Saturday, February 11, 2023

Housing projects for people experiencing homelessness in Washington will share $9-million federal grant.


Source link: WA Commerce Dept.


Rural communities are focus of investments in nine new projects statewide

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce was awarded a $9 million grant last week from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that will provide new housing for people experiencing homelessness in Island, Klickitat, Mason, Skamania, Thurston, Whatcom and Yakima counties. Funds will be used over the next three years for a variety of supports including temporary rent assistance, project operations and supportive services for emergency housing assistance, as well as permanent housing solutions.


“Availability of rapid housing and supportive services is critical to bringing people inside today and preventing homelessness over the long term. This funding from HUD will immediately help to expand the work our service providers are able to do in communities all over the state,” said Gov. Jay Inslee.


“Washington is known for innovation and collaboration in addressing our greatest challenges, and homelessness is no different,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “We are grateful to HUD for recognizing our successful approaches and partnerships that are making a difference. Homelessness is not just an urban problem, and this funding will be important to expanding some of those efforts in our rural communities.”


Projects receiving funds are:


Mason County


$613,083 to Community Lifeline of Mason County for supportive services and housing navigation for adults experiencing homelessness. Funds will support case management and peer counseling for 35 adults at a time.

$385,350 to Quixote Communities for 30 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans experiencing chronic homelessness. Funds will go toward case management and maintenance. Housing provided through Bremerton Housing Authority vouchers.

$1.5 million to Shelton Family Center – The Youth Connection for transitional housing/rapid rehousing. Funds will be used for case management and facility operating costs to provide temporary emergency housing and/or rental assistance for up to 32 youth and young adult households at a time.

$1.19 million to Shelton Family Center – The Youth Connection to support facility operations for an outreach and drop-in center for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

Yakima County


$1.65 million to Yakima Neighborhood Health Services for the Neighborhood Inn project that will provide 36 units of low-barrier permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness. Funds will be used for case management and maintenance.

Whatcom County


$1.5 million to Unity Care Northwest for The Way Station project, expanding services at a downtown Bellingham day shelter with a new clinic and hygiene program, including health care, bathing facilities, medical respite care and case management. Capacity is over 150 people each day.

Klickitat County


$809, 603 to Washington Gorge Action Program to expand services through a new program providing emergency housing vouchers and temporary rental assistance for approximately 28 households at a time. Funds will pay for leasing and supportive services costs.

Thurston County


$646,800 to Family Support Center of South Sound to hire additional intake staff for the coordinated entry system. Funding will decrease wait times for intake and assessment and strengthen partnerships with other local housing providers.

Island County


$635,543 to Spin Café to expand supportive services at a low-barrier day shelter. Funds will used to hire additional staff and lease a new building enabling the program to operate seven days a week, serving up to 100 people each day.

Commerce collaborated with local homeless service providers and investment partners to identify projects and apply for a share of the $315 million HUD awarded through the Continuum of Care Program (CofC). This funding targets unsheltered homelessness in the country’s rural communities. HUD awarded grants based on need, past performance, current capacity, leveraging other community resources (such as housing and health care), and state plans for using this and other fund sources to end homelessness.


In addition to the $9 million grant that must be spent over the next three years, more than $3 million is eligible for renewal annually after that.


IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES...


Ecology gets six federal grants to protect 855 acres of coastal wetlands--DOE


Comment period extended for new PFAS cleanup guidance--DOE


WDFW seeks public input on draft co-manager hatchery policy.--WDFW


Commissioner of Public Lands Testifies in Favor of Statewide Wildfire Impacts Bill--DNR


2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC.


Murray Joins Colleagues in Reintroducing Bicameral Bill Requiring SCOTUS to Follow Code of Ethics.

(Washington, D.C.) – As public confidence in the Supreme Court falls to an all-time low, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) in reintroducing the Supreme Court Ethics Act, requiring the Judicial Conference of the United States to create a code of ethical conduct for the Supreme Court of the United States. The legislation would also require the appointment of an Ethics Investigations Counsel and require justices to publicly disclose recusal decisions.


Murray, Colleagues, Advocates Rally and Make Clear: Child Care Has to Be on the Agenda This Congress.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a former preschool teacher herself, led a rally with colleagues in Congress, child care advocates and champions, and her SOTU guest, Angélica—a Washington state mom who’s struggled to find the affordable child care she needs—to underscore the need to make more progress on child care this Congress as new reports make clear the gravity of the crisis and the sweeping costs it’s imposing on our entire economy.


