Statement by President Trump on the Shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada

WHITE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE DATED 10/ 2/ 17 (link source)

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, we are joined together today in sadness, shock, and grief. Last night, a gunman opened fire on a large crowd at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. He brutally murdered more than 50 people, and wounded hundreds more. It was an act of pure evil.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are working closely with local authorities to assist with the investigation, and they will provide updates as to the investigation and how it develops.

I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for their courageous efforts, and for helping to save the lives of so many. The speed with which they acted is miraculous, and prevented further loss of life. To have found the shooter so quickly after the first shots were fired is something for which we will always be thankful and grateful. It shows what true professionalism is all about.
Hundreds of our fellow citizens are now mourning the sudden loss of a loved one -- a parent, a child, a brother or sister. We cannot fathom their pain. We cannot imagine their loss. To the families of the victims: We are praying for you and we are here for you, and we ask God to help see you through this very dark period.
Scripture teaches us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We seek comfort in those words, for we know that God lives in the hearts of those who grieve. To the wounded who are now recovering in hospitals, we are praying for your full and speedy recovery, and pledge to you our support from this day forward.
In memory of the fallen, I have directed that our great flag be flown at half-staff.
I will be visiting Las Vegas on Wednesday to meet with law enforcement, first responders, and the families of the victims.
In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one -- and it always has. We call upon the bonds that unite us -- our faith, our family, and our shared values. We call upon the bonds of citizenship, the ties of community, and the comfort of our common humanity.
Our unity cannot be shattered by evil. Our bonds cannot be broken by violence. And though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines us today -- and always will, forever.

In times such as these, I know we are searching for some kind of meaning in the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness. The answers do not come easy. But we can take solace knowing that even the darkest space can be brightened by a single light, and even the most terrible despair can be illuminated by a single ray of hope.
Melania and I are praying for every American who has been hurt, wounded, or lost the ones they love so dearly in this terrible, terrible attack. We pray for the entire nation to find unity and peace. And we pray for the day when evil is banished, and the innocent are safe from hatred and from fear.
May God bless the souls of the lives that are lost. May God give us the grace of healing. And may God provide the grieving families with strength to carry on.
Thank you. God bless America. Thank you.

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PEOPLE MAGAZINE: Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and More React to Vegas Shooting
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No evidence Las Vegas shooter tied to militant group-U.S. officials
WASHINGTON, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Two senior U.S. officials said on Monday that there was no evidence that the shooter who killed at least 50 people in Las Vegas was tied to any international militant group. 


MONDAY'S BUSINESS AND FINANCE REPORT

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Clock Is Ticking for DACA Solution
BLOG posting from the US Chamber of Commerce 10/2/17 (link source)

Congress faces a jam-packed legislative schedule this fall, and President Trump recently added a major item to the to-do list when he rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Congress has only a couple months to come up with a permanent solution for the young immigrants known as Dreamers, who once again find themselves in legal limbo. It needs to act quickly to protect these young people and preserve their contributions to our economy and our society.

Approximately 800,000 individuals have had their legal status thrown into doubt by the elimination of DACA. They were brought to the U.S. illegally as children through no fault of their own and have since lived here and become active members of our society. Since President Obama established DACA in 2012, many of these young people have enrolled in the program in good faith, gaining the legal ability to attend school and work.

As a result, they have become even further integrated into our communities and our economy. According to some estimates, approximately 700,000 are employed in the U.S., performing a wide variety of jobs. If the DACA program is allowed to end, eventually none of these individuals will be legally allowed to remain—let alone work—in America. This outcome would be contrary to fundamental American principles and the best interests of our country.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see strong expressions of support within Congress and the Trump administration for providing permanent relief to DACA recipients. Both parties in Congress have offered ideas that would protect Dreamers from deportation and put them on a track toward lawful permanent residency and eventually citizenship. Now it’s up to our leaders to unite behind a single legislative solution.

The clock is ticking as another deadline is fast approaching. This Thursday, October 5, is the last day that DACA recipients are eligible to apply for an extension of their legal status. There are about 150,000 immigrants eligible to reapply for a renewable two-year work permit. For these and all other Dreamers, a permanent solution is desperately needed.

DACA recipients are our friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The Chamber urges Congress to work quickly through the details of a legislative solution that treats these individuals with dignity and fairness. The Chamber stands ready to work with our leaders to ensure that the legislation is consistent with our nation’s values and the best interests of our economy.

US DEPT. OF LABOR BLOG: Maintenance Apprenticeship Offers Path to Professional Career
BLOG POSTED on 9/ 29/ 17 (link source)

For more than two decades, Hoang Phan worked whatever odd jobs he could find to keep the lights on and food on the table. But after enrolling in an industrial maintenance apprenticeship, he is now well on his way to a professional career.

In 2015, Hoang started working at Kroger Manufacturing-Centennial Farms Dairy in Atlanta. He was hired as a loadout team member, someone who organizes beverages and loads them onto trucks for distribution.

His employers appreciated his hard work, and noticed his penchant for tinkering with items that needed improvements – a habit that earned him the nickname “Mr. Fix-it” – and encouraged him to further develop his skills through an apprenticeship with the company. In 2016, Hoang was the first individual selected for Kroger Manufacturing’s new industrial maintenance apprenticeship, a program the business hopes to expand to all 35 manufacturing locations in the United States. There are currently 19 apprentices.

“If you don’t have a skill, it’s hard to get ahead,” said Hoang. “You have to learn something every day to succeed. That’s why I’m grateful for this opportunity.”


IRS Reminds Educators of Tax Benefits
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 28/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON — As teachers, administrators and aides have launched into their fall semester, taxes may not be on the top of their list. However, knowing what to keep track of now can help reduce the burden at tax time. The Internal Revenue Service reminds educators that there are three key work-related tax benefits that may help them reduce what they pay in taxes.

Educators can take advantage of tax deductions for qualified expenses related to their profession. The costs many educators incur out-of-pocket include items such as classroom supplies, training and travel.

There are two methods educators can choose for deducting qualified expenses: Claiming the Educator Expense Deduction (up to $250) or, for those who itemize their deductions, claiming eligible work-related expenses as a miscellaneous deduction on Schedule A.

A third key benefit enables many teachers and other educators to take advantage of various education tax benefits for their ongoing educational pursuits, especially the Lifetime Learning Credit or, in some instances depending on their circumstances, the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

Educator Expense Deduction

Educators can deduct up to $250 ($500 if married filing jointly and both spouses are eligible educators, but not more than $250 each) of unreimbursed business expenses. The educator expense deduction, claimed on either Form 1040 Line 23 or Form 1040A Line 16, is available even if an educator doesn’t itemize their deductions. To do so, the taxpayer must be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide for at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law.

Those who qualify can deduct costs like books, supplies, computer equipment and software, classroom equipment and supplementary materials used in the classroom. Expenses for participation in professional development courses are also deductible. Athletic supplies qualify if used for courses in health or physical education.

Itemizing Deductions (Using Schedule A)

Often educators have qualifying classroom and professional development expenses that exceed the $250 limit. In that case, the IRS encourages them to claim these excess expenses as a miscellaneous deduction on Schedule A (Form 1040 or Form 1040NR). In addition, educators can claim other work-related expenses, such as the cost of subscriptions to professional journals, professional licenses and union dues. Transportation expenses may also be deductible in situations such as, for example, where an educator assigned to teach at two different schools needs to drive from one school to the other on the same day. Miscellaneous deductions of this kind are subject to a two-percent limit. This means that a taxpayer must subtract two percent of their adjusted gross income from the total qualifying miscellaneous deduction amount. For more information, see Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions, available on IRS.gov.

Keeping Records

Educators should keep detailed records of qualifying expenses noting the date, amount and purpose of each purchase. This will help prevent a missed deduction at tax time.

Taxpayers should also keep a copy of their tax return for at least three years. Copies of tax returns may be needed for many reasons. If applying for college financial aid, a tax transcript may be all that is needed. A tax transcript summarizes return information and includes adjusted gross income. Get one from the IRS for free.

The quickest way to get a copy of a tax transcript is to use the Get Transcript application. After verifying identity, taxpayers can view and print their transcript immediately online. The online application includes a robust identity verification process. Those who can’t pass the verification must request the transcript be mailed. This takes five to 10 days, so plan ahead and request the transcript early.


Federal Reserve Board approves application by the Bank of East Asia, Limited

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 29/ 17 (link source)
The Federal Reserve Board on Friday announced its approval of the application by the Bank of East Asia, Limited, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China, to upgrade its existing limited federal branch in Los Angeles, California, to a full-service branch.

US TREASURY DEPT: Financial Stability Oversight Council Announces Rescission of Nonbank Financial Company Designation
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 29/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON – The Financial Stability Oversight Council (Council) today announced that it has rescinded its determination that material financial distress at American International Group, Inc. (AIG) could pose a threat to U.S. financial stability and that AIG shall be subject to supervision by the Board of Governors and enhanced prudential standards.

