesses and tomorrow’s Fortune 500 success stories. To get a better sense of what Washington can do to help them grow, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce partnered with RSM—a leading tax and accounting company—to produce the quarterly Middle Market Business Index.
According to the first quarter study released last week, leaders of America’s midsize companies reported record-high levels of optimism. They like much of what they’ve heard from our government leaders, especially regarding tax reform, fixing our health care system, and reducing federal regulations. They see these as enormous opportunities to jolt our economy and grow their businesses. Yet that optimism comes with a caveat: They’re waiting to make investments until Washington proves that it can actually deliver on its promises.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/optimism-soars-midsize-businesses

The EU At 60: The Promise Of The Project Endures
This weekend, the European Union celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which bound Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg together into the European Economic Community.
The EU stands as a political achievement that has brought peace, prosperity, and global influence to the bloc. By integrating into a single market of over 500 million consumers, the EU has laid the groundwork for workers, consumers, and companies to succeed in a fast-changing global economy.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/the-eu-60-the-promise-the-project-endures

Keystone XL Decision Signals “New Era for American Energy Policy”
Today, President Trump announced that his Administration granted the cross border permit needed for the Keystone XL pipeline.
This decision signals that the President is serious about building needed infrastructure to help put Americans back to work and improve North American energy and economic security. After nine years of politicized processes and decision making on pipeline infrastructure by the Obama Administration, this is a welcome move forward for our entire nation. (Press release issued 3. 24. 17
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/keystone-xl-decision-signals-new-era-american-energy-policy

Thanks to Shale Gas, Electricity Prices Moderate Across the Nation
Each year, the Energy Institute issues an update of our annual retail electricity price map, based upon the year-end electricity price data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  The prices shown on our map best reflect what business, industry, and consumers must pay for a given unit – or kilowatt hour (kWh) – of electricity.  This year’s map, with the most complete data for calendar year 2016, appears above.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/thanks-shale-gas-electricity-prices-moderate-across-the-nation


For more business and finance news see page 2

WEEKLY LOOK AT LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

School Board Passes Action Items Impacting Facilities

Posted on 03/24/2017 (press release)
Port Angeles, Wash. – Port Angeles School District Board of Directors made several decisions relating to facilities at its Thursday, March 23 meeting held at Lincoln High School.
Directors approved the Monroe Elementary School Demolition Project Design and Management proposal. Directors also voted to move funds from its Debt Service Fund to its Capital Projects Fund.
Monroe Demolition Project Design and Management Proposal
Directors approved the Monroe Elementary School Demolition Project Design and Management proposal presented by Nolan Duce, director of maintenance and facilities, and submitted by PBS Engineering and Environmental, Inc. (PBS).  This project covers the investigation, design, permitting, bid, construction, and closeout services.
Duce estimated the investigation stage will begin immediately.
The PBS project estimate is $118,560.20 and includes investigation period services ($35,852.20; design period services ($41,920); and construction period services ($40,788).
The proposal outlines PBS’s proposed services and fees to demolish the majority of the existing structures on the site of the former Monroe Elementary School. Services included are: building and site surveys for the presence of regulated/hazardous materials and underground fuel storage tank; abatement, demolition and site stabilization design document development; permitting; bid specification and drawings; bid period assistance; construction period services, including abatement monitoring, site inspection, closure assistance, and project closeout. The District intends to retain the portable building, shed, playground, water, power, septic and asphalt paving associated with the portable, as well as all significant trees not impacted by the demolition.
Monroe Elementary was closed in June of 2004.
“The building is 41,760 square feet,” Duce said, “and originally built in 1949. Common building materials used back then were asbestos and lead based paint. There is also an underground fuel tank for the boiler. The building has become a safety issue.”
read more here: http://www.portangelesschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=142102&pageId=10197458