KILMER INVITES VIETNAM WAR PERIOD VETERANS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO CEREMONIES IN BELFAIR, GIG HARBOR

VIETNAM WAR PERIOD VETERANS INVITED TO RECEIVE VIETNAM VETERAN LAPEL PIN.


KILMER REACTS TO PRESIDENT BIDEN’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

KILMER ATTENDS PRESIDENT’S SPEECH WITH PUYALLUP TRIBE CHAIRMAN AS GUEST.


Cantwell to Southwest Exec: “My Constituents Want to Know If You're Going to Fix This System and When"

During Commerce Committee hearing, Cantwell presses airline COO on failure that left 2 million travelers stranded; Demands COO contact Seattle high school basketball coach seeking full reimbursement after team got stuck in Vegas: “I know you're a busy guy -- but what they really wanted was for you to call them.”


Cantwell Hears WA Residents’ Holiday Travel Stories: “It’s Clear That There Was a System Failure at Southwest”

Constituents from King, Clark, Skagit & Spokane counties share tales of missed holidays, thousands of dollars spent, and lack of communication from Southwest; Cantwell’s Commerce Committee will hold hearing Thursday to question Southwest COO Andrew Watterson about operational failures and refund status.



3) World & National Headlines:


WORLD:


Dae’sh Still Sizeable Threat, Senior Counter-Terrorism Officials Warn Security Council, Citing Group’s Growing Use of New Technologies, Lag in Repatriating Foreign Fighter

Context-Specific Approaches to Remedy Socioeconomic Divide in Terrorism-Plagued Countries Key for Ending Scourge, Delegates Say.--UN PRESS RELEASE


Do More to Prevent Least Developed Countries from Falling into Debt Traps, Says Deputy Secretary-General, at Event on Doha Program of Action--UN PRESS RELEASE


Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a United Nations Screening of U.S. and the Holocaust--USUN


Secretary Antony J. Blinken At Diplomatic Culinary Partnership Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony--US STATE DEPT.


NATIONAL


Remarks of President Joe Biden – State of the Union Address as Prepared for Delivery--WH


related stories

15 Whoppers Joe Biden Told During The State Of The Union Address--The Federalist


Biden's State of the Union Ratings Were Embarrassingly Bad--PJ MEDIA


Falling Behind in Biden’s Economy

The president tried to paint a rosy picture during his State of the Union speech, but the American people aren’t picking up what he’s laying down.--Patriot Post


In other National news...


Pharmacist Convicted for $1M Prescription Drug Fraud

A federal jury in the Middle District of Florida convicted a Virginia man today for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $1 million in prescription drug benefits.--DOJ


DOD Is Focused on China, Defense Official Says--DOD


HUD ISSUES UPDATED GUIDANCE TO ENHANCE USE OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAMS AT PROPERTIES FOR LOW-INCOME SENIORS

Guidance for owners of properties participating in HUD’s Multifamily Section 202 Project Rental Assistance Contract program reinforces use of supportive services funds to help seniors live independently--HUD


Letter to U.S. Governors from HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on renewing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE)--HHS


4) BUSINESS NEWS


Nearly 40,000 Victims Receive Over $115M in Compensation for Fraud Schemes Processed by MoneyGram

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) announced today the disbursement of over $115 million to 38,889 victims in connection with fraud schemes processed by MoneyGram International Inc. (MoneyGram). The victims, many of whom are elderly, will recover the full amount of their losses.--DOJ


The Inflation Rate for Necessities: A Look at Food, Energy and Shelter Inflation--THE FED


2022 Was Another Record Year for U.S. Farm Exports--USDA


New IRS feature allows taxpayers electronically filing amended returns to choose direct deposit to speed refunds--IRS


5) LOCAL MEETINGS


CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS


Clallam County Work session for 2/13/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02132023-722


Clallam County Board meeting for 2/14/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02142023-723


Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting 2/14/23

https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02142023-652


City of Sequim Council meeting for 2/13/23

https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2754


City of Forks Council meeting for 2/13/23

https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Agenda-20230213.pdf


Clallam County PUD meeting for 2/13/23

https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-13-23-WEB-Packet.pdf


OMC meeting for 2/15/23

https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AGENDA-February-15-2023-Business-Meeting.pdf


JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS


Jefferson County Commission meeting for 2/13/23

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/e2e54195-38a3-4a08-a327-e8daa53a64a0


PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING AGENDA for 2/13/23

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1964





Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (New King James Version)
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
 

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The Da Vinci Code: A Review, by Ken Green
The Da Vinci Code, a novel by Dan Brown, has been at the top of the best seller lists for over two years.