"The Council has worked diligently to thoroughly reevaluate whether AIG poses a risk to financial stability," said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. "This action demonstrates our commitment to act decisively to remove any designation if a company does not pose a threat to financial stability."

Section 113(d) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires the Council to reevaluate its nonbank financial company determinations at least annually.

The Council approved the rescission of AIG's designation by a vote of six in favor and three opposed.  Those in favor were Steven T. Mnuchin, Secretary of the Treasury; Janet L. Yellen, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Keith Noreika, Acting Comptroller of the Currency; J. Christopher Giancarlo, Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; J. Mark McWatters, Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration; and Roy Woodall, Independent Member with Insurance Expertise.  Those opposed were Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Martin J. Gruenberg, Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and Melvin Watt, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.  One Council member, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton, was recused from this matter and did not participate in the vote.  The Council determined that a member who is recused from participating in a matter is not included in the vote tally.

ON THE STATE LEVEL
ECONOMIC & REVENUE UPDATE
Summary
 The U.S. labor market added 156,000 net new jobs in August; June and July
data were revised down by a combined 41,000 jobs.
 Nationally, residential construction activity and home sales slowed.
 U.S. real gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 3.0% in the second
quarter.
 Washington employment growth is on track.
 Washington exports are down due to aerospace.
 Major General Fund-State revenue collections for the August 11 - September
10, 2017 collection period came in $18.6 million (1.3%) above the June forecast.
 Cumulatively, collections are now $94.3 million (2.1%) higher than forecasted.
 Since the June forecast, there have been $19.2 million in net large refunds that
were not included in the forecast. Had the refunds not occurred, cumulative
collections would have been $113.5 million (2.5%) higher than forecasted.
(see link for full details)

LABOR AND INDUSTRIES PRESS RELEASE: L&I calls for decrease in workers’ comp rates in 2018 (release date 9/ 20/ 17)
(link source)

Tumwater – The average amount employers pay for workers' compensation insurance in Washington would drop 2.5 percent in 2018 under a proposal today from the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
The proposed decrease would result in Washington employers, as a group, paying $67 million less in premiums. The lower rate would mean employers would pay an average of about $34 less a year per employee for workers’ compensation coverage.
L&I attributes the proposed decrease to several factors, including employers and workers focusing on safety, and L&I initiatives that are helping injured workers recover sooner and reducing workers’ compensation costs.
“Efforts to help injured workers heal and return to work are paying off. It’s good for them, it helps employers, and it keeps workers’ compensation costs down,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “I want to thank businesses and workers for doing their part to improve workplace safety, and L&I for its work to improve the workers’ compensation system. Both are helping create a positive business climate in Washington.”
In recent years, L&I has been providing vocational support and assistance much earlier in claims. It’s helping reduce long-term disability and improving return-to-work results for those hurt on the job. The agency’s Stay at Work Program is also making a difference, providing employers more than $58 million to help keep more than 25,000 workers on light duty while they heal.
“We’ve made some very positive steps with our initiatives to help people who are hurt on the job recover and start working again,” said L&I Director Joel Sacks. “These and other workplace safety and health improvements have allowed us to build our reserves, while at the same time propose a cut to the average premium rate employers and workers pay. It’s a win‑win.”
Keeping rates steady and predictable
Employers and workers pay into the workers’ compensation system to help cover the cost of providing wage and disability benefits, as well as medical treatment of injuries and illnesses. The premiums also provide a safety net by ensuring reserves are available to cover the unexpected, like a natural disaster or downturn in the economy.
Each fall, L&I determines the proposed rate for the following year by taking a close look at expected workers’ compensation payouts, the size of the contingency reserve, wage inflation and other financial indicators.
L&I is working to keep premium rates steady and predictable and avoid significant swings that make it difficult for employers to plan. Small rate increases in recent years and the improved economy have also helped build reserves, allowing for the proposed rate decrease. In the last five years, the average annual workers’ compensation rate increase has been under 1 percent. If adopted, this will be the first decline in the hourly rate since 2007.

Washington and Oregon to jointly call for proposals to operate public safety broadband network
Link source
The states of Washington and Oregon will jointly issue a request for proposals (RFP) to operate a high-speed, wireless broadband data network dedicated to public safety. The network will not replace existing public safety radio networks, but will be another tool to ensure that first responders can communicate in times of disasters that tend to overwhelm existing networks.

The states expect to release their RFP within two weeks and close it approximately five weeks later. There will then be a period of evaluation and possible selection of one or more vendors to advance to the next phase of the process.

Congress has mandated that states participate in FirstNet, a nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety. More than $6 billion has been allocated to build the network, however states have the option to “opt-out” of the federal network construction and build their own infrastructure. By joining together to issue the RFP, officials in Washington and Oregon say they’ll be able to make a more informed choice about the best option for building a network that serves the unique needs of the Northwest, especially in rural communities.

Govs. Jay Inslee and Kate Brown made clear they have not yet decided to opt-out of participation with FirstNet. In a letter to Washington’s Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee, Inslee wrote, “It is the intent of this RFP to explore options available to the state that will be most responsive to the needs of public safety entities and which will be sustainable over the coming 25-year period. I believe a regional solution with our partners in Oregon is one that should be explored.”

Issuing an RFP to solicit bids from other vendors is a critical piece of the due diligence that ensures the best service for first responders in the Northwest. Once proposals have been submitted, the states will weigh them against the merits of joining the FirstNet infrastructure.

Each state convened a state interoperability council to help develop strategies for enabling interoperable public safety communications and play a central advisory role in evaluating the FirstNet proposal.

“Our interoperability council members have been hard at work on this effort for years, and I thank them for their invaluable expertise and feedback,” Brown said. “Our first responders are eager to move forward and their ongoing feedback will be essential to making sure we make the best decision for our states.”

WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS FROM REUTERS

Trump to top U.S. diplomat: Don't bother talking to North Korea
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed the prospect of talks with North Korea as a waste of time a day after his own secretary of state said the United States was maintaining open lines of communication with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Russian firm provides new internet connection to North Korea
(Reuters) - North Korea has opened a second internet connection with the outside world, this time via Russia, a move which cyber security experts said could give Pyongyang greater capability to conduct cyber attacks.

Trial of alleged ringleader of Benghazi attack begins in Washington
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal prosecutors opened their case against Ahmed Abu Khatallah on Monday by telling jurors he orchestrated the 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.

NATIONAL

A cell signal, an open bar: tiny wins for Puerto Rico in ruins
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Reuters) - Puerto Ricans still living largely in darkness 12 days after Hurricane Maria leveled their island reveled in small victories on Sunday in what promises to be a months-long slog back to some semblance of normal life.

Gunman kills at least 58 people in Las Vegas concert attack
LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - A 64-year-old man armed with more than 10 rifles rained down gunfire on a Las Vegas country music festival on Sunday, slaughtering at least 58 people in the largest mass shooting in U.S. history before killing himself.

Private information of two people compromised in SEC hack - chairman
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The personal information of two individuals was compromised in a recently uncovered hack of a Securities and Exchange Commission database, according to the agency’s chairman.

Daily Bible Verse: The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Proverbs 29:25 NKJV

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SUNDAY EDITION

President Donald J. Trump’s Weekly Address
Posted on the White House page on 9/ 29/ 17 (link source)

Transcript:

My Fellow Americans,

All American hearts are united with the people of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who have faced terrible devastation in the wake of two catastrophic hurricanes.  We are working night and day in cooperation with territorial and local authorities to assist those in need, to help save and sustain lives, and to begin the long recovery and rebuilding effort. Our commitment to those affected is this: We are with you, we will stay with you, and we will come back stronger than ever.  We are sending tremendous amounts of supplies, tremendous amounts of food and water, and we are sending great people to help.  I know that it’s been devastating.  I know your police force and everything else has been absolutely hurt, but we’re sending people to help, and it’s getting better on a daily basis.

This week, I traveled to Indiana to announce historic tax reform for the American people. It is based on four key ideas.

First, we will cut taxes on all Working American Families.  People will pay a lot less money.  Single individuals will not be taxed on the first $12,000 of income earned.  And a married couple will pay zero taxes on their first $24,000 of income.  After that, taxable income will be subject to just three tax rates—12%, 25% and 35%, it use to be 7%.  We will also expand the child tax credit, eliminate the credit’s marriage penalty, and provide a new $500 tax credit for elder-care and other adult dependents.  This is the real and lasting tax relief that everyday Americans badly need and truly deserve.  This is what working Americans have been after.

Second, our framework will make the tax code simple, fair, and easy to understand.  Under our plan, the vast majority of families will be able to file their taxes on a single sheet of paper.

As part of simplification, we are also getting rid of taxes that threaten to put family businesses and American farmers out of business.  Julie Ellingson is a 4th generation cattle rancher in Bismarck, North Dakota.  Julie and her family’s legacy of hard work should not be taken away when she dies —we will eliminate the Death Tax and keep her American Dream alive.  Most importantly, her family will long remember, and they’ll be working hard for many, many years on their farm.