For more local headline news and next week's meeting highlights click here

WEEKLY LOOK AT STATE NEWS, AND EVENTS THAT MATTERS TO US

News from our Congressional delegation to Washington DC

New Icebreaker on the Way as Cantwell Probes Coast Guard Budget
Coast Guard Commandant: We hope to start cutting steel in the next year
WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, in a hearing before the Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Senate Subcommittee U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) pressed Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft on the status of icebreaker funding in the Navy budget. The Admiral revealed that a new icebreaker is included in the upcoming Coast Guard budget and that a contract to begin immediate construction will be awarded the next year.
Cantwell has been a leader in calling for the recapitalization of our nation’s aging icebreaker fleet. The Senator has called for the Navy to fund the $1 billion dollar vessel, $150 of which will be in the Administration’s Budget Request, according to the Commandant.
Earlier this month, the White House proposed drastic cuts to the Coast Guard’s budget, prompting fears that the polar icebreaker program may be impacted. Admiral Zukunft’s statement today removes doubt that the U.S. will soon commission its first heavy duty icebreaker in four decades. (Press release issued 3. 22. 17)
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-icebreaker-on-the-way-as-cantwell-probes-coast-guard-budget

Cantwell Continues Call for Greater Cybersecurity for Grid, Critical Infrastructure
Experts: Cyberattacks are not just theoretical, happening in United States
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing on cybersecurity, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) continued her call for urgent action to defend American energy infrastructure against potential cyberattacks.
Cantwell questioned Eric Rosenbach, the former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security, about the possibility of a cyberattack similar to recent attacks in Kiev, Ukraine happening in the United States.
In 2015, the Russians reportedly hacked into three Ukrainian distribution utilities, knocking power out to more than 225,000 customers for several hours. Two months ago, a utility in northern Kiev reported that their grid was brought down as a result of a cyberattack that was very similar to the alleged Russian attack in 2015.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-continues-call-for-greater-cybersecurity-for-grid-critical-infrastructure

Cantwell, Murray: Call for Reversal of Proposed EPA Cuts That Would Devastate Americans’ Clean Air and Water
Senators: Trump’s pledge for clean air and water is “meaningless” when followed by proposal for drastic cuts that would undercut EPA’s core mission
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined a group of 37 Senators in opposing President Trump’s proposal to inflict a more than 30 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget.
Expressing “extreme concern” over the cuts, the Senators wrote to leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee, “During the President’s February 28, 2017 address to Congress, he pledged to ‘promote clean air and water.’ Such a pledge is meaningless when the President follows it by proposing a 31 percent cut to the EPA’s budget and a 20 percent reduction in its staff. If enacted, this funding cut would effectively eliminate the EPA’s ability to execute its core mission to protect public health and ensure citizens have clean air, clean water, and are protected from hazardous waste and contaminants.”
The Senators highlighted many areas of concern where the proposed cuts would significantly harm communities across America and in Washington state—from reducing clean air and clean water grants and cutting enforcement against polluters, to cutting funding for Superfund sites by 30 percent, to entirely eliminating efforts to combat climate change and the cleanup of major regional bodies of water, including Puget Sound. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has insisted that states should be the primary protectors of the environment. However, this proposed budget would drastically cut grants that are crucial for states to protect their clean water and clean air, monitor health impacts of pollution, and reclaim toxic-contaminated sites throughout the country.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-call-for-reversal-of-proposed-epa-cuts-that-would-devastate-americans-clean-air-and-water-

Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Introduces Bill to Protect Communities from Landslides
Legislation Will Improve Science and Coordination Needed to Help Communities Prepare for and Respond to Natural Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Representative Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.-01), Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced bipartisan legislation to help local communities prepare for and respond to landslides and other natural hazards.
The legislation, titled the National Landslide Preparedness Act, will help protect communities and property, save lives and improve emergency preparedness and planning by targeting key gaps in current science and mapping critical to understanding landslide hazards and risks.
According to the USGS and National Research Council, landslide hazards claim 25-50 lives each year and cause between $1.6 and $3.2 billion in damages in the United States. Globally, landslides cause tens of billions of dollars in damages and thousands of deaths and injuries each year.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-group-introduces-bill-to-protect-communities-from-landslides_

