Sen. Patty Murray Joins Colleagues Demanding Presidential Advisory Commission Rescind Request for State Election Officials’ Voter Roll Data
Washington D.C. – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined 25 colleagues in demanding the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity rescind its request that state election officials provide sensitive voter roll data. Sen. Murray opposes the unprecedented request that threatens the privacy of millions of Americans and risks improper removal of eligible voters from voter registration lists in violation of the National Voter Registration Act. In the letter, the Senators warn that voting rights are at risk.
“This request is unprecedented in scope and raises serious privacy concerns. The requested data is highly sensitive and after recent data breaches and cyber-attacks targeting our election infrastructure, we are deeply concerned about how the Commission will maintain the security and privacy of the data,” the Senators wrote. “We are also concerned about why the Commission is requesting sensitive voting data and how it will be used. Leaders of the Commission said they intend to compare state voter information with federal databases in order to prevent voter fraud. Experts have raised significant concern that false-positive results from such a cross-check will lead to the improper removal of eligible voters from voter registration lists. Improperly removing Americans from registration lists is a violation of the National Voter Registration Act and will hamper Americans’ right to vote.”
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6B0CC8C8-7479-4C1E-9BC2-D8FF58FB746A
(press release issued July 7th
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Chairman Pence and Vice-chairman Kobach:
We write with deep concerns regarding the June 28th request by Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity (“the Commission”) for state election officials to provide sensitive voter roll data and demand that the Commission rescind its request. If the Commission refuses to rescind the request, we ask that you provide information about how the Commission intends to use and protect the data.
In a letter, the Commission requests personal information of American voters that is generally unavailable to the public, including names, addresses, dates of birth, political parties, voter histories, and the last four digits of Americans' social security numbers. This request is unprecedented in scope and raises serious privacy concerns. The requested data is highly sensitive and after recent data breaches and cyber-attacks targeting our election infrastructure, we are deeply concerned about how the Commission will maintain the security and privacy of the data.
Election officials from more than forty states share our concern, including Republican officials from Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio. Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson, a member of the Commission and the President of the National Association of Secretaries of State, noted that the Commission’s request conflicts with state laws. Even Vice-chair Kobach who requested the information indicated that Kansas will not supply certain information to the Commission.  
We are also concerned about why the Commission is requesting sensitive voting data and how it will be used. Leaders of the Commission said they intend to compare state voter information with federal databases in order to prevent voter fraud. Experts have raised significant concern that false-positive results from such a cross-check will lead to the improper removal of eligible voters from voter registration lists. Improperly removing Americans from registration lists is a violation of the National Voter Registration Act and will hamper Americans’ right to vote.
Also troubling is the Commission’s lack of focus on legitimate threats, such as foreign cyber-attacks on our election infrastructure.  Therefore, we demand the Commission rescind its request for sensitive voter roll data and refrain from requesting such information in the future. If the Commission refuses to rescind its request, we ask that you provide the following information in order to ensure that voting rights and the privacy of millions of Americans are not at risk.

1.     How do you intend to store and protect the data you receive from state election officials?
2.     Which databases do you intend to use for cross-checking voter data and how will you work to ensure those databases are current?
3.     What do you intend to do with the information obtained from cross-checking the data?
4.     What communications have you had with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security regarding requests for voter information? Please provide records and details of any communication.
5.     The Department of Homeland Security is charged with leading federal efforts to protect national critical infrastructure, including voter registration databases, against cyber threats. What communications have you had with the Department of Homeland Security regarding requests for voter information? Please provide records and details of any communication.
6.     The Commission’s letter requests election officials send correspondence and data to ElectionIntegrityStaff@ovp.eop.gov. Who has access to this email account and what is being done to ensure it is secure? Please provide the names of all staff members who will have access to the data, including Administration officials and members of the Commission.
7.     It was recently disclosed that more than 21 states were victims of attempted election hacks by Russia.  As one of the major issues facing U.S. democracy today is the protection of our state election systems from cyber-attacks, why would the Commission think it prudent to collect state-by-state voter information? One of the best protections we have against foreign interference is the decentralized nature of our elections. Why does the Commission think centralizing this data is a good idea?
8.     Much of the data the Commission collects will not be aggregated in a format ready for data analysis. Does the Commission intend to hire objective data professionals to manage and standardize the data?
9.     Many states have laws that prevent them from disclosing sensitive data that the Commission is requesting. Some state elected officials are particularly concerned about providing social security information. For example, Vice-chair Kobach has indicated that Kansas will not provide social security information to the Commission. How does the Commission plan to proceed if states do not submit the information they have requested?
We should be working to make it easier for Americans to vote, not harder. Please provide your responses to these questions in writing by July 12th, 2017.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

During Visits With Patients, Providers in WA, Sen. Murray Hears Resounding Message Being Told Nationwide: Trumpcare Would Devastate Efforts to Combat Opioid Crisis

SEATTLE, WA – Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) met with patients and providers in Washington state this week to hear first-hand about how the Medicaid cuts under the Senate Republican Trumpcare bill would impact efforts to prevent and treat substance use disorders, specifically opioid addiction. Last week, Republican leadership decided to delay a vote on Trumpcare due to overwhelming pressure nationwide and lack of support from members of their own party.
Yesterday, Sen. Murray visited the Community Health Center of Snohomish County (CHC) to meet with doctors and providers and hear their concerns about Trumpcare’s cuts to Medicaid and subsequent impact on the center’s ability to treat opioid addiction. The CHC provides critical health care services to Washingtonians who participate in Medicare and Medicaid. At the CHC, Sen. Murray spoke with patients Rachel Weaver and Dan Veach, who both shared how Medicaid has helped them continue their recovery from substance use disorder.
This morning, Sen. Murray visited Swedish Hospital in Seattle to tour the pain management center and meet with doctors from the addiction medicine program who specialize in chronic pain management and opioid therapies, particularly addiction in pregnant women. Sen. Murray sat down with patients Rachael Erks and Angelina Martin to discuss their struggles combating addiction and subsequent success with treatment.
“I hope my Republican colleagues take the earful they’re getting to heart and come back ready to drop Trumpcare and all the harm it would do for patients like those I spoke with in Washington state this week, who are getting treatment for substance use disorders or access to a primary care doctor under Medicaid,” said Senator Murray. “I’ve heard story after story this week about how devastating Trumpcare would be for patients and families across Washington state, especially those in communities struggling to address the opioid epidemic, and I’m going back to the other Washington to share those stories and make clear it’s time for Republicans to drop Trumpcare once and for all.”
“Opioid addiction and deaths in Washington have been climbing over the last 15 years. It is an issue we have been working diligently to address through the Joint Opioid Safe Practices Task Force, with Senator Patty Murray’s support,” said the Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Hospital Association. “The Medicaid cuts, coupled with the $2 billion budget treatment & recovery services, proposed in the Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act would have a devastating impact on those seeking help with addiction. It is vital, not only for Washington residents but for all Americans to have access to the treatment they need. This bill would pull coverage from thousands who need it, and cut funding to a fraction of the amount needed to adequately support some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
These visits to the CHC and Swedish build upon Sen. Murray’s ongoing work to combat the opioid crisis in Washington state. Last December, Sen. Murray secured $1 billion in federal funding to combat opioid addiction nationwide, including a recent $11 million investment in Washington state. With Senate Republicans doing everything they can to jam Trumpcare through the Senate, Sen. Murray has now been working to organize Democrats and stakeholders to defeat the bill.
Last week, Sen. Murray released a report to her Senate colleagues on the disastrous consequences Trumpcare would have for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. The report outlines how Trumpcare would remove critical protections and slash expanded Medicaid coverage that dramatically increased access to health care services for those with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The Senate version of Trumpcare would cut over $700 billion from Medicaid over the next ten years.
This week, Sen. Murray also released a state-by-state analysis on what is at risk if the Prevention and Public Health Fund is eliminated under Trumpcare. Since 2010, the Prevention and Public Fund has invested $97 million in critical public health programs in Washington state for immunizations, outbreak preparedness, opioid epidemic response, and more. If Trumpcare passes, $5.3 billion in investments for essential public health funding would be cut over the next five years – $3 billion of which would have gone directly to states
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=5C3ECBF6-1D1A-4D50-BBB7-5FBE8EC50681
(press release issued July 7th)

On page 2: SHOULD WE CEASE TRADE  WITH CHINA UNTIL THEY NO LONGER SUPPORT LITTLE BROTHER NORTH KOREA? 


WORLD NEWS SPOTLIGHT REPORT

WP: Qatar agrees to curb terrorism financing under deal with U.S.
Secretary of State Tillerson reached the agreement, which aims to encourage Qatar's neighbors to abandon their embargo on the country.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/qatar-agrees-to-curb-terrorism-financing-under-deal-with-us/2017/07/11/1a86e3b0-a041-4300-ab03-c840d8a19bcf_story.html

WA DFI: Triple Services LLC - Debt Collection Scam

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received reports of what appears to be a debt collection scam. Consumers reported that they have been contacted by telephone from people claiming to collect alleged debts owed to a company named Triple Services.