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 This Week's Videos:
 Glenn: Biden’s SOTU was the most BIZARRE one I've EVER seen.
No logical person possibly could listen to President Biden’s State of the Union and understand it, Glenn says, because it was completely full of LIES. In this clip, Glenn gives his thoughts on Biden’s SOTU speech, explaining why it was ’one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen.’ Plus, Glenn reminds us — and, most importantly, Joe Biden — of one the most important aspects of the presidency: 'Perhaps you need a reminder of that oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' 
 



 HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:
 



The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
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FROM NIGHT OWL COMICS
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY 



Saturday, February 4, 2023

Looking back on 2022: Hunger relief

Amber Betts, WSDA

Link Source : https://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2023/01/looking-back-on-2022-hunger-relief.html


" Below is an overview of the multiple programs run by Food Assistance – in partnership with hundreds of food pantries, food banks, tribes, and other hunger relief organizations – and their impact in 2022."--Amber Betts


Commodity Supplemental Food Program

A federally funded (United States Department of Agriculture – USDA) program that provides necessary food staples to low-income adults 60 years of age and over. Food Assistance provided $510,000.00 to agencies throughout Washington State to run this program. In 2022, 6154 seniors received monthly, nutrition-focused food packages, the value of which totaled $1.9 million.

Emergency Food Assistance Program

A state-funded program that provides funding to food banks and food pantries to assist with costs associated with hunger relief – including food, operating costs, training, and equipment. In 2022, Food Assistance provided $8.3 million in operational funding to agencies throughout Washington State, and these agencies (community food pantries) leveraged the funds to distribute 181 million pounds of food to 8.4 million food insecure Washington residents.

Emergency Food Assistance Program – Tribal

Through this state-funded program, 31 Washington State tribes received $870,000 in operational funding for their tribal food pantry and voucher programs. These operational funds support both food vouchers (with which food can be purchased from community supermarkets) and tribal food pantry operating costs (including food, training, and equipment), helping to feed 27,000 tribal members in 2022.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

A primarily federally funded (USDA) program that provides food (fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable) to hunger relief organizations (including food pantries and meal programs) for distribution to the community. In 2022, the Food Assistance program purchased and coordinated 894 truckloads, and distributed 21 million pounds of food across the state (worth over $30 million), in addition to $7 million of operational funding.

Resiliency Grants and Initiatives

This program, established in 2021, aims to address crisis and build resiliency in the Washington hunger relief system in response to COVID-19 and its long-term effects. Funded through the state Legislature and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery fund (part of the American Rescue Plan Act), this program awarded more than $20 million through competitive process grants to hunger relief organizations and tribes across Washington, including many new partners. A diverse advisory committee informed the program’s design.

Some of the resiliency-building projects funded in 2022 included:

Locally grown, culturally relevant produce purchased directly from small farms for distribution.

Locally grown and raised bison, beef, fish, and wheat for processing and distribution.

New and repaired coolers and freezers for increased fresh and perishable food capacity.

Costs of operation, including delivery, staffing (including living wages), rent, and more.

Refrigerated vehicles for home delivery, mobile pantries, and regional food distribution.

Warehouse equipment for increased efficiency, capacity, and safety.

Farm to Food Pantry

This program (established in 2014 with Harvest Against Hunger) encourages local resiliency through the establishment of long-term partnerships between hunger relief organizations and small-scale farmers. Through these partnerships, fresh produce is purchased from small farms, then distributed to food-insecure communities. In 2022, 25 participating agencies across 30 counties created new selling markets for 162 small farms. The $263,700 received directly by farmers resulted in 147,708 pounds of nutritious produce that was distributed to the community through 215 hunger relief locations.