Third, we are going to restore America’s competitive edge so that American businesses and workers can win again.  We will cut the corporate rate below the average of our foreign competitors—and we will reduce the top marginal income tax rate on small and mid-sized businesses to the lowest in more than 80 years.  It’s so important because our companies are leaving our shores and when they leave, they let go of the workers.  And then they make their product and they send it back into our country.  We don’t tax them, we don’t do anything.  Those days are over.  We now have a competitive tax where our companies won’t be leaving.  Believe me, it won’t be happening like it has, it’s going to be a big difference.

Finally, our framework encourages corporations to bring back trillions of dollars in wealth parked overseas, and stops punishing companies for keeping their headquarters in the United States.  That’s actually what’s happening.  Companies that stay in our country are being punished by our tax code.  This will switch our current offshoring model—a tax system that drives jobs to other countries—to a new American Model.  Under this plan, we want our companies to hire and grow in America, to raise wages for American workers, and to help rebuild American cities and towns.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pass tax reform and to restore our jobs, our wealth, and our great American Dreams.  We will be able to dream again and those dreams will be met.

Now it is time—finally-- for Congress to deliver.  The problem we have is the democrats don’t want to cut your taxes, they want to actually raise your taxes, and raise them very substantially.  We can’t afford to do that as a country, that’s why our jobs are leaving, that’s why you don’ t have enough left in your pay check.  We want to cut taxes and it’s going to be the biggest tax cut in the history of our Country.
Thank you. God Bless You. And, God Bless America.


WORD FROM OUR GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE
Washington state officials meet with USDOJ to discuss marijuana policy
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/29/17 (link source)
Officials from the offices of Gov. Jay Inslee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board and Department of Financial Institutions met today with federal officials at the U.S Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. regarding state and federal marijuana policy.

The meeting came after repeated requests by Inslee and Ferguson to meet with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and discuss Washington state's efforts to safely implement and regulate its voter-approved recreational marijuana market. Washington never received a response to that request, but did receive an invitation to today's meeting with DOJ staff.
State officials discussed numerous topics with emphasis on the state's efforts to eliminate the illicit black market and reduce youth access to marijuana, two issues Attorney General Sessions has expressed concerns about.
State officials also asked for a reaffirmation of USDOJ's enforcement priorities to not seek to disrupt the continued implementation of a safe legal marijuana system. They also reiterated their request for a personal meeting between Inslee, Ferguson and Sessions.

Inslee and Ferguson released this statement following the meeting:
"Our voters asked us to create a safe, tightly-regulated legal recreational marijuana system, and that's exactly what we're doing. We appreciate that our staff were given an opportunity to share our progress and the results of our efforts with USDOJ, and reiterate that we share the goal of keeping our children safe, tightly regulating this market and improving public safety.
"We look forward to continued discussions about a mutually agreeable path forward."

OUR HEALTH & FITNESS

FDA: FDA improves access to reports of adverse drug reactions
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/28/ 17 (link source)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today launched a new user-friendly search tool that improves access to data on adverse events associated with drug and biologic products through the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The tool is designed to make it easier for consumers, providers, and researchers to access this information.
"Tools like the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System are critical to the FDA’s ability to help ensure the greatest level of transparency and help patients and providers make safe use of drug and biologic products after they are approved by the FDA," said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. "The FDA is committed to fully informing patients and providers of adverse events reported with medical products and this enhanced portal now provides patients, doctors and others with easier access to the data they are interested in."

The new dashboard enables users to search for and organize data by criteria such as drug/biological product, age of the patient, type of adverse event, year the adverse event occurred, or within a specific timeframe. In addition to making it easier for consumers to search for adverse events reported with drug or biologic products, the FDA hopes the increased transparency will spur the submission of more detailed and complete reports from consumers, health care professionals and others, by making it easier for people to see other reports that the FDA receives, and search the database for similar observations.( see full statement)

FDA approves new treatment for certain advanced or metastatic breast cancers
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 28/ 17 (link source)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Verzenio (abemaciclib) to treat adult patients who have hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after taking therapy that alters a patient’s hormones (endocrine therapy). Verzenio is approved to be given in combination with an endocrine therapy, called fulvestrant, after the cancer had grown on endocrine therapy. It is also approved to be given on its own, if patients were previously treated with endocrine therapy and chemotherapy after the cancer had spread (metastasized).
"Verzenio provides a new targeted treatment option for certain patients with breast cancer who are not responding to treatment, and unlike other drugs in the class, it can be given as a stand-alone treatment to patients who were previously treated with endocrine therapy and chemotherapy," said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

FDA approves first continuous glucose monitoring system for adults not requiring blood sample calibration
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 27/ 17 (link source)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System, the first continuous glucose monitoring system that can be used by adult patients to make diabetes treatment decisions without calibration using a blood sample from the fingertip (often referred to as a “fingerstick”).
The system reduces the need for fingerstick testing by using a small sensor wire inserted below the skin’s surface that continuously measures and monitors glucose levels. Users can determine glucose levels by waving a dedicated, mobile reader above the sensor wire to determine if glucose levels are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), and how glucose levels are changing. It is intended for use in people 18 years of age and older with diabetes; after a 12-hour start-up period, it can be worn for up to 10 days.

“The FDA is always interested in new technologies that can help make the care of people living with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, easier and more manageable,” said Donald St. Pierre, acting director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health and deputy director of new product evaluation in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “This system allows people with diabetes to avoid the additional step of fingerstick calibration, which can sometimes be painful, but still provides necessary information for treating their diabetes—with a wave of the mobile reader.”

People with diabetes must regularly test and monitor their blood sugar to make sure it is at an appropriate level, which is often done multiple times per day by taking a fingerstick sample and testing it with a blood glucose meter. Typically patients use results of a traditional fingerstick test to make diabetes treatment decisions; however, fingerstick testing is not needed to inform appropriate care choices or to calibrate glucose levels with this system.

CDC Is Deactivating the Emergency Operations Center for the Zika Response
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 29/ 17 (link source)

CDC is deactivating its emergency response for Zika virus (Zika) to transition efforts to normal program operations on September 29, 2017. On January 22, 2016, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the devastating effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. A team of experts from across the agency, called the Zika Coordination and Operations Transition Team (ZCOTT), will lead the transition from EOC activation to routine, long-term activities and will ensure timely coordination and collaboration on scientific, communication, and policy activities.

CDC’s EOC is the agency’s command center for monitoring and coordinating emergency response to public health threats and has been activated previously for events such as natural disasters, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and the 2014 Ebola outbreak, among others. Since the 2016 EOC activation for Zika, experts from across the agency have worked to protect Americans, especially pregnant women, fetuses, and infants, from the emerging virus and its devastating consequences. CDC will continue its work to protect these groups by providing support for healthcare providers as they counsel pregnant women affected by Zika and provide follow-up care to their infants. CDC recognizes the continued need for coordination among federal, state, and local levels to provide services for families affected by Zika and will provide technical assistance as resources permit.

Deactivation does not mean that the threat of Zika has lessened in importance or that people are no longer at risk of infection. Zika continues to be a public health threat in the United States and internationally. Zika is still a risk for pregnant women, and the continental United States and Hawaii will continue to see some travel-related cases as travelers visit countries and territories with risk of Zika transmission. The possibility of local transmission in the continental United States and Hawaii still exists. CDC remains committed to protecting the health of Americans and will continue working to protect the nation from the threat of Zika.

WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES FROM REUTERS

Defiant Catalans vote on split from Spain despite crackdown
BARCELONA (Reuters) - Spanish riot police burst into polling stations across Catalonia on Sunday, confiscating ballot boxes and voting papers to try to halt a banned referendum on a split from Spain as Madrid asserted its authority over the rebel region.

In change of tone, leader of German FDP calls Macron a 'godsend'
BERLIN (Reuters) - The leader of Germany’s Free Democrats (FDP) called French President Emmanuel Macron a “godsend” on Sunday, welcoming his proposals for more European cooperation in areas ranging from defense and migration to energy and the digital economy.

Italy says to expel North Korea envoy over nuclear, missile tests
MILAN (Reuters) - North Korea’s ambassador to Italy will be expelled from the country in protest over Pyongyang’s recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests, Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano was quoted on Sunday as saying.

NATION
Health and safety rules targeted as Trump begins to slash red tape
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When disaster hits the chemical plants in Port Arthur, Texas, triggering fires like those that flared in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Hilton Kelley is the man fielding panicked calls from neighbors unsure whether they should evacuate their homes.

Muslim-American Massachusetts activist launches run for Congress
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Reuters) - A two-term Cambridge, Massachusetts, city councilor and founder of an activist group that trains Muslim-Americans to run for office launched a campaign for U.S. Congress on Sunday that could make him the third Muslim in the chamber.

Trump says 'very important' NFL players stand for national anthem Sunday
(Reuters) - On the eve of a host of National Football League games, President Donald Trump on Saturday tweeted that it was “very important” that players stand during the national anthem, following an ongoing controversy over athletes and others kneeling in protest.




WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY
GOSPEL WAY: Are Religious Divisions Ever Justifiable?
According to Galatians 5:20,21, people who are guilty of causing division will not inherit the kingdom of God. Some people, however, look at the divided condition of religion and conclude that no one is right, so they refuse to be part of any group. But is a group necessarily wrong just because it is separated from and disagrees with other groups? Is it possible for one side of a division to be right?
https://www.gospelway.com/topics/church/division-justified.php

AG FERGUSON SUES ONE OF THE NATION’S LARGEST OPIOID MANUFACTURERS OVER STATE’S OPIOID EPIDEMIC

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 28/ 17 (link source)

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a lawsuit accusing OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma of fueling the opioid epidemic in Washington state, embarking on a massive deceptive marketing campaign and convincing doctors and the public that their drugs are effective for treating chronic pain and have a low risk of addiction, contrary to overwhelming evidence. This deceptive marketing resulted in the deaths of Washingtonians and devastation to Washington families.
The lawsuit contends Purdue conducted an uncontrolled experiment on the American public without any reliable clinical evidence that opioids are effective at treating chronic pain. To doctors and patients, Purdue consistently downplayed the risks of addiction from long-term use and deceptively represented opioids as safe for treating long-term chronic pain.
Purdue’s deception yielded the company billions of dollars in profit nationwide from its opioid drugs. Ferguson’s lawsuit seeks to force Purdue to forfeit the Washington portion of those profits.
The City of Seattle filed a separate lawsuit today against Purdue, in addition to Teva Pharmaceuticals, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Endo Pharmaceuticals and Allergan. The city and Ferguson announced their lawsuits together.
Both suits, filed today in King County Superior Court contend that Purdue’s illegal conduct contributed to excessive prescriptions and addiction, causing many addicted patients to look for other ways — including illegal means — to get more pills or to get heroin. A 2014 study found that nearly 80 percent of heroin users reported using prescription opioids prior to heroin.
By filing the state’s lawsuit, Ferguson has ended his participation in a multistate coalition investigating opioid manufacturers nationwide. Several states that have filed similar lawsuits are using outside attorneys to handle their cases. Washington is only the second state to handle its case internally.
“Purdue Pharma ignored the devastating consequences of its opioids and profited from its massive deception,” Ferguson said. “It’s time they are held accountable and pay for the devastation they caused.”
“I stand together with Attorney General Ferguson in fighting for justice for patients who were prescribed opioids and became addicted, because they were not irresponsible; they were deceived,” Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes said. “Addiction to opioids and heroin does not stop at Seattle’s city limits. This is the city’s problem, the state’s problem, and everyone’s problem.”
“Most of our health care professionals want to do the right thing for patients, but some corporations sought to boost their bottom line to peddle opioids on false promises, which, in great part, created this crisis. These corporations must be held accountable. I appreciate the Attorney General taking this important step today,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “This will help with some recompense so we can implement our state’s opioid response plan and my executive order with the goals to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted, to prevent overdoses and to treat people who have opioid use disorder, a true medical condition with an effective medical treatment."
Purdue falsely claims that opioids improve long-term function, have a low addiction risk that can be managed or prevented and that increased doses of opioids do not pose significant additional risks to patients.
False claims of the safety, effectiveness of long-term use
Purdue aggressively marketed its opioids for chronic pain from conditions like headaches and low back pain, despite a lack of clinical evidence that they are effective and safe for long-term use. Despite Purdue’s efforts over more than two decades, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) noted in its 2016 guidelines that “there is no good evidence that opioids improve pain or function with long-term use.”
Other, safer options — like acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen — are effective and carry fewer risks, the CDC added.
False claims of low addiction risk and “pseudoaddiction”
Among its marketing claims, Purdue distributed thousands of videos and pamphlets claiming that opioid addiction occurred in less than 1 percent of patients. The number was not based on a clinical study, but rather a 1980 letter to the editor in the New England Journal of Medicine. The actual addiction rate is as high as 26 percent, according to the CDC.
A study sponsored by Purdue asserted that “opioids were well tolerated with only rare incidence of addiction,” and the need for higher and higher doses as patients built up a tolerance to opioids “was not a clinically significant problem when managing patients with opioids long-term.”
When signs of addiction appeared in patients, Purdue persuaded doctors that what appeared to be addiction was actually under-treatment of their pain, and to respond by increasing opioid dosages.
In marketing materials, Purdue told doctors and policymakers that “pain-relief seeking behavior can often be mistaken for drug-seeking behavior.”
The concept, called “pseudoaddiction,” was coined by Dr. J. David Haddox, who later became a Purdue executive. His theory was based on the case of a single cancer patient. No study has validated the theory of “pseudoaddiction.”
Despite a lack of evidence of “pseudoaddiction,” Purdue pushed this theory to convince doctors to give more drugs to patients who displayed signs of addiction, such as asking for early refills on their prescriptions or “doctor shopping” for additional prescriptions.
False claims on risks of overdoses
Opioids are most dangerous when taken long-term and when taken in high doses. In 2013, the FDA noted that research shows that risk of misuse and abuse is great for extended release long acting opioids and observed that these drugs are often used chronically.
Accordingly, the CDC recommends that physicians carefully reassess increasing opioid doses beyond 50 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), and avoid exceeding 90 MMEs per day.
Overdose risk for opioids begins at very low doses and doubles when the daily dose is between 20 MMEs and 49 MMEs. By 100 MMEs, the risk of death increases by nine fold. Overall, 1 in every 550 patients started on opioid therapy died of opioid-related causes a median of 2.6 years after their first opioid prescription. That number increased to 1 in 32 for patients receiving 200 MMEs per day.
Purdue’s sales representatives were trained to reassure prescribers that there is “no ceiling” on the amount of OxyContin a patient could be prescribed.
Ignoring red flags
Purdue sales staff kept detailed records of prescriptions in Washington by prescriber, drug strength, quantity and other factors. Purdue then used that data to aggressively market its drugs to the highest prescribers in the state.
Washington state medical boards sanctioned some of these prescribers for failing to follow rules related to opioid prescriptions and putting patients at risk. The lawsuit alleges that, in several cases, Purdue salespeople ignored red flags and continued to target these providers with sales pitches.
Details of specific interactions between Washington state providers and Purdue representatives are redacted from the complaint because Purdue contends the information is competitively sensitive. Ferguson plans to file a motion to unseal this information to reveal to the public additional details about these interactions.
Violating previous court order
Purdue has faced court action before over its deceptive marketing of OxyContin.
A 2007 court order resulting from a consent judgment with Washington and 25 other states prohibited the company from making misleading statements regarding abuse, addiction or dependence in its marketing materials for OxyContin. Purdue also promised to create an Abuse and Diversion Detection Program to detect and take appropriate steps upon detecting “atypical” prescribing patterns — including reporting “pill mill” doctors to the authorities.
Despite the court order, Purdue has continued to engage in deceptive marketing and has remained silent about suspicious prescribers it should have reported.
Washington’s epidemic
Prescriptions and sales of opioids in Washington skyrocketed more than 500 percent between 1997 and 2011. In 2011, at the peak of overall sales in Washington, more than 112 million daily doses of all prescription opioids were dispensed in the state — enough for a 16-day supply for every woman, man and child in Washington. More than 18.2 million daily doses of oxycodone were distributed in Washington in 2015.
Geographic areas in Washington with higher rates of opioid prescriptions show a strong correlation with higher overdose rates.
For example, Cowlitz, Clallam, Mason and Snohomish counties had the highest opioid overdose death rates in the state, according to the state Department of Health. Those counties also had some of the highest opioid prescription rates in the state.
Between 2009 and 2014, Washington saw a 60 percent increase in opioid-related hospital stays, the fourth-highest increase in the nation, according to a June study by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality.
In 2015, the number of overdose deaths in Washington exceeded the number of deaths from car accidents, or deaths from firearms — whether from suicide, homicide or accidental. The majority of drug overdose deaths in Washington between 2010 and 2015 — more than 6 out of 10 — involved an opioid.
Relief
Ferguson’s lawsuit seeks civil penalties and damages. Ferguson also asks the court to order Purdue to give up the profits it made in Washington as a result of its illegal conduct. Sales of Purdue opioids are worth billions every year nationwide, and Washington’s portion is expected to be in the millions.
The surrendered profits will be used to remediate the effects of Purdue’s misrepresentations of opioids, possibly funding treatment, education and more.
Assistant Attorneys General Tad Robinson O’Neill and Kate Barach are leading the case for Washington.
Earlier this year, the Attorney General’s Office hosted a summit on Washington’s opioid epidemic in partnership with the Washington State Patrol and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

AGRICULTURAL REPORT, FROM THE USDA

Secretary Perdue Statement on Hurricane Maria Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 29/ 17 (link source)

Washington, D.C., September 29, 2017 -- Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today pledged all resources and flexibilities at USDA's disposal as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands recover from the devastation of recent hurricanes.