One Washington consumer stated “Ryan Snyder”, an individual claiming to represent Cardinal Services, contacted them via telephone, in an attempt to collect a debt allegedly owed to Triple Services. The consumer reported that Ryan Snyder stated a loan was taken out for $400 in 2010, and he threatened to file paperwork in Clark County for a judgement of $1400. The consumer further reported that Ryan Snyder had their driver’s license number, last four digits of their social security number, current address, and their spouse’s phone number.

Another consumer was told by an unknown individual that legal papers would be filed and that the consumer needed to contact Ray Anderson, an alleged attorney, to make a payment of $671. The phone number showing on the consumer’s telephone was the actual phone number to a county courthouse. However, the consumer contacted the courthouse and confirmed there were no legal papers filed against him.

Another person calling himself “Michael Walker” claimed to be collecting a debt as an agent for a company called “Contact Solutions.” The agent alleged that the debt was owed to Triple Services, LLC. The consumer reported never obtaining a loan with Triple Services, LLC.

Here is the contact information that is associated with these apparent scams:

1*855*375*2986
773*270*1640
206*745*9693
[officeofrayanderson@gmail.com]

Those perpetrating these scams are not licensed by the DFI and are not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State. The Department of Licensing licenses and regulates collection agencies under RCW 19.16.

DFI warns Washington consumers:

Never send money or provide access to your bank or credit card in response to threatening telephone calls or emails you receive claiming that you owe a debt.
Never give any personal information, such as social security number, credit card, or bank account information to any individual, website, or company without first verifying their identity and license status.
Check that a financial services company or individual is properly licensed to conduct business in the state of Washington by using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov
Check the license status of collection agencies with the State of Washington Department of Licensing at www.dol.wa.gov
Please note that these collection attempts should not be confused with the following company licensed to conduct business in Washington through the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, and/or Department of Licensing:

CARDINAL SERVICES, INC.

Important Information for Washington State Consumers
Residents of the State of Washington are informed that Washington State law provides in RCW 31.45.105(1)(d) and (3) that a “small loan” (sometimes referred to as a “payday loan”) made by an unlicensed entity to a person physically located in Washington State is uncollectible and unenforceable in Washington State. A “small loan” is defined in RCW 31.45.073 and is a loan that does not exceed $700. Collection activities involving loans of $700 or less are subject to RCW 31.45.082, which limits the time, place, and manner in which a payday loan may be collected. Payday lenders must also provide borrowers with an installment plan if the borrower is not able to pay the small loan back when it is due.

Information About Federal Debt Collection Law
If you received a loan from a lender or owed money to a business and someone other than the lender or business is now attempting to collect from you, the collection activity may be subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If you receive a communication from a party claiming that a debt is owed, you can request a “written validation notice,” which must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor you owe, and your rights under the FDCPA. If you have questions regarding federal debt collection laws, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELPCall: 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at www.ftc.gov

Prevent and Report Identity Theft
Consumers should never make payments over the phone or via email to a third party debt collector that refuses to provide a written validation notice. Even if the party seems to have some of your personal or financial information, you should not make payments or provide bank account or credit card information without receiving a written validation notice. If the scammers already have your bank account information, social security number, or other nonpublic information, you may be a victim of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov
If you feel you have been the victim of a financial scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your bank and the three major credit bureaus. Procedures for contacting the credit bureaus are available on the FTC’s website at www.ftc.gov (link is external).
Report Suspicious Activity, Scams, or Fraud
If someone threatens to garnish your wages, contact your employer, or uses threatening, intimidating, or offensive language, report such actions to state and federal regulators.
Washington State residents only: If you are a victim of a collection scam or if you suspect illegal or fraudulent activity involving a financial product or service, please contact the Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFICall: 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov. You may also wish to contact the state of Washington Office of the Attorney General at www.atg.wa.gov
If you live in another state, go to this webpage to find the regulator in your home state. http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/consumer/Pages/AgencyContacts.aspx
All consumers, if you feel you have been the victim of a scam you might also with to contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELPCall: 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov (link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB (2372) or online at www.consumerfinance.gov
If you feel you have been the victim of a scam involving the internet you may also contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov
press release issued July 7th
http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumer/alerts/triple-services-llc-debt-collection-scam

WA DFI: Amber Wright Claiming to Represent CBRL Legal Processing

The State of Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received a complaint from a Washington consumer against Amber Wright, an individual claiming to represent CBRL Legal Processing. The consumer reported that she was contacted by Amber Wright, via telephone, in an attempt to collect on an alleged payday loan with Cash Call. The consumer reported that Amber Wright alleged that the consumer had “defrauded the financial institution.” The consumer reported never obtaining a payday loan.

Amber Wright reportedly used telephone number 580*208*1899 to contact the consumer.

The DFI received an additional complaint of what appears to be a similar loan collection scam. A Washington consumer has reported being contacted by an unknown individual claiming to collect debts allegedly owed to “CashCall” in their name. The consumer targeted had applied for a CashCall loan in the past, but did not owe the debt being collected.

Amber Wright, CBRL Legal Processing, and the unnamed individual are not licensed by the DFI and are not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State. The Department of Licensing licenses and regulates collection agencies under RCW 19.16.

DFI warns Washington consumers:
Never send money or provide access to your bank or credit card in response to threatening telephone calls or emails you receive claiming that you owe a debt.
Never give any personal information, such as social security number, credit card, or bank account information to any individual, website, or company without first verifying their identity and license status.
Check that a financial services company or individual is properly licensed to conduct business in the state of Washington by using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov.
Check the license status of collection agencies with the State of Washington Department of Licensing at www.dol.wa.gov
Please note that these collection attempts should not be confused with the following company licensed to conduct business in Washington through the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, and/or Department of Licensing: See full press release issued July 7th
http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumer/alerts/amber-wright-claiming-represent-cbrl-legal-processing

For more news in the world of business and finance see page 2


BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT REPORT
NYT: Berkshire Hathaway Makes a $9 Billion Bid for Energy Future Holdings
The fate of a giant Texas power company that has spent nearly a decade in financial distress lies in a potential battle between two billionaires.
On one side is Warren E. Buffett, who has agreed to pay $9 billion in cash for the utility operator, Energy Future Holdings. On the other is Paul E. Singer, the hedge fund mogul whose firm is the biggest creditor of Energy Future. Mr. Singer is exploring making its own takeover bid for the company, which has spent more than three years in bankruptcy proceedings.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/07/business/dealbook/warren-buffett-energy-future-oncor.html?ref=business

Governor Inslee: A new department to better serve children, youth, families

Inslee signs bill to improve services for at-risk children and youth, appoints department’s director
Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill Thursday to restructure how the state serves at-risk children and youth by creating the Department of Children, Youth and Families. The governor also appointed Ross Hunter, director of the state’s Department of Early Learning, to lead DCYF.
The new agency, after a yearlong transition period that begins this month, will oversee several services now offered through the state Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Early Learning. These include all programs from the Children’s Administration in DSHS such as Child Protective Services, the Family Assessment Response program and adoption support, as well as all DEL services, including the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program for preschoolers and Working Connections Child Care.
Starting in July 2019, the new department also will administer programs offered by the Juvenile Rehabilitation office and the Office of Juvenile Justice in DSHS. Those programs include juvenile rehabilitation institutions, community facilities and parole services.
The creation of the new department follows the suggestions of the bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission on the Delivery of Services to Children and Families convened by the governor in February 2016 to recommend a state system that focuses more clearly on preventing harm to children and youth. Washington’s Legislature expressed interest in restructuring during the 2016 legislative session, prompting the governor to issue the executive order creating the blue ribbon commission, of which Hunter was a member.
Last month, as lawmakers continued to negotiate a state operating budget, Inslee met with foster parents, youth and advocates to push for the new department. He heard from people who have been in the foster care system who said that a standardization of services and more support for foster families are needed.