Cantwell: Investing In Infrastructure Is Key To Maintaining And Growing Our Economy
Cantwell Slams Trump’s Budget Proposal In New Letter, Highlights Congress’ Failure to Adequately Fund Maintenance Needs of the National Park Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) blasted President Trump’s budget proposal during a committee hearing on public lands infrastructure.
“Investing in infrastructure is key to maintaining and growing our economy. I thought President Trump, Republicans and Democrats all agree on that. But we need a budget proposal that can help us do that,” Sen. Cantwell said. “It is ironic that we are gathered to discuss infrastructure funding after having just received a budget that essentially abandons that entire concept.”
Referring to the Secure Rural Schools and PILT programs, Sen. Cantwell said, “We cannot claim to be saving money for an infrastructure package by taking away from the infrastructure funding of states. Whether it’s counties that are working to maintain or improve their schools or doing roadwork in rural communities, we need to work together to resolve these problems.”
Sen. Cantwell made the case that investing in outdoor and recreation infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to grow the economy. Outdoor recreationists made more than 938 million visits to federal lands, spending $51 billion and supporting 880,000 jobs—not including visits to private or state lands. The outdoor recreation economy spurs $646 billion in spending each year in the United States, yielding $40 billion in federal taxes and $40 billion state and local taxes.
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-investing-in-infrastructure-is-key-to-maintaining-and-growing-our-economy-

For more US Congressional, and State news headlines click here



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ADVOCACY NOTEBOOK (PAGE 1)

WH: H.R. 1628 – American Health Care Act of 2017--WHITE HOUSE

The Administration strongly supports H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA). This bill begins to fulfill the President's commitment to rescue Americans from the failures of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expand access to affordable, quality healthcare. The AHCA offers patient-centered healthcare solutions that will promote innovation, reduce health insurance premiums, and empower doctors and patients to make healthcare choices.

The AHCA makes significant and important changes as part of a three step process to repeal and replace the ACA. The AHCA would provide tax credits for Americans to promote affordability; improve Medicaid's sustainability and target resources to those most in need; and return healthcare choices to patients by expanding the use of health savings accounts. The AHCA also would provide for a stable transition from the onerous requirements of the ACA, while providing peace of mind to Americans with pre-existing conditions.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/22/hr-1628-%E2%80%93-american-health-care-act-2017

Related stories

Five Ways Trump’s Budget Proposal Would Harm Washington State---Budget & Policy Center

The Trump administration’s federal budget proposal hurts the very people the administration purported to help and leaves our states on the hook to make up the difference. The budget calls for big increases in military spending and pays for it through deep cuts to programs that help strengthen the economic security of everyday Americans. These cuts are on top of those already being proposed to health care through the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

President Trump has promised to be a champion of people left behind by the economy. However, his budget takes aim at the very programs that serve them. In fact, all of the cuts come from the Non-Defense Discretionary spending area of the federal budget. This part of the budget funds key priorities like job training, education, affordable housing, and basic supports for children, families, and the aging. It also includes funding for border security, veterans' benefits, and the FBI, but since Congress is unlikely to cut these areas, programs that help workers and families would be particularly hard hit. 

Trump’s budget proposal, entitled “America First: A Budget Blueprint for Making America Great Again,” would not, in fact, help the communities in our nation and in our state thrive

http://budgetandpolicy.org/schmudget/five-ways-trumps-budget-proposal-would-hurt-washington

Related news story, Bellingham Herald: Medicaid cuts in GOP health bill could reduce services for elderly and disabled

WASHINGTON 

Vital health care services for more than 17 million of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens could be on the chopping block if the Republican health care bill becomes law.

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/politics-government/article139650888.html

McConnell: 'We are not slowing down' on repealing Obamacare

The Senate will take up a House-passed bill to repeal and replace Obamacare next week, despite significant opposition from Republican lawmakers, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.---Washington Examiner

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/article/2618014/

Trump seeks to nail support for healthcare bill before House vote (REU)

U.S. President Donald Trump and Republican congressional leaders struggled on Wednesday to get enough support in the House of Representatives to win passage of their Obamacare rollback bill, watched by wary investors in financial markets.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-obamacare-idUSKBN16T22X

For more Advocacy notebook stories click here.