"Agriculture producers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands deserve the same resources under the USDA Farm Service Agency disaster programs as farmers, ranchers, and foresters in the rest of the country. This includes compensation for livestock death and feed losses, risk coverage for specialty crops, and repair of damage to agricultural and private forest land. To this point, FEMA has been the lead agency for emergency search and rescue operations, but USDA is involved in providing food to storm victims and is ready to assess agricultural damage and assist producers when conditions on the islands allow."

Secretary Perdue Hosts U.S. Senators for 2017 Fire Briefing
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 26/ 17 (link source)

(Washington, D.C., September 26, 2017) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue hosted U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for a 2017 fire briefing to hear about this year’s efforts to contain wildfires out west as well as the way the USFS is funded. Currently, the agency has to borrow money from prevention programs to combat ongoing wildfires. Secretary Perdue believes Congress should treat major fires the same as other disasters and should be covered by emergency funds so prevention programs are not raided.

“This has been a tremendous fire season,” said Secretary Perdue. “As wildfire costs exceed $2 billion, I appreciate those in Congress who recognize this funding issue and are working to make a permanent fix that allows us to manage our forests preemptively. While we can’t stop these wildfires, we know we can be prepared in a much better way.

National Chicken Month – NASS Counts Chickens Before – and After – They Hatch
PRESS RELEASE  ISSUED 9/ 27/ 17 (link source)

Did you know that Georgia poultry farmers produced the greatest number of chickens for meat (broilers) with 1.4 billion in 2016 followed by Alabama and Arkansas with just over 1 billion each? In all, the total value of U.S. broiler chicken production was $25.9 billion in 2016.

The poultry sector of U.S. agriculture is broad and plays an important economic role. Since September is National Chicken Month, it’s a good time to look at where they are raised and their sales value in the United States. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) keeps track of poultry destined for the dinner plate, chickens that lay eggs, the number of hatching and table eggs as well as turkeys and ducks.

Iowa chickens produced the most eggs (13.6 billion) in 2016, followed by Ohio and Pennsylvania. United States egg production totaled 101.9 billion eggs.

Moving to numbers on all chicken, turkey, duck and other poultry meat headed to plates or soup bowls around the world, according to the Poultry Slaughter 2016 Summary  there were 47.4 billion pounds of chilled and frozen meat produced in 2016.

While NASS produces data throughout the year about major poultry production via the Chicken and Egg, Poultry Slaughter, Broiler Hatchery, Hatchery Production and Egg Products reports, every five years we get a sense of how many farms of all sizes have poultry or eggs. For example, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, the most recent, there were 174,211 U.S. farms with 1-49 laying hens. Texas had the most farms in this category with 18,058. On the other end of the spectrum at the same time, 387 farms had 100,000 or more layers.

The agriculture census is the only time we account for birds such as pheasants, quail, chukars, peacocks, ostrich and other unique species. The next census will be collected beginning later this year. Meanwhile, check out NASS, your go-to source for poultry data to learn more about production in your area.

Cracking the Peanut Allergy - USDA Program Provides Doctors a Way to Help Children
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 27/ 17 (link source)

Doctors and scientists have discovered a way to reduce the chances of children developing a common and sometimes deadly allergy. Recent studies have found that peanut allergies can be prevented in a high percentage of cases by introducing children to peanut-containing foods while they are still infants.

The revelation was made possible, in part, thanks to the resources provided by the National Peanut Board (NPB), an industry-funded board, established through a research, promotion and information program at the request of peanut producers. The program is overseen by the Promotion and Economics Division of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program.

With a focus on promoting U.S. grown peanuts, NPB members recognized the increased reporting of peanut allergies among American children, and realized they needed to be part of the solution. The board helped to fund a study called Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP)  that was conducted by researchers at the United Kingdom’s Kings College London.

The results of the study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine . In the study, up to 86 percent of the infants with a high risk (those with severe eczema, egg allergy, or both) for developing a peanut allergy who ate peanut foods between the ages of 4 and 11 months developed a protective factor that reduced their risk of having the allergy.

To be sure that this protection was long-term and did not simply delay the start of peanut allergies, the researchers conducted a follow-on study. The second study was called LEAP-On. During LEAP-On, the children from the LEAP study who were exposed to peanut foods at an early age were not given peanut foods for 12 months. Researchers found that the protection was indeed long-lasting.

In 2008, NPB provided funding to help initiate the early research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology  that led to the groundbreaking LEAP study and NPB continues to support this work. This research has contributed to the American Academy of Pediatrics  recommending early introduction of peanut protein for infants who are at increased risk of developing the allergy. In January, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases released guidelines for practitioners and caregivers that details when and how to introduce peanut foods safely to prevent peanut allergies. More recently, the FDA acknowledged a qualified health claim linking early peanut introduction and reduced risk of developing peanut allergies.

The collaboration between the board and researchers at the Kings College London is a great example of how USDA research and promotion boards can make a difference for people everywhere. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health in a news release about the new guidelines, NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. said “We expect that widespread implementation of these guidelines by health care providers will prevent the development of peanut allergy in many susceptible children and ultimately reduce the prevalence of peanut allergy in the United States.”

With this in mind, NPB continues to promote the new guidelines and recommendations for early introduction by educating health professionals, working with influencers, and reaching out to consumers directly.

Parents should always consult with their child’s pediatrician to determine the best course of action for treatment of allergies.


ON THE STATE LEVEL
WSDA detects salmonella in Pride & Joy raw milk products
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 28/ 17 (link source)

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is advising consumers not to drink Pride & Joy Dairy organic retail raw milk because it may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious illness.
This public health notice was initiated after routine sampling by WSDA found salmonella in bottled organic retail raw milk collected from the Pride & Joy Dairy in Toppenish. The product has a best-by date of October 4 (OCT 4). WSDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem. Currently, there are no reported cases of human illnesses associated with this product.
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in humans. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact a health care provider.
The company sells its products in pint, quart, half-gallon, and one-gallon plastic containers. This public health notice includes all container sizes.

LOCAL MEETINGS AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

Clallam Commission meetings
CLALLAM COUNTY WORK SESSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
1) Food and Drug Administration Voluntary Retail Standards Program Grant Application
2) Overview of ORCAA program areas and programs of interest
3) Shoreline Master Program update
See full agenda
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1074

CLALLAM COUNTY REGULAR SESSION AGENDA ITEM HIGHTS
1) Proclamation recognizing the month of October 2017 as Disability Employment Awareness Month
2) Proclamation recognizing Employers of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
3) Agreement with Attorney John D. Black for juvenile offender attorney services
(see full agenda)
http://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=343

PORT OF PORT ANGELES MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
1) Resolution No. 17-1155, Public Records Policy
It is the policy of the Port of Port Angeles to make identifiable, non-exempt public records available for inspection and copying upon a proper request made in accordance with the Public Records Act, Ch. 42.56 RCW (the “Public Records Act” or the “Act”).
The Port shall provide the public full and timely
access to such records while remaining mindful of individuals’ privacy rights and the desirability of the efficient administration of Port business.
The purpose of this procedure is to guide Port staff in providing the public full and timely access to nonexempt records concerning the conduct of government, while remaining mindful of individuals’ privacy rights and the desirability of the efficient administration of Port business. These procedures will be guided by the provision of the Act describing its purposes and interpretation.

2) Merrill and Ring Renewal Options and Lease Credit
3) MTIP Site Preparation – Reid Middleton Agreement
See full agenda for further details
https://portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10022017-270


CITY OF PORT ANGELES MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
1) Solid Waste Transfer Station Rate Reduction
2) Resolution of Support for Clallam County Proposition No. 1, Tax for Juvenile Detention Facilities
(See full agenda for details)
http://wa-portangeles.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4196

OTHER LOCAL & REGIONAL MEETINGS...

CLALLAM COUNTY PUD AGENDA
https://www.clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Board-Packet-10-2-17.pdf

JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
AGREEMENT NO. WQALG-2018-JeCoPH-00006 re: Lake Anderson Management Plan Water Quality Algae Control Program; In the Amount of $66,667; Jefferson County Public Health; Washington State Department of Ecology.
(see full agenda)
http://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WebLinkExternal/0/edoc/1720920/A100217.pdf

CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
Ordinance 3182 Related to the Security of Publicly-Owned Property; Adopting a Process for Excluding Individuals whose Behavior is Unreasonably Disruptive, Establishing an Appeal Process to Protect Excluded Individuals’ Rights, Adopting a New Chapter 9.50 “Trespass Warnings On City And Other Publicly-Owned Property,” and Amending Chapter 11.01 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code

Action: Move to approve Ordinance 3182 Related to the Security of Publicly-Owned Property; Adopting a Process for Excluding Individuals whose Behavior is Unreasonably Disruptive, Establishing an Appeal Process to Protect Excluded Individuals’ Rights, Adopting a New Chapter 9.50 “Trespass Warnings On City And Other Publicly-Owned Property,” and Amending Chapter 11.01 of the Port Townsend Municipal Code.
(see full agenda for details)
http://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1142

OMC COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
Olympic Medical Physicians Update – Joshua Jones, MD, OMP Chief Physician Officer
o Advance Practice Clinician Employment Agreement for Orthopedics
o Physician Employment Agreement for Primary Care
(see full agenda)
http://www.olympicmedical.org/pdfs/AGENDA%20-%20October%204%202017.pdf

WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS FROM REUTERS....