Inslee said that the way the government is organized signals what its priorities are. Placing all state children’s services in one agency will amplify attention and resources on improving outcomes, promoting more accountability and heightening the importance of children’s issues.
“We want to prevent harm to children and youth rather than just react to it,” Inslee said. “The vision for this department comes right out of the bill itself: that Washington’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy — thriving physically, emotionally and academically — and are nurtured by family and community.”
Other states have had success with this approach. New Jersey, Wisconsin and Tennessee, for example, have set up departments dedicated solely to serving children and families. These agencies have displayed more accountability and more easily made policy improvements while spotlighting the importance of these services to reach more families in need.
The new law creates an Office of Innovation, Alignment and Accountability in DCYF that will oversee the transition to the new department. It also creates an oversight board for the new department to ensure it meets its goals.-----from the Governor's webpage press release issued July 6th
https://medium.com/wagovernor/a-new-department-to-better-serve-children-youth-families-ebb875185e7b

Washington is 5th state in nation to get paid family leave program

Beginning in 2020, workers can receive up to 12 weeks of family leave and 12 weeks of medical leave
With Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature today, Washington became the fifth state in the U.S. to establish a paid family and medical leave program for workers — and arguably the most forward-thinking one in the nation.
The new law Inslee signed was passed by the Legislature last week with strong bipartisan support and will be in place by 2020.
It creates the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, which will provide everyone in the workforce with up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave, and up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care for a new child or an ailing family member. That leave is capped at 16 weeks if the employee needs both types of time off in a one-year period. Women who experience pregnancy complications may receive an additional two weeks of leave.
Depending on their earnings, employees will receive up to 90 percent of their wage or salary or up to $1,000 per week during their leave. Employees become eligible for the program after working 820 hours.
The new program will give workers more time to spend with their newborns, which research shows has long-term physical, emotional and social benefits for children, better preparing them for school, said paid family leave advocate Marilyn Watkins, policy director of the Economic Opportunity Institute. The program also will give people more time to care for an aging loved one, which is especially important as the state’s older population increases, and give families time to respond to unexpected medical crises.
“We really do expect there to be widespread benefits for everyone in our state,” Watkins said. “It’s portable as people move between jobs. The benefit structure is designed to make sure it’s affordable for people on every income level. … There are ways to help businesses continue to thrive and do well and prosper with this program in place.”
The cost of the new program will be shared between the employer and the employee through a payroll tax. Workers will pay 63 percent and employers will pay 37 percent of the premiums, but the employer could decide to pay more. For example, a full-time worker earning $15 dollars an hour would contribute $1.51 a week toward the benefit while the employer would pay 89 cents.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will not be required to pay the employer share of the premium, but those businesses can still opt in. Businesses with fewer than 150 employees who pay into the program are eligible for grants — $1,000 to $3,000 each — to cover the cost of an employee on leave.
According to the Association of Washington Business, chambers of commerce representing businesses from across the state supported the paid family leave bill.----read more of press release issued on July 5th from the Governor's office webpage
https://medium.com/wagovernor/washington-is-5th-state-in-nation-to-get-paid-family-leave-program-40085cc2c532

For more state and local news see page 2

WORLD NEWS SPOTLIGHT
'Trump remains Russia's hope': How Russian media reported Trump and Putin's first meeting --BI
The much-anticipated meeting between Trump and Putin is now being dissected on both sides of the Atlantic.

Putin says he thinks Trump ‘agreed’ with assurances that Russia did not interfere in U.S. elections (WP)
HAMBURG — Russian President Vladi­mir Putin on Saturday said that he assured President Trump that Moscow had not interfered in the 2016 presidential election, and that it appeared to him that Trump had agreed with his assurances.

Commentary: Airports and parks don't mix. along with other aviation stories.

Editorial Comment: In retrospect, I should not have defended the Lincoln Park trees during the last election I was involved with for city council. I feel if I hadn't ignored my gut instinct and common sense, I would have probably done better in not lending to the cause that ignored public safety, in favor of protecting trees, over a much needed airport. Maybe I was being setup to fail by others who was influencing my commend sense, and logic, that public safety, business and trade opportunities that are vital for this community, something the airport brings.
The park's history started way back in 1862, as  part of a United States Military Reserve established in 1862. It was dedicated to public use in 1904 through the efforts of Dr. Freeborn Stanton Lewis, pioneer physician, and then mayor of Port Angeles. Back then no one could envision that community planners would build an airport nearby, hence one day give rise to two groups, those who wanted to preserve the park, and those who would want to save a much needed airport. I few that election as a reflection of the attitudes of the majority of folks locally regarding saving the airport more than saving a park that hardly is noticed. I could kick myself in letting myself get swindled and bamboozled into going against common logic!
However, peoples voices of decent shouldn't be just ignored, and that is what I was trying to provide a voice for those who was against cutting down trees at Lincoln park. Given the need of this community of a viable and working airport should have override my sense of fairness in this case.  Now those who claimed to be stot defenders of those trees swore they would chain themselves to those trees, it would be interesting to see if that is still the case or not. Like anything times change, so do attitudes. The following are stories about Aviation, starting with a press release from Sen. Cantwell's webpage:

Cantwell-Sponsored Bill to Reauthorize FAA Soars through Commerce Committee, Includes Key Washington State Aviation Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Technology and Science passed a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through fiscal year 2021. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Commerce Subcommittee Aviation Operations, Safety, & Security.

“Aviation service is critical to our rural economies,” said Senator Cantwell. “Whether it's Yakima, Tri Cities, Walla Walla, or Wenatchee, they all require the access to customers and tourists that air travel provides. We need to keep pushing for the flexibility to help these regions grow, and give them the critical infrastructure they need for air transportation.”

Through Senator Cantwell’s leadership, the bill includes several key Washington state priorities:

Noise mitigation projects in the Highline School District: SEA-TAC Airport is located in the center of Highline School District and many of the district’s schools are impacted by airport noise. Senator Cantwell’s amendment ensures several schools within the district have access to more than $30 million in Airport Improvement Grants for noise mitigation projects including replacement of doors, windows, and the installation of through-the-wall AC units, or for new construction to include noise mitigation. Click here for more background on this provision.
Protecting Contract Weather Observers: The Contract Weather Observer Program is crucial to safety at Spokane International Airport, where frequently changing weather patterns and frequent icing mean pilots rely heavily on precise, up-to-date information. Cantwell’s provision allows the airport to retain Contract Weather Observer (CWO) staff, who provide accurate weather observations and readings to the flight crews in the air. The provision will help ensure the safety of the more than 1.5 million people who travel through Spokane International Airport every year.
Keeps contract towers open: This provision maintains contract towers, which provides air traffic service in areas that would not have air traffic services otherwise, and add additional safety to the communities they serve. Contract towers in Washington state operate in Renton, Olympia, Bellingham, Spokane (Felts Field), Tacoma Narrows, and Walla Walla.
Contract tower cost share exemption provision: Cantwell’s provision reforms the FAA’s Contract Tower Cost Share Program. Under the current program, airports who contract out their air-traffic control must pay a portion of their operating costs to run their towers. Cantwell’s provision changes the current cost structure to provide an exemption from the cost sharing program for small airports, like Walla Walla Airport, that have at least 25,000 annual passenger boardings. The provision could save the Walla Walla Airport more than $85,000 per year.
Enhancing the Small Community Air Service Development Program grants (SCASDP): Senator Cantwell’s provision extends the SCASDP and increases funding from $6 million to $10 million. The SCASDP helps small communities address air service and airfare issues. Wenatchee, Port Angeles, Walla Walla, Pasco, Spokane and Yakima have all benefited from the SCASDP program. In fact, the SCASDP helped Spokane get a direct flight to LA in 2013.
Advanced Materials Center of Excellence: Cantwell secured $500,000 in continued funding for the Advanced Materials Center of Excellence at the University of Washington, which has played an important role in the development of advanced manufacturing technologies that enabled the Boeing 787 to be one of the most efficient aircrafts in the history of commercial aviation.
The impact that air service has on the economy cannot be overstated. In Washington state, 97% of Gross Business Income is generated by businesses within 10 miles of an airport, and 70% by businesses within a short 5 miles of an airport.
As former Chair and current ranking member of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, Cantwell has made airport infrastructure and air travel high priorities. Since 2014, Cantwell has helped airports across Washington state secure more than $21,240,000 in funding including for airport improvements and increased air travel.  Cantwell has also lead the way in ensuring SEA-TAC airport has the resources it needs, including bomb sniffing canines, to reduce security wait times.
Among other provisions, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017 promotes:

CONSUMER PROTECTION & AIR TRAVEL ENHANCEMENTS – Includes new consumer protections for the flying public, updates Department of Transportation (DOT) rules following high-profile airline incidents, and takes steps to help passengers needing assistance during air travel.
DRONE SAFETY & INNOVATION – Addresses safety and privacy issues, criminalizes reckless drone behavior around manned aircraft and runways, authorizes FAA drone registration authority, and boosts enforcement while creating new opportunities for testing and promoting innovative uses.
AIRLINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS & AVIATION ACCESS – Includes new requirements on the bulk transfer of lithium batteries, improves communicable disease preparedness, and supports contract air traffic control towers, which largely serve rural communities.
GENERAL AVIATION (GA) SAFETY & PROTECTIONS – Offers GA airports more flexibility to facilitate infrastructure investment, applies the same medical certificate requirements to air balloon operators as other licensed pilots, and expands the rights of pilots in FAA enforcement proceedings.
AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION REFORMS – Improves international competitiveness of U.S. aerospace manufacturing by improving the FAA’s processes for certifying aircraft designs and modifications, as well as ensuring the benefits of such certification processes for manufacturers competing in global markets.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL & NEXTGEN – Acts on recommendations of independent government watchdogs for improving the FAA’s transition to 21st century air traffic control technologies, known collectively as “NextGen,” and requires the FAA to assess how each NextGen program contributes to a more safe and efficient air traffic control system and its current implementation status.
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT & STUDY – Increases authorized funding for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which pays for infrastructure like runways, by $400 million to an annual level of $3.75 billion (well within the projected trust fund surplus), and streamlines the application process for Passenger Facility Charges (PFC). Requires a study and recommendations on upgrading and restoring the nation’s airport infrastructure.
Washington is a leader in aerospace manufacturing and aerospace jobs. With more than 132,000 workers and 1,350 aerospace-related companies, aerospace is a key economic driver for the state.  Cantwell has been a tireless defender of the aerospace industry and airline passengers in Washington state, fighting to ensure rural airports have the resources they need, passengers are treated fairly, and the state’s manufacturers can compete and win on the world stage.
The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017 is co-sponsored by Senator John Thune (R-SD), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee; Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), the Committee’s ranking member; and, Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), the Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee Aviation Operations, Safety, & Security.----press release issued June 29th
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-sponsored-bill-to-reauthorize-faa-soars-through-commerce-committee-includes-key-washington-state-aviation-priorities