WEEKLY LOOK AT NATIONAL NEWS & EVENTS

From the White House:
Remarks by President Trump at Make America Great Again Rally | Louisville, KY
" Uncontrolled immigration -- you see what’s going on there; that’s happening quickly.  Little problem with the courts not wanting to give us the decisions that should be given -- but we’re going to win it -- and a financial system stacked against the American people.
These entrenched interests will do anything they can to keep the broken system in place, but they will fail, and we will win.  Because we are fighting on the side of our great American heritage.  (Applause.)  This place is packed.    I mean, I don’t want to say this -- we could have been watching a good basketball game tonight, right?  What happened?  What happened?  That’s all right.  You’ve done a good job, right?  You've a good job.  Great team, great coach.  It’s all right."---President Trump
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/20/remarks-president-trump-make-america-great-again-rally-louisville-ky

Remarks by President Trump in a Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister al-Abadi of Iraq
PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Mr. Prime Minister, it’s an honor to have you here before our Cabinet, which I hope in years to come will be thought of one the great Cabinets in the history of the United States.  We just spent a few minutes speaking in the Oval Office and learning and giving each other ideas.  One of the things I did ask is why did President Obama sign that agreement with Iran, because nobody has been able to figure that one out.  But maybe someday we’ll be able to figure it out.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/20/remarks-president-trump-bilateral-meeting-prime-minister-al-abadi-iraq

President Donald J. Trump signs NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Transition Authorization Act of 2017, the first comprehensive NASA authorization passed by Congress in more than six years. The bill demonstrates strong bipartisan support for our Nation’s space program and helps ensure that NASA remains at the forefront of exploration and discovery. (press release date 3. 21.17)
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/21/president-donald-j-trump-signs-nasa-transition-authorization-act-2017

President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 21, 2017, as National Agriculture Day
America's farmers and ranchers help feed the world, fuel our Nation's economy, and lead global markets in output and productivity.  The efficiency of American agriculture has provided this country with abundance our ancestors could not have imagined.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/21/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-march-21-2017-national-agriculture

Related story: Statement from Agriculture Acting Deputy Secretary Michael L. Young on National Agriculture Day
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2017 – Acting Agriculture Deputy Secretary Michael L. Young today released the following statement:
"Today is National Agriculture Day, set aside to pay tribute to the farmers and ranchers of our nation.  The work of American producers and growers ensures consumers in our country have plenty of safe food and a wide variety at a cost lower than much of the world.
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/03/21/statement-agriculture-acting-deputy-secretary-michael-l-young

For more national news headlines click here

WEEKLY LOOK AT WORLD NEWS & EVENTS

From the UN NEWS CENTER:
Poetry gives us hope to scale and climb 'cloudy summits of our time' - UN cultural agency
21 March 2017 – Poetry gives us hope, the United Nations cultural agency today said, lauding verse's ability to shake us from everyday life and remind us of the surrounding beauty and the resilience of the shared human spirit.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56385#.WNFAbPkrIps

UN disability rights committee opens with a call to spotlight gender issues
20 March 2017 – The United Nations committee monitoring efforts to protect rights of persons with disabilities today opened its spring session today in Geneva with a call to pay special attention to gender issues.
“We do urge you to ensure a strong gender basis is built in to your agenda this year, and we urge you to take special care to ensure that the voice and experience of girls and women resonates within your deliberations,” the UN’s Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kate Gilmore told the 17th session of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which runs 12 April
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56380#.WNFCAfkrIps

Nowruz a reminder that heritage helps make resilient, sustainable societies – UN cultural agency
21 March 2017 – In a message on the occasion of Nowruz – the day that celebrates the arrival of the spring season – the head of the United Nations cultural agency urged everyone to embrace the day's values and be inspired by its universal message of peace and solidarity.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56384#.WNFCcvkrIps

Ahead of International Day, UN rights chief urges governments to target hate speech, crimes
20 March 2017 – On the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the United Nations human rights chief today reminded Governments around the world that they have a legal obligation to stop hate speech and hate crimes, and called on people everywhere to “stand up for someone’s rights.”
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56379#.WNFCx_krIps

Toll on refugee and migrant children continues to mount one year after EU-Turkey deal – UNICEF
17 March 2017 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned today that one year after the Balkan border closures and the European Union-Turkey Statement, which were aimed at stopping mass migration flows, refugee and migrant children face greater risks of deportation, detention, exploitation and deprivation.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56373#.WNFDEPkrIps