North Korea seen moving missiles from development center: South Korean broadcaster
SEOUL (Reuters) - Several North Korean missiles were recently spotted moved from a rocket facility in the capital Pyongyang, South Korea’s Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) reported late Friday amid speculation that the North was preparing to take more provocative actions.

U.S. 'probing' to see if North Korea interested in dialogue: Tillerson
BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States is probing North Korea to see whether it is interested in dialogue and has multiple direct channels of communication with Pyongyang, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Saturday.

Turkey's Erdogan says Iraqi Kurdish authorities "will pay price" for vote
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Iraqi Kurdish authorities would pay the price for an independence referendum which was widely opposed by foreign powers.

NATIONAL
Under pressure from Trump, Price resigns as health secretary over private plane uproar
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price resigned under pressure from President Donald Trump on Friday in an uproar over Price’s use of costly private charter planes for government business.

Trump interviews four for Fed chair job, to decide in two-three weeks
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is ramping up his search for a new chief for the U.S. central bank, meeting with former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh and three others and promising a decision next month.

Rich would benefit most from Trump tax cut plan: policy group
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The wealthiest Americans would benefit the most from President Donald Trump’s proposed tax cuts while many upper middle-income people would face higher taxes, independent experts said on Friday in the first detailed analysis of the plan.

Daily Bible Verse: And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,

Philippians 1:9-10 NKJV

 Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

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

http://www.pacofc.org/index.php

Sen. Murray to Health Secretary Price: “Public Deserves Answers” on Taxpayer-Funded Private Jet Travel

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 28/ 17 (link source)

(Washington, D.C.) –  Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, called on Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Tom Price to provide detailed information on the purpose of each private jet trip he has taken and any communications between his office and the White House regarding his travel plans. The letter by Senator Murray follows investigations being launched by the Office of Inspector General and House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as well as a new report by Politico that Secretary Price used private jets “to travel to places where he owns property, and paired official visits with meetings with longtime colleagues and family members.”

“We write regarding your decision to repeatedly charter private planes for your official travel, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill,” wrote Senator Murray. “This decision is particularly shocking as you serve in an administration that routinely calls for draconian spending cuts and a reduction in government waste, and you yourself have repeatedly advocated for fiscal restraint. The public deserves answers on how you and the Department of Health and Human Services justify these seemingly wasteful travel decisions, as well as detailed information on the costs and process associated with this travel.”

“The Administration’s priorities could not be clearer,” continued Senator Murray. “Administration officials travel to resorts and nearby cities on private planes while patients and families worry about access to the health care programs they rely on to survive.”

Senator Murray is seeking information and documents from Secretary Price no later than October 12 on:

Each flight for which he hired a private jet or charter plane during his tenure as Secretary, including, but not limited to invoices, receipts, and travel authorizations;
Purpose of each trip he took; and
Any communications with the White House regarding his travel, including reviews, analyses, or requests sent to or conducted by the White House. (see more on link source)

OUR FOREST AND PARKS

FROM THE DEPT. of INTERIOR:
Urban Waters Team Wins "People's Choice" Public Service Award
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 28/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON – The Urban Waters Federal Partnership, an interagency group in which the Department of the Interior is one of the leaders, has won the "People's Choice" award in the Service to America Medals. The nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service announced the award on September 27 at its annual gala popularly dubbed the "Oscars of Government Service."

Out of 430 nominees, the Urban Waters Team was chosen by popular vote for making “the most admirable contribution to the American people.”​ The team works through public-private partnerships to clean up and revitalize urban waterways and surrounding lands.

"Congratulations to the Urban Waters Team," said Andrea Travnicek, Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. "Their work helped spur economic development, identifying opportunities for restoration in American communities along important urban waterways."

The team was created and led by Surabhi Shah of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and includes the departments of Agriculture, Interior, Housing and Urban Development and 10 other federal agencies. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership aims to help heavily polluted American urban waterways, as well as the lands surrounding them that suffer from environmental degradation.

Four Interior bureaus -- the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation -- have more than 70 staff working in 19 Urban Waters locations. Projects in these cities have included restoring urban wetlands; building trails, parks, and green space; reducing storm water flow into rivers and streams; and increasing urban habitat.

Employees from Interior and other federal agencies are teaming up with local and state agencies, businesses, nonprofits and philanthropies to clean up pollution; spur redevelopment of abandoned properties; promote new businesses; and provide parks and access for boating, swimming, fishing and community gatherings.

One example of a place in which Interior has served as a leader is the Los Angeles River Urban Waters Partnership. The National Park Service and its partners are raising the profile of river restoration in the densely populated downtown Los Angeles. Last summer NPS worked with American Forests and CBS/Ecomedia to host a volunteer tree and shrub planting at a park next to the river, working toward the goal of a greener LA river. Los Angeles Urban Waters is helping raise the profile of river restoration and serving as a much-needed portal for federal and non-federal institutions to coordinate public and private sector restoration efforts.

“The Urban Waters Federal Partnership has provided a foundation for all 14 federal agencies to work across silos, and leverage resources and expertise,” said Lisa Pelstring, leader of the Interior team and urban policy advisor at the department. "We recognize that by working together, we can accomplish so much more—restoration, recreation, and economic development—in cities where it’s already expensive to operate and difficult to make things happen."

This leveraging of resources has enabled the Urban Waters Partnership to be active nationwide through grants coordinated by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. It has improved more than 22,000 acres of land, planted more than 80,000 trees and engaged an estimated 100,000 community members.

12 Facts about Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 25/ 17 (source link)

Otters are some of the most adorable aquatic animals. Their charming features are unparalleled, from their expressions to their use of tools.
Held every year during the last week in September, Sea Otter Awareness Week spotlights the important role of sea otters in nearshore ecosystems of the North Pacific Ocean. Get ready for some awesome otter facts and photos. We promise that you’ll be otterly entertained! (see link source for details)

ON THE STATE LEVEL 

DNR: State Begins Process to Retrieve Unpermitted Manastash Ridge Memorial Markers
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 27/ 17 (link source)

Efforts prompted by Manastash trails planning process
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking information and help from members of the public as it begins a process this fall to address unpermitted memorial markers on Manastash Ridge near Ellensburg.

This effort is part of the agency’s work with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and a volunteer stakeholder committee to develop future priorities for the Manastash Ridge trails.

“With this stakeholder-driven planning process, we have an opportunity to think more deliberately about the experience these trails can provide years down the road,” said Stephanie Margheim, DNR volunteer specialist. “With that, it’s difficult for us to overlook these unpermitted memorial markers, although we do appreciate the special significance that visitors give to these trails.”

DNR staff does not know who placed the markers on the trails in the popular hiking area but asks that friends or family take steps to remove them from Manastash Ridge. Beginning this fall, agency staff will be removing unclaimed memorial markers in accordance with state law. Items will be stored at DNR’s Southeast Region office at Bowers Road in Ellensburg for retrieval (no questions asked) for a limited period of time.

Expected to wrap up in 2018, the Manastash Ridge trails planning effort will provide guidance for long-term maintenance, design improvements, signs and volunteer projects. For more information on Manastash trails planning meetings, work to date, and planning documents, visit the project web page at wdfw.wa.gov/manastash-ridge-trails/. For questions or comments about the unpermitted memorial markers located on Manastash Ridge, contact DNR’s Southeast Region office at 509-925-8510 or southeast.region@dnr.wa.gov.
Recreation planning on DNR-managed lands
DNR-managed lands offer more than 1,100 miles of trail and 160-plus recreation sites on a wide variety of landscapes throughout Washington state. Many recreation areas are located on state trust lands, which are primarily managed to generate revenue for public institutions, such as K-12 schools.


17-066 State Parks announces free day dates for 2018
PRESS RELEASE DATED 9/ 25/ 17 (link source)

OLYMPIA – Sept. 25, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will again offer 12 free days next year, in which day-use visitors won’t need a Discover Pass to visit state parks by vehicle.

The “free days” for 2018 are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on lands managed by Washington State Parks and the Washington departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days each year when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR on these days.

“Free days are a great way for people to discover or rediscover Washington’s diverse and scenic state parks,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch. “Once people visit a park, we hope they will be inspired to help support their state park system by buying a pass.”

New for 2018: In coordination with WDFW, State Parks will offer a free day on Sunday, June 10, as part of WDFW’s Free Fishing Weekend. This day, combined with the June 9 free day for National Get Outdoors Day, will give visitors an entire weekend to explore state parks for free.