( More on page 2)

Sen. Murray: WA Paid Leave Program “A Great Step Forward For Workers And Families In Our State”

SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on the signing of a landmark paid leave program in Washington state.
“No one should have to decide between a paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one, and I’m so proud that Washington state is continuing to lead the way in making sure families aren’t faced with that truly unfair choice. This is a great step forward for workers and families in our state and it’s exactly the kind of progress I’m going to keep fighting for back in the other Washington.”
Sen. Murray has been a longtime advocate for helping workers earn paid sick days and paid family leave. She delivered one of her first speeches on the Senate floor in favor of the Family and Medical Leave Act and is a cosponsor of the FAMILY Act. ( press release issued July 5th)
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=DA1CB7E8-5B43-4C93-A21F-74D64B101095


Sen. Murray Applauds Committee Passage of Measure to Modernize VA Appeals Process

Washington, D.C.) –  U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, applauded the committee passage of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017. The bipartisan legislation seeks to overhaul the current process for veterans’ appeals at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The VA’s current appeals process is in desperate need of updating, and nearly half a million veterans in Washington state and nationwide are in limbo because of the VA’s existing backlog. Between fiscal year 2015 and fiscal year 2017, the number of pending appeals increased from approximately 380,000 to 470,000 – a more than 20 percent increase.
The measure, which passed the committee by voice vote, would create three separate paths for veterans to choose from when seeking redress from a decision by the Veterans Benefits Administration on their claims for VA benefits. Senator Murray has long championed reforms to provide better service and support to the nation’s veterans.
“Our country makes a promise to care for the men and women who serve, but far too often, I hear from veterans in Washington state that the benefits and care they earned have been caught up in bureaucracy outside their control,” Senator Murray said. “This is a disservice to those who sacrificed so much on our behalf. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues as we work to simplify the system so it works better for our veterans.”
The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 allows certain veterans already going through the appeals process to opt in to the new system and gives the VA secretary the authority to test facets of the new system prior to full implementation. The bill also requires the VA to provide a comprehensive plan for both implementing the new system and processing the existing appeals.----press release issued June 30th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E73B95B4-0FD6-4245-9CCC-454B7127F8FF



Sens. Murray, Cantwell Commemorate 100th Anniversary of Ballard Locks in Remarks for Senate Record
WASHINGTON, D.C. -  Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) commemorated the forthcoming 100th anniversary of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, more commonly known as the Ballard Locks, with remarks for the Senate record recognizing the historical and environmental significance of the locks and the their integral role in growing the Puget Sound economy and providing critical public safety functions. According to a recently released economic impacts study, the Ballard Locks support $1.2 billion in total lock-related economic activity, more than 3,000 full-time jobs, and generate an additional $40 million in economic activity per year as one of the region’s top tourist attractions. Recognizing the Ballard Locks’ regional importance, the Senators have consistently fought for increased investments to operate, maintain, and restore the Ballard Locks. The locks officially opened for vessel traffic on July 4, 1917.-----press release issued June 30th
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=B6A405CE-AB10-4F13-9182-F7792D8B86BA

For more headline news see page 2

11.7 BILLION ISN'T ENOUGH FOR PARKS KILMER?

From Congressman Kilmer's web page; who ran an article from the Casper Star Tribune, by Dick Shuptrine.
He quotes  Shuptrine: " Invest in our national parks
As a Vietnam war veteran, I am grateful that national parks exist to tell the stories of our country’s wars so that younger generations understand the sacrifices that America’s veterans have made for their country. These sites are important memorials and I am worried that with the severe federal budget cuts being considered in Congress that the National Park Service will not receive sufficient funding to adequately maintain our parks and monuments, including several in Wyoming. I was recently in Washington, D.C., meeting with members of Congress to speak up for park funding.
My gateway community relies heavily on national park visitors to keep our businesses running. A new Park Service report found that in 2016, visitors to Grand Teton supported more than 9,300 local jobs and infused our economy with over $597 million in spending. The visitor economy is Wyoming’s second largest economic sector.
Unfortunately, amid such benefits the Park Service’s $11.3 billion maintenance backlog, is an ever-growing challenge. The backlog includes unmaintained trails, crumbling roads, and visitor centers in desperate need of upgrades. Grand Teton faces $190 million in deferred maintenance projects, which includes more than $80 million in road work. No park is immune to this problem.
Recently, Reps. Will Hurd (R-TX), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) introduced legislation to make a concerted effort to making these repairs. The National Park Service Legacy Act, companion to an identical Senate bill introduced by Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Rob Portman (R-OH), would eventually allocate $500 million annually to the Park Service from existing revenues the government receives for oil and natural gas royalties, every year, until 2047.
This bipartisan proposal will make our parks more resilient and better prepared to continue welcoming visitors. As our parks move into their second century, I call on Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Rep. Liz Cheney to support this legislation and make investing in our national parks a national priority again.
From the stunning vistas of the Grand Tetons to the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, our national parks are unique aspects of our nation's natural and cultural heritage set aside for visitors now and into the future to explore and be inspired."
Source: http://kilmer.house.gov/news/in-the-news/shuptrine-invest-in-our-national-parks

Related Stories
DEPT. of INTERIOR: Secretary Zinke​ join​s​ Civil War Trust and National Park Foundation for battlefield preservation announcement
(Washington) -- On Wednesday, July 5, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and the National Park Service will join the Civil War Trust and the National Park Foundation at Antietam National Battlefield for an exciting announcement about recent battlefield preservation efforts at Antietam and throughout the nation.
https://www.doi.gov/mediaadvisories/secretary-zinke-join-s-civil-war-trust-and-national-park-foundation-battlefield

Secretary Zinke Announces Distribution of $1.1 Billion to State Wildlife Agencies
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today announced $1.1 billion in annual funding for state wildlife agencies from revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts. State-by-state listings of the final Fiscal year 2017 apportionments of Wildlife Restoration Program fund can be found here and the Sport Fish Restoration Program fund here.---press release dated June 13th
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-zinke-announces-distribution-11-billion-state-wildlife-agencies

President Proposes $11.7 Billion Budget for Interior in FY2018
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump today proposed an $11.7 billion Fiscal Year 2018 (FY 2018) budget for the Department of the Interior. The President's budget allows Interior to carry out its core mission of responsible multiple-use of public lands in a way that both conserves America’s iconic landscapes and supports responsible resource development. The President’s budget prioritizes public lands infrastructure by increasing funding for National Parks to address their deferred maintenance backlog. The budget also prioritizes responsible American energy production on federal lands and national security. To download highlights of the DOI FY 2018 budget, click this link: https://www.doi.gov/budget/appropriations/2018/highlights

“President Trump promised the American people he would cut wasteful spending and make the government work for the taxpayer again, and that's exactly what this budget does,” said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. “Working carefully with the President, we identified areas where we could reduce spending and also areas for investment, such as addressing the maintenance backlog in our National Parks and increasing domestic energy production on federal lands. The budget also allows the Department to return to the traditional principles of multiple-use management to include both responsible natural resource development and conservation of special places. Being from the West, I've seen how years of bloated bureaucracy and D.C.-centric policies hurt our rural communities. The President's budget saves taxpayers by focusing program spending, shrinking bureaucracy, and empowering the front lines."  

Additionally, the budget requests $123.9 million of discretionary Department of Defense appropriations to be transferred to the Department of the Interior to support enactment of the 2010 Compact Review Agreement with Palau. The Palau Compact is an important element of the Pacific national security strategy.----press release issued May 23rd 2017
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/president-proposes-117-billion-budget-interior-fy2018

Editorial note: So how does that jive with the article that Congressman Kilmer shared? Isn't $11.7 billion enough to satisfy the needs of parks?