UN aid 'pushed to limits' as 320,000 more civilians may flee west Mosul
20 March 2017 – Humanitarian agencies are bracing for the possibility that in coming weeks about 300,000 to 320,000 civilians may flee the western districts of Iraqi's Mosul city where Government forces are fighting to oust the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorists, a senior United Nations aid official in the country has said.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=56378#.WNFDYfkrIps

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MONDAY'S BUSINESS AND FINANCE REPORT

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: State of American Small Business: Time to Seize Main Street’s Moment of Opportunity
There’s nothing small about small businesses’ contributions to the American economy. In recent decades, small companies have accounted for approximately two-thirds of new jobs, employed about half of the nation’s private-sector workforce, and delivered half of our nation’s economic output. They were instrumental in helping our country pull out of the recession and bounce back in recent years.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/state-american-small-business-time-seize-main-street-s-moment-opportunity

Four Decades of Court Battles and Counting
This month the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center marks 40 years of fighting for American business in the judicial system. Throughout its history, the center has earned a reputation as one of the business community’s most valuable lines of defense by challenging harmful regulations at the federal and state levels, filing amicus briefs to represent our views in important cases, helping advocates prepare for court arguments, and working to promote public understanding of key decisions and legal principles.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/four-decades-court-battles-and-counting

The High Cost of Filling in the Obama Administration’s Paris Pledge 'Gap'
Meeting the commitments President Obama made as part of the Paris climate agreement could cost the U.S. economy $3 trillion and the industrial sector 6.5 million jobs by 2040, according to a comprehensive new study by NERA Economic Consulting commissioned by the American Council for Capital Formation with support from our Institute for 21st Century Energy.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/the-high-cost-filling-the-obama-administration-s-paris-pledge-gap


If Trump Takes Deregulation International, America’s Economy Will Prosper
The United States economy has significantly underperformed in recent years in very large part due to the Obama administration’s extraordinary capacity for imposing distorting and expensive new regulations on American businesses. Fortunately, in domestic policy President Trump has already proven an equally extraordinary capacity for undoing some of the worst of the regulatory excesses of his predecessor.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/if-trump-takes-deregulation-international-america-s-economy-will-prosper


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CITY'S BACK DOOR OPTION FOR CONTINUED USE OF FLUORIDE?

Editorial note: Look what I happen to find on the City of PA's next meeting agenda, it's a hoot alright.

For Informational Purpose Only - Department of Health Tracer Study with Sodium Fluoride The Washington State Department of Health is evaluating the disinfection
efficiency at 34 water treatments plants throughout Washington State, including the City of Port Angeles Water Treatment Plant (PAWTP). The DOH certification of the PAWTP requires the City complete a tracer study. The industry standard to determine disinfection efficiency includes
performing a tracer study to evaluate dispersion of chlorine used in the disinfection process. Since chlorine is continuously reacting and difficult to measure, the tracer study normally uses a more inert substance, sodium fluoride.
The City is in the process of providing data to DOH and their contractor to determine if chlorine can be used as the tracer element rather than fluoride, but due to the less stable nature of chlorine, it is unknown if chlorine is a viable option until these tests are completed. If chlorine is not a suitable tracer element for the City system, then the DOH contractor will use sodium fluoride.
The purpose of a tracer study is to confirm the existing baffling efficiency for the City’s Water
Treatment Plant contact basins. The baffling efficiency determines the effective chlorine contact time that is provided by the water treatment system to help ensure that viruses and bacteria are disinfected and do not negatively affect public health. For the purpose of the tracer study, if fluoride is used, the dose of sodium fluoride will vary between 0.6 mg/L – 0.8 mg/L. A majority of the fluoride introduced into the City’s water system for this tracer study will dissipate within five days after the study is completed.
Editorial comment: Yeah, right! If you like the taste of salt in your drinking water. An alternative to fluoride perhaps? To let the city have their cake, and eat it too?, or a alternative to a possible defeat in the next general election from the public voting against the practice of adding fluoride?  Sounds fishy to me folks, might end up having water taste like salty fish in the end if were not careful.
See full agenda: http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3703