OUR ENVIRONMENT

EPA Announces Appointment of Pete Lopez to Region 2 Administrator
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 28/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON (September 28, 2017) –Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the appointment of Pete Lopez of New York to become Regional Administrator for Region 2.  Mr. Lopez will oversee environmental protection efforts in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Pete Lopez has served as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2007 representing a seven county region including Mid-Hudson, Northern Catskills, Southern Tier, and Capital District. Mr. Lopez is currently a member on the New York Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation and a member of the Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy where he has worked to provide proper oversight of New York’s health and environment.  While serving as a state legislator, Mr. Lopez has worked tirelessly to collaborate in developing and passing the state budget and promoting growth and opportunity for New Yorkers.
“Pete Lopez has spent nearly a decade in one of the country’s largest state legislatures working to improve the quality of life of his constituents,” said Administrator Pruitt. “His familiarity with the region and his experience working to solve environmental problems in New York will be invaluable in helping EPA serve Americans in the Northeast and the Caribbean.”

EPA Exercises Enforcement Discretion for Mobile Power Generators Imported for Use in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 27/ 17/ (link source)

WASHINGTON (September 27, 2017) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it will exercise enforcement discretion for mobile power generators being imported into Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that will be used as emergency sources of power there as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Under these “no action assurances” EPA will not pursue enforcement actions for certain violations of the Clean Air Act for mobile power generators that have not been certified to meet U.S. pollution control standards and are imported for use in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
EPA’s no action assurance in Puerto Rico, which was previously issued on September 22, 2017, was amended today to broaden the categories of equipment subject to the no action assurance. Available information continues to indicate extreme damage to Puerto Rico’s power grid, including near-total destruction to power transmission infrastructure. EPA’s no action assurance in the U.S. Virgin Islands was issued due to currently reported conditions, including preliminary information about extreme damage to the U.S. Virgin Islands’ power grid, including destruction of the power transmission infrastructure. These no action assurances cover mobile power generators that are imported before January 31, 2018.
EPA policy allows the Agency to issue no action assurances in cases where it is necessary to avoid extreme risks to public health and safety and where no other mechanism can adequately address the matter. EPA believes that the exercise of enforcement discretion in these circumstances is in the public interest and will help address the emergency circumstances in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

ON THE STATE LEVEL

DOE: Key permit denied for Longview coal terminal project
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 26/ 17 (link source)

LONGVIEW, WASH. – The Washington Department of Ecology has denied a water quality permit sought by Millennium Bulk Terminals to construct and operate the largest coal export terminal in North America.
Ecology denied the permit because the coal export terminal near Longview would have caused significant and unavoidable harm to nine environmental areas: air quality, vehicle traffic, vessel traffic, rail capacity, rail safety, noise pollution, social and community resources, cultural resources, and tribal resources.
“After extensive study and deliberation, I am denying Millennium’s proposed coal export project,” said Ecology Director Maia Bellon. “There are simply too many unavoidable and negative environmental impacts for the project to move forward.”
Some of the environmental impacts from building the coal terminal would have included:

filling 24 acres of wetlands,
dredging 41.5 acres of the Columbia riverbed,
installing 537 pilings in the river for a new trestle and docks.
This complex project, if built, would have moved 44 million metric tons of coal annually. Coal would have been piled eight stories high and 50 football fields wide at the site.
To carry coal overseas, 1,680 new vessel transits would have been added to the Columbia River, accounting for a quarter of all traffic on the river.
To carry coal to the terminal, 16 slow-moving, 1.3-mile-long trains would have passed through Cowlitz County daily. This would have compounded already significant traffic congestion during peak commute times and affected emergency responders.
Eight of those 16 trains would have been fully loaded with coal traveling west along the Columbia River and would have delayed tribes’ access to fishing sites above Bonneville Dam.
The coal terminal also would have increased diesel pollution, a toxic air pollutant, and caused an unavoidable increase in cancer risk rates in a neighborhood along the rail line in Longview.
Additional environmental repercussions are detailed in the project’s environmental impact statement published in April.
Millennium needed the state’s water quality certification under the federal Clean Water Act before it could fill wetlands and dredge the riverbed.

WORLD & NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS from Reuters

Last flight departs as Iraq imposes ban for Kurdish independence vote
ERBIL, Iraq/ANKARA (Reuters) - The last international flight left Erbil airport on Friday as the Baghdad government imposed an air ban in retaliation for an independence vote by Iraqi Kurds that has drawn widespread opposition from foreign powers.

Russia says ready to work with North Korea to resolve missile crisis
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Moscow is prepared to work with Pyongyang to try to find a peaceful resolution to the North Korean missile crisis, the Russian Foreign ministry said on Friday.

U.S. cuts staff in Cuba over mysterious injuries, warns travelers
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Friday cut its diplomatic presence in Cuba by more than half and warned U.S. citizens not to visit because of attacks that have caused hearing loss, dizziness and fatigue in U.S. embassy personnel.


NATIONAL
Trump administration in spotlight as U.S. top court returns
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration’s ability to win over the U.S. Supreme Court will be put to the test when the nine justices begin their new term on Monday with major cases awaiting on voting rights, religious liberty, union funding and class-action suits.

Trump says Puerto Rico, U.S. government need to confront island's debt load
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Puerto Rico needs to work with the U.S. government to determine how to fund rebuilding after Hurricane Maria and what to do about the territory’s heavy debt load, President Donald Trump said on Friday.

U.S. Senate panel unveils budget plan paving way for Trump tax cuts
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate panel took President Donald Trump’s proposed tax overhaul a step forward on Friday by unveiling a budget plan for the coming fiscal year that acknowledges lost revenues from tax cuts, while Trump pressed ahead with selling the proposal to the public.



Daily Bible Verse: For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
John 3:20-21 NKJV

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NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO WASHINGTON DC

Sarbanes, Heinrich Lead Democratic Coalition Calling on FEC to Help Prevent Foreign Governments from Using Social Media Ads to Influence U.S. Elections 
PRESS RELEASE FROM CONGRESSMAN KILMER DATED 9/ 20/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democracy Reform Task Force Chair Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today led a coalition of Democratic House and Senate members, including Representative Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) in sending a letter to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) urging the agency to consider new rules that would prevent foreign nationals from using online advertising platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, to influence U.S. elections.

The letter comes amid media reports that a Russian company purchased Facebook ads in an attempt to influence American voters during the 2016 election. In the letter, Congressman Sarbanes, Senator Heinrich and 15 of their colleagues expressed concern that no guidelines or penalties exist to prevent foreign nationals from buying online ads to influence U.S. elections.

“Foreign political activity is a direct assault on federal election law and the integrity of our elections,” the Members wrote. “The Federal Elections Campaign Act bars foreign nationals, companies, or governments from spending, either directly or indirectly, in U.S. elections. Social media platforms offer the ability to target millions of users based upon a wealth of highly-detailed information. As we have seen, the low cost of reaching these users equips hostile foreign actors with a powerful new tool for disruption of our democratic process. Therefore, it is incumbent that the Commission take immediate action to preserve the integrity of our election law and our elections.”

The Members continued: “We encourage the Federal Election Commission to take immediate steps to understand the threats posed to our democratic process by foreign influenced internet and social media advertisement, and to promulgate new guidance on how advertisement platforms can better prevent foreign nationals from illicitly spending in future U.S. elections.”


VIDEO: Sen. Murray Urges Senate Republicans to Return to Bipartisan Health Care Negotiations Following Collapse of Graham-Cassidy Plan
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 26/ 17 (link source)

Washington, D.C.) –  Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, called on her Republican colleagues to immediately resume negotiations on improving care following Senate Republicans’ announcement this afternoon that they lacked the votes to pass the newest version of their Trumpcare plan, known as Graham-Cassidy. Sen. Murray had been working with her counterpart on the health committee, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), to stabilize the health care market and prevent premium increases for patients and families, holding weeks of bipartisan hearings with governors, insurance commissioners, medical professionals and experts before Republican leaders put these negotiations on hold in order to make one last attempt to jam through a deeply partisan bill.

Sens. Murray, Cantwell Call for Extension of DACA Renewal Deadline in Wake of Storms
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 26/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of three massive storms that have disrupted the day-to-day lives of millions of people in the United States, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) along with 36 of their U.S. Senate colleagues called on the Trump administration to extend the crucial Oct. 5 deadline for Dreamers to renew their DACA status.

The group made the request in a letter to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke.

“These major hurricanes significantly disrupted day-to-day living and operations in these states and territories,” the lawmakers wrote. “It would be appropriate for the government to extend the October 5, 2017 deadline nationwide to allow individuals adequate time to meet the government’s recent request.”

The Trump administration announced earlier this month that it was ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program which allows some immigrants who were brought to the U.S. before the age of 16 to work and go to school without the fear of being deported.

In ending the program, the administration is allowing some Dreamers currently enrolled to apply for a renewal. Those renewal applications and a $495 fee must be received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by Oct. 5, and the lawmakers fear the recent disruptions caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria could make it nearly impossible for some eligible Dreamers to meet the deadline.

“Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico are still working to recover and will be for some time,” the lawmakers wrote. “An extension of the deadline would provide DACA recipients more time to collect the $495 application fee and gather the necessary documents to accurately complete the renewal application.”

According to the USCIS, tens of thousands of DACA recipients live in areas impacted by the storms.

Sens. Murray and Cantwell, along with Reps. Adam Smith (WA-9) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-7), recently held a press conference at Bellevue College with Dreamers, urging Republicans to work with Democrats on a legislative fix to make the DACA program permanent and end the uncertainty for DACA recipients. More than 17,800 DACA recipients live in Washington state. The Democratic members of Washington state’s congressional delegation also sent a letter to President Trump on September 5th urging him to reconsider his reckless decision to repeal DACA and ensure that Dreamers’ application information is not used for immigration enforcement.


Sen. Murray Urges VA Secretary Shulkin to Extend Coverage to Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 25/ 17 (link source)

(Washington, D.C.) –  Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin to urge the VA to act on recommendations from the National Academy of Science (NAM) regarding the association between the Agent Orange exposure and chronic conditions such as bladder cancer, hyperthyroidism and Parkinson-like conditions. In the letter, also joined by Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sen. Murray and her colleagues criticized the Department’s delay to implement recommendations made by NAM’s Veterans and Agent Orange, Update 2014 report and urged the VA to extend care to cover veterans suffering from these conditions.

Cantwell Addresses Humanitarian Crisis In Puerto Rico At Energy And Natural Resources Hearing
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 26/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-WA) called attention to the role of the federal government in Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery:

During opening statements Senator Cantwell said, “I want to start with the crisis in Puerto Rico and how much we need to continue to be vigilant with the help and assistance in Puerto Rico. They are a U.S. Territory and we need to make sure that they get every bit of assistance and focus from the federal government possible.”

“I’ve called on the administration to create a position at the White House to make sure every agency, not just FEMA, but every agency is working to help us coordinate what will be a very long response to Puerto Rico,” said Senator Cantwell. “So thank you for your statement this morning [Chairman Murkowski] and your focus on this as well. You are always reminding people you were born in a territory and you remember that that’s such an important aspect of our responsibilities as a nation and so thank you for your willingness to be very, very focused on Puerto Rico.”

“I’ve encouraged Senator Hatch to do the same thing given that there are so many things in the Finance committee as it relates to health care for Puerto Ricans and where we are already going to be in this situation so hopefully we can all unite in what will be support for American citizens who are in a very desperate situation.”  

Cantwell Responds To Secretary Zinke’s Attacks On Department Of The Interior Employees
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 26/ 17 (link source)

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) released the following statement regarding Secretary Zinke’s attacks on the Department of the Interior employees:

“The public servants at the Department of the Interior deserve respect from the man charged with leading them—not cheap shots in the press,” said Senator Cantwell. “Secretary’s Zinke’s comments yesterday betray a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of federal civil service. They are non-political employees charged with implementing and enforcing laws passed by Congress and have incredible domain expertise in their areas of responsibility.”

“Replacing them with purely political people will not protect our public lands or protect taxpayers from special interest sweetheart deals."

Cantwell Remarks on Graham-Cassidy Bill
Senator Maria Cantwell's Questioning Before the Finance Committee Hearing on Graham-Cassidy
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 25/ 17 (link source)

Round 1:

Senator Cantwell: On this subject, I’m having a tough time understanding the overall philosophy of this legislation. I can say that I definitely had town meetings and was encouraged by the fact that Senator Cassidy wanted flexibility for states. I was encouraged, I think I even mentioned it, that he wanted flexibility.

But the reason that we’re not working together now on this legislation is because it is taking the premise of flexibility and turning it on its head as it relates to a program that has been a 52-year relationship between the state and federal government. It is taking a 70 million [person] population and basically saying, ‘I’m going to change the way health care is delivered to you’ under the ruse that you are trying to address the individual market which is 19 million—18 million.

So you are trying to say to people, ‘I’m fixing that in the individual market’ when you’re not. Premiums in states that expanded Medicaid have seven percent lower premiums in the individual market.

And the notion that we should do this because of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), that TANF was some sort of lifeline, the TANF experiment which I should bring up, your state is the lowest in the nation in per capita TANF benefits in the sense of for every 100 people you serve the least TANF benefits.

What has driven people out of poverty in America is not the way we’ve structured TANF; it’s the EITC, it’s the SNAP program—that is what has helped.

And so now to take this block grant experiment and say that you were going to somehow magically drive down costs in health care when in reality you were just kicking millions of Americans off with the ruse of putting them into a capitated program and then cutting their benefits.

So to me it is not a panacea for the future. I would love to see… Oh, by the way you take the one creative, flexible idea that states have, section 1331, that has allowed 650,000 people in the state of New York to get cheap, affordable health care at $500 of premiums, and X’d that out. So you took one the most creative ideas that will cost New York billions, probably $3-4 billion because you’ve X’d it out. So my point is this to Ms. Miller. I’m pretty sure there are innovative ways in the Affordable Care Act to drive down cost. I’m pretty sure Pennsylvania took advantage of them. I think you helped expand a program to get people off of nursing home care into community-based care. In our state that saved billions, I’m pretty sure that probably will save a lot of money in Pennsylvania.

What about those ideas in driving down the cost of Medicaid, because my colleagues on the other side, I think, seem to think the only way you can drive down the cost of Medicaid is cutting people off. And I totally disagree. In fact, I think this chart that raises the question on rural health care is how many people in hospitals rural America. The non-expanded states have seen the most closures of rural hospitals in America. Why is that? Why is that?  So the notion that somehow we have in the corner of Graham-Cassidy figured this out, I just don’t believe it. So do we have innovation in the Affordable Care Act that is driving down cost in the Medicaid market in a very significant way and can we push it faster?

Panelist Teresa Miller (Acting Secretary, Department of Human Services Commonwealth of Pennsylvania): Thank you Senator. I think you’re alluding to our community health choices program that we’re rolling out. I think we all know that seniors want to be served in their communities and I think that our governor has made a real push to get people out of nursing homes and let them age in their communities. And we also know that in terms of the cost to Medicaid, it’s mandatory in terms of paying for nursing home services but community based services are not mandatory. And yet, moving people out of institutions and into the community is how we’re going to save money for both the state and federal government. (see rest of statement on link source)

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:

Inslee announces help from private donor to pay DACA recipients’ renewal fees
Donation to help about 250 people in Washington state; deadline to apply for two-year DACA extension is Oct. 5
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 9/ 25/ 17 (link source)

Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that many Washington residents seeking to renew their status under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will soon have assistance in paying the $495 application fee .
Thanks to an anonymous donation of $125,000, approximately 250 Washington residents will be eligible for an application-fee scholarship for the two-year DACA extension.
Advocates recommend that DACA recipients mail their applications no later than Oct. 3 to make sure they are received by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services by the Oct. 5 deadline.
“Nearly 18,000 DREAMers call Washington state home, and the cruel actions of the Trump Administration threatens the ability of these aspiring young men and women to go to school or work,” Inslee said. “This program will help lessen the financial impact on the DREAMers and their families.”
The private donation will be administered through the Mission Asset Fund (MAF) in San Francisco, and no Washington state funds are being used for the application fees.
To put the new application fee scholarship program in place, Washington has formed a DACA Renewal Coalition. The leading organizations of the coalition will be the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), a legal services provider; the Washington Dream Act Coalition, a grassroots youth-led movement; the Mission Asset Fund (MAF), an organization that is currently providing scholarship funds to DACA recipients; and the state’s Office of Refugees and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA).

WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS, from Reuters:

Foreign powers could try to influence German coalition talks: spy chief
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany’s elections escaped the major foreign meddling that disrupted votes in the United States and France, but there is a risk powers could try to influence coalition talks, a top official with the domestic intelligence agency said on Thursday.

South Korea expects more provocative acts by North Korea in mid-October
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea expects more provocative acts by North Korea next month, to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the North Korean communist party and China’s all-important Communist Party Congress.

Philippine leader changes his tune with praise for U.S. 'allies'
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte voiced rare praise for the United States on Thursday, calling it an important security ally, and dismissing historic grievances and his slew of past tirades against Washington as “water under the bridge”.

NATIONAL
Trump lifts foreign shipping restrictions for storm-hit Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily lifted restrictions on foreign shipping from the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico on Thursday to help get fuel and supplies quickly to the U.S. territory as it reels from the devastation of Hurricane Maria.

Trump says NFL team owners 'afraid of their players': Fox
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said he believes that owners of National Football League teams are afraid of their players, his latest criticism of NFL players kneeling during the U.S. national anthem at games to protest racial disparities in the country.

U.S. Health Secretary Price believes has president's confidence
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price said on Thursday he believed he still had President Trump’s confidence, a day after the president said he was not happy with Price over reports he had used private planes for official travel.

Daily Bible Verse: But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV

 Free bible studies (WBS)

https://www.worldbibleschool.org/

Learn english using the bible as text (WEI)

http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/

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

http://www.pacofc.org/index.php