For more national headlines see page 2

WORLD NEWS & EVENTS

UN: Conference to Negotiate Legally Binding Treaty Aimed at Banning Nuclear Weapons Considers Newly Revised Draft Set for Approval by Capitals

The Conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument with a view to prohibiting nuclear weapons resumed today, considering a newly revised draft treaty due to be sent to capitals for final approval.
Conference President Elayne Whyte Gómez (Costa Rica) said delegates had made significant progress on the revised draft over the past few days, reflecting the moral imperative to rid the world of nuclear weapons.  Noting that the negotiations had resulted in more points of convergence than differences, she said the draft instrument reflected the will of countries, as well as their wish to see the major nuclear-weapon States join the instrument.
“Nuclear disarmament is a long-term commitment,” she emphasized, adding that to reach that goal, delegates had sought to negotiate a treaty that would stand the test of time.  Part of that process entailed a complex quest for realistic provisions that would establish the existing political will in the form of a legal standard while remaining sufficiently flexible in adapting to possible future changes.  The revised draft instrument, available on the Conference’s website at www.un.org/disarmament/ptnw/index.html, contained revised articles and developed in greater detail the steps needed to dismantle nuclear-weapon programmes, the President added.
According to the revised indicative timetable, the Conference would hold plenary meetings on 5 and 6 July to address lingering procedural matters.  On 7 July, the Conference would consider the report of the Credentials Committee, take action on the draft instrument and adopt its procedural report.  (See Press Release DC/3718.)
As several speakers raised points of order, South Africa’s representative said every effort must be made to meet the deadline.
Algeria’s representative, concerned that the one-day turnaround time was not enough for Member States to approve the draft instrument, expressed support for the statement by his counterpart from South Africa.
Cuba’s representative emphasized that, with less than 72 hours left to conclude the treaty, now was the time to adopt the draft instrument, taking the positions of all delegations into account.
Also speaking were representatives of Austria and Chile.
The Conference will reconvene at 10 a.m. on 5 July to continue its work.
UN press release issued July 3rd
https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/dc3719.doc.htm

Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Removes Three Entries From Its Sanctions List

On 3 July 2017, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities removed the names below from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.

Therefore, the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 2 of Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) no longer apply to the names set out below.

A.    Individuals associated with ISIL (Da-esh) and Al-Qaida

QDi.168 Name: 1: AHMAD 2: ZERFAOUI 3: na 4: na
Name (original script): احمد زرفاوي
Title: na Designation: na DOB: 15 Jul. 1963 POB: Chréa, Algeria Good quality a.k.a.: a) Abdullah b) Abdalla c) Smail d) Abu Khaoula e) Abu Cholder f) Nuhr Low quality a.k.a.: na Nationality: Algeria Passport no: na National identification no: na Address: na Listed on: 3 May 2004 (amended on 12 Apr. 2006, 7 Apr. 2008, 13 Dec. 2011) Other information: Former member of The Organization of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (QDe.014).  Confirmed to have died in northern Mali on 19 Sep. 2006.  Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) was concluded on 27 Jul. 2010.  INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/4485781

QDi.169 Name: 1: DHOU 2: EL-AICH 3: na 4: na
Name (original script): ذو العيش
Title: na Designation: na DOB: 5 Aug. 1964 POB: Blida, Algeria Good quality a.k.a.: Abdel Hak Low quality a.k.a.: na Nationality: Algeria Passport no: na National identification no: na Address: na Listed on: 3 May 2004 (amended on 12 Apr. 2006, 7 Apr. 2008, 13 Dec. 2011) Other information: Confirmed to have died in Chad on 8 Mar. 2004.  Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) was concluded on 27 Jul. 2010.  INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/4474176

QDi.170 Name: 1: HACENE 2: ALLANE 3: na 4: na
Name (original script): حسن علاني
Title: na Designation: na DOB: 17 Jan. 1941 POB: Médéa, Algeria Good quality a.k.a.: a) Hassan the Old b) Al Sheikh Abdelhay c) Boulahia d) Abu al-Foutouh e) Cheib Ahcéne Low quality a.k.a.: na Nationality: Algeria Passport no: na National identification no: na Address: na Listed on: 3 May 2004 (amended on 12 Apr. 2006, 7 Apr. 2008, 13 Dec. 2011) Other information: Confirmed to have died on 16 Apr. 2004 in northern Niger.  Review pursuant to Security Council resolution 1822 (2008) was concluded on 27 Jul. 2010. INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/1423686
The names of individuals and entities removed from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List pursuant to a decision by the Committee may be found in the “Press Releases” section on the Committee's website.  Other information about the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List may be found on the Committee's website at: www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/procedures-for-delisting.
The ISIL (Da’esh)and Al-Qaida Sanctions List is updated regularly on the basis of relevant information provided by Member States and international and regional organizations.  The List is accessible on the Committee’s website at the following URL:  www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list.
The Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List is also updated following all changes made to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.  An updated version of the Consolidated List is accessible via the following URL: www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/un-sc-consolidated-list.
UN press release issued July 3rd
https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc12901.doc.htm



NEWS NOTEBOOK

The worst July 4 that George Washington ever had — and how it led to a new nation (WP)
Soon after Gen. George Washington learned of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, he wrote a letter to an old friend. He described how his poorly trained Continental Army was already surrounded by the British military. And he said he’d been thinking of the anniversary “of the escape we had” with “grateful remembrance.”


For more world news and events see page 2
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/page-2.html

MONDAY'S BUSINESS & FINANCE REORT

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:  Messages from Main Street on Infrastructure
During the first 100 days of this year, we embarked on a small business listening tour around the country. As part of #LetsGrow campaign, we visited entrepreneurs in their hometowns, sat down with small business owners during their visits to Washington, and listened to job creators during roundtables and congressional hearings to hear what they had to say.
Our objective is simple: we want to find out what barriers are holding back today’s small businesses from growth and what we can do to help send Washington a message. While we heard about an array of issues, one core message kept shining through: growing the economy must be our nation’s top priority.
Along the way, we heard from more than 100 small business owners from all across the country. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing their voices in this postcard series. Click on the postcards below to see what five Main Street business owners had to say to Washington about the importance of investing in and improving our nation’s infrastructure, including but not limited to our transportation systems.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/dear-washington-messages-main-street-infrastructure

Celebrate, America and Canada, Your National Holidays and the Spirit of Trade
“Oh, say can you see” the benefits of trade. “O, Canada,” just look south. (Or the United States can glance north.) National anthem mash-ups aside, it is worth noting that the United States and Canada share much more than just the world’s longest and most productive border. They share core values and a love of freedom, a commitment to democracy, a level playing field and open markets. And this time of year, they are both celebrating.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/celebrate-america-and-canada-your-national-holidays-and-the-spirit-trade-0

Here’s How to Modernize NAFTA
As one of the very last to speak in a three-day, 143-witness hearing on NAFTA modernization objectives organized by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, my comments on Thursday’s closing panel will be brief. My appearance will come well after the point when everything has been said—but not quite everyone has said it.
https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/here-s-how-modernize-nafta

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF $15M IN GRANTS TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS, YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a funding opportunity of approximately $15 million in grants to state workforce agencies to develop flexible and innovative strategies to increase the participation of people with disabilities in federally funded employment and training programs.
The grants available are the eighth round of funding in the Disability Employment Initiative, a joint program of the department’s Employment and Training Administration and the Office of Disability Employment Policy. The DEI intends to assist state workforce agencies with strengthening their customer service to adults and youth with disabilities through improved coordination with employers and workforce system partners.
The funds are intended to enhance grantees’ ability to strategically use a career pathways framework to improve training and employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities in employment and training services funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, in partnership with vocational rehabilitation, community colleges and other education entities, human service agencies and business partners.  The projects will improve coordination between the public workforce system and industry to help businesses meet their workforce needs by recruiting, hiring and training individuals with disabilities.
Grantees will incorporate the following six career pathway elements into their projects:
Building cross-agency partnerships and clarifying roles.
Identifying industry sectors and engaging employers.
Designing education and training programs.
Identifying funding needs and sources.
Aligning policies and programs.
Measuring systems change and performance.
The department anticipates awarding approximately eight grants ranging from $1.5 to $2.5 million to be spent over a 36-month period.  Funding will be provided to at least one project for each of the following two target populations: adults with disabilities (ages 18 and older) and youth with disabilities (ages 14-24).
State workforce agencies interested in applying for this funding should visit http://www.grants.gov.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20170703

US LABOR DEPARTMENT TO PUBLISH REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON FIDUCIARY RULE
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has published a Request for Information related to the fiduciary rule. The RFI is an opportunity for the public to provide data and information that may be used to revise the rule and associated exemptions.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20170629




More business and finance news on page 2
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/page-2.html

WHERE ALL THE GROWN UPS GONE? LONG TIME AGO....

PRESIDENT DEFENSE HIS "KATE'S" LAW DURING WEEKLY ADDRESS

Peter Ripley Publisher

Editorial Comment: I'm sure you heard an ear full from the pages of this publication and maybe others over the proposed "Kate law" being offered by the Trump Administration. I shared with you several responses to this law by our US congressional delegation, and state reaction to this proposed law. Trump used his first address as President on the weekly address for the Independence Day, not to bring together a divided nation that could have used an inspiring talk about our liberties our founding fathers gave to all Americans. Instead we were treated to a sales speech on his Immigration law. NOW, I'm not saying that more controls over our borders are important, we expect more inspiration message on where our nation is heading as a whole.
Here is the text of what Trump gave, along with some stories which offers the questions regarding free speech. Is it appropriate of a president to use social media to cast insults towards those who are his detractors? We expect more from our President I think. Our founding fathers never imagined that one day a president would resort to such tactics in silencing decent. You would never catch JFK, or Ronald Reagan pulling that kind of behavior. I still have to ask, when will the grown ups come back to the White House? It goes knowing as being president, you have to be mature enough to be there. Acting like a sophomore in college, or highschool in that exalted office of the president doesn't go well for the nation. Using social media like twitter, to call names and mock people shows the lack of being mature.