In other county wide meetings
County commission work session on Monday agenda highlight items
County to send Letter of support for funding for Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration, Fish Barrier Removal Board, Floodplains by Design, and the Washington Coast Restoration Initiative programs
 Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration (PSAR) Floodplains by Design,
Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB), and Washington Coast Restoration Initiative (WCRI) programs leverage other monies to fund many restoration projects in Clallam County. Projects listed from these programs for this year's budget request include fish passage improvements on Kugel Creek and the Hoko River; riparian conservation on Morse Creek; and a water conservation reseruoir project and a floodplain restoration project on the Dungeness River.
Text of letter: Dear Senator Van de Wege,
The Board of Clallam County Commissioners seeks support for four worthy programs that fund high priority restoration actions on the North Olympic Peninsula and throughout Puget Sound. The programs are the Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration (PSAR), Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB), Coordinated Investment for Puget Sound Floodplains (Floodplains by Design), and the Washington Coast Restoration Initiative (WCRÐ. These programs play a key role in restoration projects here in Clallam County and elsewhere in Puget Sound and the outer coast.
In addition to leveraging other funding sources to recover salmon and provide localjobs, the projects funded by PSAR" FBRB, Floodplains by Design, and WCRI significantly benefit local residents. Restored natural habitats help reduce flood risÇ improve water quality, improve the chance for shellfìsh haruest, and offer recreational fishing opportunities. Salmon play a vitally important economic and environmental role on the North Olympic Peninsula.
The many salmon restoration projects under way create local jobs and significantly affect our
economy. Repairing damaged habitat is critical to recovering Clallam County's five ESA-listed salmon species: Puget Sound Chinook; Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca-Hood Canal Summer Chum; Puget Sound Steelhead; bull trout; and sockeye salmon,
One example of the work made possible by these programs the Lower Dungeness River Floodplain
Restoration. Clallam County has submitted a funding request for the restoration project to PSAR large cap, which funds projects of $1 million and greater. This large-scale, multi-partner, high priority
project reconnects 0.8 miles of the Dungeness River with 110 acres of its floodplain. The expanded floodplain and reconnected habitat will reduce flood risk while improving fish habitat and water quality in the lower Dungeness River. The proposal ranks #lon the PSAR large cap list, and is funded in Governor Inslee's budget.
see link for further details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=33&meta_id=7571

Other items on the agenda include:
Notice of hearing regarding repealing to Policy 320 – Inspection and Copying of Public Records and an ordinance creating a new chapter in the Clallam County Code titled Public Records and replacing with Policy 321 – Public Records(4b)*
NOTICE IS HEREBY GMN that the Clallam County Board of Commíssioners will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, April 11 at 10:30 4.m., or as soon thereafter as possible in the Commissioners, Meeting Room of the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 East 4th Street Ç Room 16'0, Port Angeles, Washíngton. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a new Chapter regardíng the receipt and processíng public records requests
http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=33&meta_id=7586

Amendment 2 with Washington State Department of Agriculture to increase funding
 See link for details: http://clallam.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=33&meta_id=7662

See full work session agenda: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=33

COUNTY REGULAR SESSION on Tuesday agenda highlight items
Agreement with Serenity House of Clallam County for low income housing assistance for the amount of $58,200
Agreement with Serenity House of Clallam County for low income housing assistance for the amount of $64,800
Agreement with Serenity House of Clallam County for low income housing assistance for the amount of $47,800
Agreement with Healthy Families of Clallam County for low income housing assistance for the amount of $34,768
Agreement with Healthy Families of Clallam County for low income housing assistance for the amount of $28,764
See full agenda for details: http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=138

Editor's note: My question why didn't they tally up all these request into one lump sum, instead of issuing out five separate request?