President Donald J. Trump’s Weekly Address
My fellow Americans,
This week, I was joined at the White House by American families whose loved ones were killed by illegal immigrants.
Many of these illegal immigrants had extensive criminal records and had been repeatedly deported.
Every single one of these deaths was preventable.
These beautiful American lives were stolen because our government refused to do its job.  If the government had simply enforced our immigration laws, these Americans would still be alive today.
That is why, since the day I took the oath of office, I have been restoring the enforcement of our immigration laws and the protection and defense of our borders.
These courageous Americans joined me at the White House to call on Congress to pass two bills that I campaigned on during the election.  If enacted, these bills will save countless Americans lives.  The first bill, Kate’s Law, is named for Kate Steinle, who was killed by an illegal immigrant who had been deported five times.  This law will enhance criminal penalties for those who repeatedly re-enter our country illegally.
The second bill, the No Sanctuary For Criminals Act, will block federal grants to jurisdictions that shield dangerous criminal aliens from being turned over to federal law enforcement.
On Thursday, I am glad to report, these two bills passed the House of Representatives.  This represents a crucial step toward ensuring our public safety and national security.
I want to thank Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte for his dedicated work on these critical bills, as well as other crucial legislation that will soon be considered as well.  I also thank Leadership for advancing these life-saving measures.
I now call on the Senate to take up these bills and send them back to my desk for signature – as soon as possible.  We need security.  We need safety in our country.  And I call on members of both parties to stand united with victims to stop these terrible and senseless crimes from ever happening in the first place.
This legislation presents a simple choice: either vote to save and protect American lives, or vote to shield and comfort criminal aliens who threaten innocent lives – and they’ve been shielded too long.
As we head towards the Fourth of July, we remember now more than ever to cherish our freedom.  The foundation of freedom is the rule of law.  It forms the bedrock of our Constitution and the cornerstone of our way of life.
So this Independence Day, while we're enjoying treasured time with our friends and loved ones, let us not forget the families who have an empty seat at the table this year.
And let us pledge that from now on, we will protect, defend and save American lives.
Thank you.
Source The White House webpage: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/06/30/president-donald-j-trumps-weekly-address


Related Stories
NEWS BUSTERS: Network Morning Shows Devote 52X More Coverage to Trump Tweet Than Kate’s Law
After Thursday’s network evening newscasts devoted 28 times more coverage to Donald Trump’s offensive tweets than to important immigration reform legislation, on Friday, the morning shows on ABC, NBC, and CBS offered even more lopsided reporting. Combined, ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, and CBS This Morning devoted a staggering 52 times the amount of coverage to the President’s social media attack than to Kate’s Law passing the House.
http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/kyle-drennen/2017/06/30/network-morning-shows-devote-52x-more-coverage-trump-tweet-kates

WH: Statement from President Donald J. Trump on House Passage of Kate’s Law and No Sanctuary for Criminals Act
During my campaign, I met many grieving families who all had the same plea: lawmakers must put the safety of American families first.  Today, I applaud the House for passing two crucial measures to save and protect American lives.  These were bills I campaigned on and that are vital to our public safety and national security.  The first bill, Kate’s Law, increases criminal penalties for illegal immigrants who repeatedly re-enter the country illegally.  The bill is named for Kate Steinle, who was killed by an illegal immigrant who had been deported five times.  Every year, countless Americans are victimized, assaulted, and killed by illegal immigrants who have been deported multiple times.  It is time for these tragedies to end.
The second bill, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, restricts taxpayer grant money to cities that prevent their police from turning over dangerous criminal aliens to federal authorities.  Sanctuary cities are releasing violent criminals, including members of the bloodthirsty MS-13 gang, back onto our streets every single day.  Innocent Americans are suffering unthinkable violence as a result of these cities’ reckless actions.  The House bill also includes what is known as Grant’s Law and Sarah’s Law.  These provisions, which prevent the release of dangerous criminals awaiting removal proceedings, are named for two slain Americans whose parents I spent time with during the campaign.
The implementation of these policies will make our communities safer.  Opposing these bills, and allowing dangerous criminals back into our communities, our schools, and the neighborhoods where our children play, puts all of us at risk.
Now that the House has acted, I urged the Senate to take up these bills, pass them, and send them to my desk.  I am calling on all lawmakers to vote for these bills and to save American lives.
Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/06/29/statement-president-donald-j-trump-house-passage-kates-law-and-no

More on page 2

Wash. AG: Cases challenging “sanctuary” executive order must go forward

Ferguson, 10 other attorneys general, file briefs supporting cities and counties fighting Administration
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson has joined nine states and the District of Columbia in urging a federal judge to deny the Trump Administration’s request to dismiss three California cases challenging its executive order threatening “sanctuary jurisdictions.”
Ferguson argues that the administration should not force local law enforcement to help it carry out federal immigration policy at the expense of efforts to promote public safety in their own communities.
The President issued the executive order in January, threatening federal grant money for localities that the government classifies as “sanctuary jurisdictions.” The executive order failed to provide a clear definition of “sanctuary jurisdictions.” The briefs were filed in support of lawsuits filed by the city and county of San Francisco, Santa Clara County and the City of Richmond challenging the President’s order as unconstitutional and unlawful.
U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick granted a preliminary injunction in April, blocking implementation of the enforcement provisions of the order until the lawsuits can be heard before the court. In issuing the injunction, Judge Orrick found that the California jurisdictions were likely to prevail in their challenge.
Before Judge Orrick issued the injunction, the City of Seattle was among several others nationwide to file a similar suits. On June 26, the City of Portland joined Seattle’s challenge to the executive order. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
In May, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum attempting to narrow the scope of the executive order. Sessions limited the definition of “sanctuary jurisdictions” to localities that “willfully refuse to comply” with federal law. He also stated that only grants administered by the departments of Justice and Homeland Security would be in jeopardy for designated jurisdictions.
The administration has not appealed Judge Orrick’s injunction. Instead, it has asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuits altogether, based largely upon the Sessions memo.
“Not one word of the executive order has changed since the court issued the injunction, regardless of Attorney General Sessions’ attempts at clarification,” Ferguson said. “President Trump’s executive order is an unconstitutional attempt to usurp local control of law enforcement.”
The brief argues that public safety is enhanced when all residents feel safe reporting crimes to law enforcement.
“Lawful policies that avoid entanglement between local police departments and the enforcement of federal immigration laws can improve public safety — allowing local agencies to focus their limited resources on fighting serious and violent crimes, and encouraging greater cooperation with law enforcement by immigrants and their family members,” the attorneys general argue in amici (friend of the court) briefs filed late Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The brief also argues that, regardless of Sessions’ memo, the executive order places ambiguous, inappropriate conditions on billions of dollars of federal grant funding. Due to those conditions, the states agree with Judge Orrick’s injunction ruling that the executive order is unconstitutionally coercive.
“The threat of losing that funding can have a profoundly coercive effect on the actions of state and local governments — especially when the funds support critical or urgent programs, such as disaster response efforts,” the attorneys general argue.
In April, Ferguson released extensive guidance for local governments on protecting the rights of all Washington residents, and the limits of federal immigration authority. The guidance addresses local law enforcement, jails, public hospitals, schools and employers, as well as interactions between local jurisdictions and federal authorities.
Ferguson also issued a joint report with five other attorneys general in May debunking the Trump Administration’s legal and public safety claims against cities and towns that choose to limit their participation in the most aggressive forms of federal immigration enforcement. The report was prompted by inaccurate information published by the federal government in weekly reports mandated by the executive order.----press release issued June 29th
http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-cases-challenging-sanctuary-executive-order-must-go-forward

Related story from the DOJ: Statement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act

Attorney General Jeff Sessions today issued the following statement regarding Kate’s Law (H.R. 3004) and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (H.R. 3003):
“I urge the House of Representatives to pass Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act right away.
“President Trump is committed to the rule of law and public safety, and it is the responsibility of the Department of Justice to enforce that law to keep people safe.
“Countless families and communities have suffered as a result of these ‘sanctuary’ policies, which undermine federal law by safeguarding criminal illegal aliens from federal law enforcement. One victim of these policies was Kate Steinle, who was killed by an illegal alien who had been deported five times and yet still walked the streets freely. Her death was preventable, and she would still be alive today if only the City of San Francisco had put the public’s safety first. How many more Americans must die before we put an end to this madness?
“Violent, transnational gangs like MS-13 take advantage of these policies in order to smuggle in drugs, recruit new members from our schools, and pillage and plunder our communities. Closing these loopholes in our laws must be a priority if we are to make America safe from these dangerous transnational organizations.
“Americans demand that these ‘sanctuary cities’ stop protecting criminals and start protecting law-abiding residents from danger. It should come as no surprise that a Harvard University report found that 80 percent of Americans believe that cities that arrest illegal aliens for crimes should be required to turn them over to federal immigration officials.
“Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act would penalize criminal illegal aliens who break our laws and the jurisdictions that attempt to shield them from justice. These bills can restore sanity and common-sense to our system by ending abusive attempts to undermine federal law, and they can prevent future tragedies by empowering law enforcement.
“I urge the House of Representatives to put the American people first before another family loses their child.”----press release issued June 28th
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/statement-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-kate-s-law-and-no-sanctuary-criminals-act

NEWS NOTEBOOK
THE OLYMPIAN: Budget deal must be signed into law by midnight to prevent government shutdown
A $43.7-billion budget deal that has been in the works for the past six months was released to the public early Friday morning, less than 24 hours before it must be signed into law to stop a partial shutdown of state government.
http://www.theolympian.com/news/politics-government/article159016509.html


Inslee says 'historic budget' will fully fund schools for first time in decades
Statement from Gov. Jay Inslee on budget to be voted on today:
“When I rolled out my budget proposal in December, I said that I would judge the success of this session on two things: whether we fully fund education and do so without cutting services that protect the health and safety of vulnerable Washingtonians and families. This budget does both.
“This is a historic budget that I believe fully funds our schools for the first time in decades and will meet our constitutional obligations. In addition, we are creating a new department of children, youth and family services, and making significant new investments in transforming our mental health system. This budget fully funds the collective bargaining agreements for hard-working state employees and protects crucial safety net services.
“As I have said, a split Legislature means compromises are necessary and neither side will get everything it wants.
"My staff and I are still reviewing the budget proposal, and I urge legislators to send it to my desk as soon as possible to ensure no further disruption to state services as we enter the final hours before today's deadline."---press release issued June 30th
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-says-historic-budget-will-fully-fund-schools-first-time-decades

More news continued on page 2

Cantwell on Senate Floor: Republicans Must Come to the Table on Health Care, not Throw “Another Hail Mary Pass”

Senate Republicans back down on hurried Trumpcare vote, delay until after July 4 recess
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) gave a speech on the Senate floor to drive home her message that Trumpcare’s drastic cuts to Medicaid would be a tragedy for people in Washington state and nation-wide. The speech came shortly after news broke that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) would be delaying a vote on the bill until after the July 4th recess.
To date, no hearings have been held on Trumpcare. None are planned.
A transcript of the Senator’s floor remarks is below.
Sen. Cantwell: Mr. President, I join my colleagues here from the Finance Committee, and although I don't want to admit it, it was 10 years ago that we had this discussion in the Finance Committee. My colleagues from Maryland and from Delaware and from Oregon. And I think what people don't realize -- even the presiding -- the president knows that we spent a lot of time talking about health care. This was not a, ‘let's have a few meetings and let's roll out the bill.’ There was a very, very long period. In fact, the president knows that in fact our side got a lot of heat for a lot of dialogue that happened with them. And our colleague from Maine, at the time, took a lot of heat for the dialogue with her. And there was a period of time, about six or seven months, where every single day I went to at least one thing in the discussion of the health care policy. At least one thing every day for, like, six months. That wasn't even the markup, that wasn't even the meetings. That wasn't -- that was just a time period where the committee had designated various subgroups that we would talk about policy. I don't know if the two of you remember that period, but my recollection is every single day I was going to something regarding the health care policy and listening to experts and recommendations. And then of course we had these -- I call them more roundtables than hearings. We had a lot of roundtable discussions. Then we went through a very, very formal bill process.
So there is a little bit of irony that we're the ones out here today still talking about this health care bill. I think because we know what the challenges were and we tried to address them, and we're not afraid to keep addressing them. We're not afraid to be out here today talking about solutions that we want to see as well. So I thank my colleague from Delaware, my colleague from Oregon, for both being part of that effort because it really was an unbelievable amount of time and energy and discussion and formulation. And the notion that somehow now we would take something that's one-sixth or one-seventh of the economy and draft something up in a dark process and then throw it out here, I'm not surprised today that there aren't the votes.
But the thing to do now is not try to just break up some votes in the next few days and then come back in July. The thing is to sit down and have a serious discussion. I notice that a couple of my colleagues are down at the White House. He's sitting there talking about the individual market. He's talking about the individual market in Alaska. And all I'm thinking is the individual market in Alaska, we're sitting here proposing -- the other side is proposing to cut 15 million people off of Medicaid. What does that have to do with the individual market? Nothing.
So I don't know if people are ready to focus on this the way we focused on it, you know, in that time period for more than a year. More than a year, day after day after day, in meetings and hearings. But I would hope what they would do is stop this proposal and sit down and have an open process and have a discussion on these policies because they're so important. Now, we've been having all this discussion and a lot of frustration that people have talked about is the 7% individual market. And there are ways to fix and improve the individual market.
I feel like I was fortunate enough to put forward one of the better ideas that has worked successfully, at least its working successfully in the state of New York. 650,000 people are on the basic health plan, as I think they call it in that state, essential care, that you can buy a premium for $500 on an annual basis instead of the $1,500 on the exchanges for that population that is above the Medicaid rate that needed to have a solution in the marketplace. There's 13 different people offering insurance to those 650,000 people. So that's obviously working. It's working. Now, it got implemented late. New York did it in 2016 because they were off to the races. But other states should now consider this.
What's so great about this in helping to address the individual market is because where we are on this side, we are willing to allow individuals that don't work for a large company to get the same clout as if they worked for a large company. Because when you buy in bulk, you get a discount. Americans know that. That's why they shop at Costco. That's what they do in New York. 650,000 people have bundled up and are saying to the marketplace, ‘who wants to bid to us on selling insurance?’ The end result is more affordable insurance in the market. That's what they should be discussing down at the White House, not cutting 15 million people off of Medicaid. That is not a smart idea. And I'm sure my colleagues here have already gone over this notion that once you cut people off of care, they just end up in the emergency rooms or exacerbated health needs.
So longer periods of time to get access to health care, more complicated health care costs, rising premiums. When we've gone around our state, we've heard loud and clear from the provider community and the hospitals, that they saw downward pressure on price of private insurance because we expanded Medicaid.
And the economic numbers are out there now to show the same thing. So cutting people off of Medicaid is not the solution to the individual market. I hope somebody down there at the White House brings that up.
In 2020 when Medicaid cap, if it did go into effect, the analysis is that it would cost-shift $324 million per year to my state. They would be cutting people off of Medicaid and then basically the cost would be $324 a million to our state. So you can imagine that our state doesn't have that money and isn't interested in picking up that tab.
And by 2028, we would be cost-shifting $4.2 billion. So not something that is smart economics for us, and I just, you know, over the weekend visited Virginia Mason Hospital in the Northwest again. Great success in delivery system reform. They've kind of implemented the Toyota model of production.
So literally faster turnaround time on lab reports, better expedience of nursing care. I think it was something like a 72% reduction in insurance liability. I mean, huge successes by changing and improving the delivery system that helps put pressure down on price.
This is what we need to be talking about. And there is much innovation that was in the Affordable Care Act, and we need to now ask the question, what further things do we need to do to make sure that that kind of driving down cost is there in the individual market as well?
But you are not going to drive down price. There are reports now out by the Center on Budget Priorities that shows that the price will actually go up in the individual market if you cut people off of Medicaid. Basically, it will just increase by several thousand dollars the actual amount of money that the individual market will have to pay in insurance.
So that clearly is not the solution. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle -- I hope they come back and say, it's time to work in a discussion about these ideas, in a broad way, not just another Hail Mary pass, just get rid of this notion that cutting poor people off of Medicaid is somehow going to magically fix the individual market. It's not.
And so I just thank my colleagues from the finance committee who went through all of that. And believe me, I'm telling you, these discussions went on for weeks and weeks and weeks. Some people here are trying to come up with a score and get an answer, you know, in a week on this entire package. I think we probably debated probably for, I would say probably two or three weeks just on the motion of reforming the getting off of fee-for-service a value index and getting the priorities of the delivery system focused on better outcomes at lower costs.
This is something that really should be a big priority in health care. And I remember we had private meetings, we had the head of CBO come down and talk to us. We had hearings. We probably spent three weeks just on one concept of how effective that would be in the health care delivery system. So I just -- I see we're still here. We're still talking. We're still willing to improve this delivery system and make sure people have better access to care. And I thank my colleagues for including me in this discussion today.
And I see my -- I just want to again thank my colleague from Oregon, the ranking democrat on the finance committee. I know he knows exactly what I'm talking about, when we talk about innovation, there's so much innovation that he put into the Affordable Care Act giving states the discretion. They already have all the discretion they need. They have all the discretion they need to keep innovating. And hopefully we will get our colleagues to follow suit, because this is where -- this is where we're going to deliver better care at lower cost and help improve the access for everybody in America. So I thank my colleague. ---Press release issued June 27th

Cantwell, Hirono Lead Call to Fire “Bigoted, Misogynistic” Department of Energy Appointee