PORT TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS ON TUESDAY
Work session agenda item highlights:
Time Specific 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM - State of Barging Industry Presentation by BST Associates and Pat Cohn with Pacific Terminals
See full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/03212017-230

Regular meeting agenda on Tuesday highlights:
Real Estate Broker Commission Policy
From time to time it may be necessary or advantageous for the Port to use the services
of a real estate broker to assist with the lease or sale of Port property. A licensed
broker can provide additional resources to market Port real estate, either for sale or
lease, and thereby foster greater economic development opportunities.
On February 6, 2017 staff presented an initial draft of a Broker Commission Policy. The
proposed policy was based on the review of policies from four Washington ports. Port
staff had contacted seven ports for information. During the review of the proposed policy
the Commission raised several questions.
 see full agenda for details: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/03212017-231

CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM(S)
Ordinance 3168 Related to Land Use Regulations; Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on the Receipt and Processing of Permits Related to Tourist Homes for a Period of 180 Days, Authorizing Setting a Date for a Public Hearing, and Declaring an Emergency.
At the March 13, 2017 Workshop, Council discussed the Planning Commission recommendation and proposed code changes related to the regulation of short-term rentals. During the discussion, staff provided information to Council regarding the number of applications for tourist homes that have been approved since the beginning of 2015. Since that time frame, 13 applications for tourist homes have been approved.
Based on the number of applications for tourist homes approved in 2015 and 2016, as well as the expectation of impending clarifications and changes to the City’s short-term rental regulations, Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to impose a temporary moratorium on the receipt and processing of conditional use permits for tourist homes.
In the absence of such a moratorium, there is concern that approving applications prior to the adoption of any new or revised regulations will result in a significant potential to create a situation where newly permitted tourist homes would very soon become nonconforming uses. The moratorium will provide Council adequate time to complete their review and adoption of new regulations.
See full agenda: http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1129

JEFFERSON COUNTY AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM(S)

AGREEMENT NO. W2RCPG-1517-JCPWSW-00014, Amendment No. 1 re: Coordinated Prevention Grant; An Additional Amount of $24,600 for a Total of $107,049; Jefferson County Public Works; Washington State Department of Ecology
See full agenda: http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commissioners/Agenda/2017%20Agendas/03-20-17.pdf


CLALLAM COUNTY PUD MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM(s)
Invitation to Bid – Forks Vehicle Storage Bid #170802
Commissioners will consider approving an invitation to bid for site improvements and building construction for a Forks vehicle storage building
See full agenda: https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Preagenda-March-20-2017.pdf

SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING
 Port Angeles, Wash. - The Port Angeles School District Board of Directors will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln High School, 924 West 9th Street.


NEWS COMMENTARIES FROM NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS SOURCES

CSMONITOR: Ukraine’s suit of moral armor against Russia
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2017/0306/Ukraine-s-suit-of-moral-armor-against-Russia

AMERICAN SPECTATOR: The Hannity-Juan Williams Gun Dust-Up
https://spectator.org/the-hannity-juan-williams-gun-dust-up/

CNSNEWS: St. Patrick’s Strong Defense of Human Rights Has Not Been Given Its Due
http://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/bill-donohue/st-patricks-strong-defense-human-rights-has-not-been-given-its-due

WEEKLY STANDARD: The Immigration Crackdown, or Crack-up?
http://www.weeklystandard.com/the-immigration-crackdown-or-crack-up/article/2007264

PACIFIC NORTHWEST VOICES

EVERETT HERALD: Commentary: Construction noise worse than living near airport
http://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/commentary-construction-noise-worse-than-living-near-airport/

THE OLYMPIAN: Speaker Chopp earned his fine
House Speaker Frank Chopp must pay $6,470 including court costs for late filing of contribution and expenditure reports during the 2016 election cycle. Like other high-profile politicians, the Seattle Democrat should know better than to get sloppy with his campaign finance paperwork
http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/editorials/article138862868.html#navlink=SecList

SEATTLE PI: A Democrat's running start in race to run the Washington State Senate
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/A-Democrat-s-running-start-in-race-to-run-the-11004950.php

CROSS CUT SEATTLE: How Western churches built a movement to protect refugees
http://crosscut.com/2017/03/how-western-churches-built-a-movement-to-protect-refugees/


NEWS NOTEBOOK
DOE: Commercial net pen aquaculture planning meeting March 23
You are invited to attend the next planning meeting for updating the Recommendations for Managing Commercial Net Pen Aquaculture in Washington’s straits and estuaries.
http://ecologywa.blogspot.com/2017/03/commercial-net-pen-aquaculture-planning.html

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.----Romans 15:13 NKJV

Free bible study offered by World Bible School
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/