Senators: “[William] Bradford’s divisive rhetoric has no place in public service…We are concerned that Dr. Bradford’s character, as demonstrated by his past statements and writings, make him unfit to lead”
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) called on Secretary of Energy Rick Perry to fire William Bradford, who was recently appointed to lead the Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy. After his appointment, the Washington Post exposed his record of making bigoted and misogynistic statements, including calling the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II “necessary.”
 The letter was also signed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
 The Senators wrote:
 “Public officials in leadership positions have the responsibility to serve all Americans regardless of race, gender, and religion. These officials must be held to the highest standards of conduct. Dr. Bradford’s divisive rhetoric has no place in public service. While he has since apologized for his deeply offensive and hurtful statements, we are concerned that Dr. Bradford’s character, as demonstrated by his past statements and writings, make him unfit to lead an important program like the Department’s Office of Indian Energy. For this reason, we ask that you remove Dr. Bradford from his position of leadership immediately.”
 In addition, the Senators questioned how Dr. Bradford was able to clear the Administration’s vetting process, considering his record of disturbing public statements. Dr. Bradford’s position does not require Senate confirmation.----press release issued June 27th



News notebook:

PORT CALLS FOR SPECIAL MEETING FRIDAY ( June 30, 2017, 12:00 PM.)
Purpose: Resolution No. 17-1151 – Emergency Authority to Remove Trees Encroaching into FIA Flight Path
http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/06302017-250

More on page 2

Sens. Murray, Cantwell Blast Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for Harmful Actions on Civil Rights Protections, Enforcement in Schools

Editorial Note: Today's lead stories are from one of our congressional delegation for Washington DC, Sen. Patty Murray. These statements from Murray and others stem from a statement made recently by the Education Secretary from what I could find off the education webpage:
DeVos: Supreme Court Sends Clear Message that Religious Discrimination Cannot Be Tolerated
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States announced its ruling in Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia vs. Comer, holding that the government may not deny a generally available benefit on account of religious identity. After the ruling, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released the following statement:
“This decision marks a great day for the Constitution and sends a clear message that religious discrimination in any form cannot be tolerated in a society that values the First Amendment. We should all celebrate the fact that programs designed to help students will no longer be discriminated against by the government based solely on religious affiliation.”
Source: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/devos-supreme-court-sends-clear-message-religious-discrimination-cannot-be-tolerated

I don't get that little remark translated into Murray's latest rant against DeVos? Protecting all children's rights of an education is one thing, but, forcing kids to learn about lifestyles that are contrary to God's natural law regarding marriage between one man, one woman, is another thing altogether.  I don't think parents want their kids to be indoctrinated in any religion, or lifestyle that goes against  God's law.  Besides, who would pin labels on kids?! This is exactly liberals want, to pin labels on people so they can scream discrimination! The point is kids should only worry about studies, not labels pinned on them by know nothing politicians, who wants only your votes, during an election.

The following is excerpts from Murray's latest rant....


(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate education committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 34 Senators in a letter sent to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos citing major concerns with steps the U.S. Department of Education has taken under her leadership to diminish civil rights enforcement for students in Washington state and across the country. The Senators highlighted a number of alarming steps Secretary DeVos has taken, including hosting events with anti-LGBTQ groups, proposing to slash the budget of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and scaling back OCR’s civil rights enforcements, among others.
“Your testimony in front of Congress, your continued association with groups with records of supporting discrimination, and two memos written by the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, have reemphasized longstanding concerns about your dedication to the idea that all students, no matter their race, religion, disability, country of origin, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, have a right to receive an education free from discrimination,” wrote the Senators.
Due to the disturbing actions of the U.S. Department of Education and other agencies, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has opened a multi-agency investigation into whether the Trump Administration’s proposed budgets, staffing cuts, and policy priorities have increased the risk of discrimination.---from a press release issued June 27th
Excerpt from letter sent by Cantwell and Murray
Dear Secretary DeVos:
We are extraordinarily disappointed and alarmed by recent actions you and your staff have taken that have diminished the U.S. Department of Education’s (“the Department”) enforcement of federal civil rights laws. Your testimony in front of Congress, your continued association with groups with records of supporting discrimination, and two memos written by the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, have reemphasized longstanding concerns about your dedication to the idea that all students, no matter their race, religion, disability, country of origin, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, have a right to receive an education free from discrimination.

You claim to support civil rights and oppose discrimination, but your actions belie your assurances. During your confirmation hearing, and during recent testimony, you gave confusing and contradictory answers about the federal role in protecting students’ civil rights and whether you believe that all schools receiving federal funds should follow civil rights laws. In testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, you attempted to distance yourself from your family’s giving to organizations such as the Family Research Council, which promote intolerant views of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming Americans and others. Yet, on June 15, 2017, the Family Research Council participated in an official event on engaging fathers in students’ education at the Department.[1] You have also appointed staff who have fought against the Department’s 2011 Title IX Guidance clarifying schools’ responsibility to address campus sexual assault and against expanded protections for survivors of sexual violence on campus.[2] These actions appear to reinforce the Trump Administration’s efforts to curtail civil rights protections for students and families.
Recently your Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Candice Jackson, sent a memo to Regional Directors of the Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) scaling back and narrowing the way OCR will approach civil rights enforcement.[3] Over the past decade, OCR has maximized its impact and ability to enforce civil rights laws by taking a systematic approach, gathering multiple years of data, and looking to see whether the discrimination, harassment, or other prohibited behavior raised by a complainant was indicative of a broader problem affecting other students or school community members. The new field memo instructs field investigators only to investigate “systematic” or “class-action” issues when they are raised directly in a complaint or at the discretion of the investigative team. Limiting use of the systematic approach may cause investigators to miss issues of pervasive discrimination or civil rights abuses. ( See full letter)
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=07F7BD6E-DD92-4DED-BF13-567A2B073BA4

VIDEO: As Senate Republicans Pull Vote on Trumpcare Bill, Sen. Murray Warns: “This Fight Is Anything But Over”

(Washington, D.C.) –  Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor after Republican leadership decided to delay this week’s vote on Trumpcare due to overwhelming pressure and lack of support from members of their own party.

Key excerpts from Senator Murray’s floor speech:
“I want to make something absolutely clear: this fight is anything but over. Trumpcare is not dead—not even close—and we can’t let up…we don’t know what kinds of backroom deals Senate Republican leaders will cut, or which Republicans will decide they care more about toeing the party line than protecting the patients and families in their states, here’s what we do know: the Majority Leader is not going to give up. He wants to get to yes—and so does President Trump. So the backroom deals and arm-twisting are going to go into overdrive—starting now. That’s why my message to every patient and family—every mom and dad, adult caregiver, doctor, nurse, teacher—anyone who believes Trumpcare would be devastating for their community—is don’t let up the pressure! We saw what happened in the House—we need to keep fighting—and Democrats will be fighting right along with you.”
“Their bill isn’t actually about health care—far from it. Their bill is about giving a massive gift to the wealthy and already well-connected—on the backs of children, working families, the sick and elderly. And it’s an enormous broken promise—yesterday’s CBO report made that alarmingly clear. Republican leaders promised to lower health care costs—this plan will actually raise them, especially for seniors. They promised not to pull the rug out from patients—this plan would take away coverage from 24 million people and gut Medicaid, with even deeper cuts than the House version. They said that under their bill no one—no one—would be worse off. Well tell that to a woman who would have to pay as much as $1000 dollars extra in maternity care, or will have to see her local Planned Parenthood center closed. They said their bill would protect patients with pre-existing conditions—but read the fine print—this plan is a back-door way to put those patients’ fate in the hands of insurance companies. And—this is truly shameful—Republican leaders promised they were committed to tackling our growing opioid epidemic. But with this plan, all our efforts—all the work left to be done by states—would be at risk.”
“Republican leaders can still choose to drop Trumpcare once and for all.  But I’m not taking any chances. And neither should anyone listening who joins Democrats in opposing Trumpcare. I fully expect the backroom deals to continue—and to get even worse now that Republican leaders were forced to delay this week’s vote. I just hope that Republicans who are rightly concerned about the impact Trumpcare will take a close look at the facts on the table, recognize it’s time to change course, and stand strong for their constituents. M. President, that’s what this debate should be about. Making sure the people we represent can count on the security of health care when they get sick; that they won’t have to consider foregoing treatment for a sick child because they don’t have the money; that they will be treated fairly and equally in our health care system…in this country, health care should be a right, not a privilege reserved for the few. That’s what Democrats we’ll keep fighting for—and we are not going to let up.”---from a press release issued June 27th
( See full speech)
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=EDB00A17-7E4A-48CC-A9E5-7EE5863F3278


NEWS FlASH!

Deal In Principle Reached On State Operating Budget
House and Senate budget negotiators reported to Gov. Jay Inslee this morning that they have reached an agreement in principle on the 2017-2019 biennial operating budget. The negotiators and caucus leaders said they were confident that they would complete work on the budget and have a vote of the Legislature before the end of the day Friday, the final day of the fiscal year.
That would avoid a partial shutdown of state government.
The agreement covers spending and resource levels. More details will be available after the four legislative caucuses are briefed on the agreement.---press release issued June 28, Governor Islee
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/deal-principle-reached-state-operating-budget


( See page 2 for more)
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/page-2.html