TEFAP Farm to Food Bank

This is a federally funded (USDA) short-term grant program (established in 2019) to help reduce food waste and create partnerships between local farmers and growers with the hunger relief organizations in their area. In 2022, approximately $153,000 was awarded to four agencies to harvest, process, and distribute food donated by local growers. And through these partnerships, 127,098 pounds of fresh and processed food was rescued to be distributed to food-insecure individuals.


Cook WA Meal Kit


A pilot program established in 2022, modeled after meal kit companies like Hello Fresh. The Food Assistance team partnered with SNAP-Ed and Washington chefs to develop nutritious recipes for food pantry customers. Eleven food banks and one tribal nation participated in 2022, co-packing food, sauces, spices, and recipe cards into over 35,000 two-meal-equivalent meal kits for distribution through food pantries.

Reserve Food Warehouse


To help with stability in the hunger relief network amidst food shortages and rising food costs in 2022, Food Assistance team members used a partner organization warehouse to hold purchased shelf-stable foods to be released as needed to the hunger relief network. Over 26 truckloads carrying 974,555 pounds of food were purchased, stored, and distributed to the network from this warehouse in 2022.

TEFAP Reach and Resiliency

A federally funded (USDA) short-term grant established in 2022, helping to expand the TEFAP program into more remote, rural, tribal, low-income, and underserved areas by supporting the additional operating costs; $827,000 was awarded in 2022.

Local Food Purchasing Assistance

A federally funded (USDA-AMS) short-term grant program that helps improve regional supply chain resiliency through partnership. In 2022, $2.7 million was awarded to 29 hunger relief organizations and tribes to establish direct purchase partnerships with socially disadvantaged farmers, producers, and ranchers across the state.


IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:


Tukwila property owner penalized for oil spill to the Duwamish River.

TUKWILA – 

A Tukwila property owner has been served a $28,000 penalty after allowing oil to leak into the Duwamish River. John Roach leased space on his riverfront property to several businesses and individuals, including semi-truck companies, allowing the land to be improperly used for vehicle maintenance. The property has a documented history of spills and other violations.--DOE


Newest round of clean-water funding focuses on small communities

$303 million proposed for projects across the state.

We're proposing to award $303 million in grants and loans for 114 high-priority clean water projects across the state. Our Water Quality Combined Funding program supports communities by helping them upgrade wastewater treatment and sewer systems, manage polluted stormwater, and complete a variety of other projects to prevent and clean up diffuse sources of pollution, also known as nonpoint pollution.--DOE


Yakima County massage therapist suspended on allegations of sexual misconduct.

OLYMPIA – State health officials suspended the license of Yakima County massage therapist Jesus Bautista Rodriguez (MA60736453) pending further legal action.--DOH


New WDFW report calls for science-based approaches for climate-resilient water supply.

OLYMPIA – A new report recently released by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) calls for new strategies and policy tools to address consequences of increasing human demand for water and the effects of climate change on Washington’s rivers and streams. --WDFW




(2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC


KILMER APPLAUDS DECISION TO APPROVE PERMANENT CLEAN WATER ACT PROTECTIONS FOR BRISTOL BAY, BLOCKING PROPOSED MINE.

Link Source: Rep. Kilmer's office


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final determination to approve permanent Clean Water Act protections for Bristol Bay, blocking the proposed Pebble Mine.


“I applaud the Environmental Protection Agency for taking the necessary steps to ensure Bristol Bay is permanently protected,” said Rep. Kilmer. “The Pebble Mine would threaten our fisheries, impacting not only the environment but also our economy. At a time when Washingtonians can’t afford a hit to their livelihoods, we need to make sure that we’re acting to protect our natural resources and the jobs that depend upon them.”


The Pebble Mine is a proposed open-pit mine that would excavate gold, molybdenum sulfite, and copper from 150 square miles of the Bristol Bay watershed. In January 2014, the EPA released a report titled “Assessment of Potential Mining Impacts on Salmon Ecosystems of Bristol Bay, Alaska.” The report concluded that allowing a mine in the Bristol Bay Watershed would destroy as many as 94 miles of salmon streams and up to 5,350 acres of wetlands, including important spawning grounds.


More congressional news...


KILMER APPOINTED TO REGIONAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL BY HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER JEFFRIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, January 30, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer was appointed to Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries's newly created Regional Leadership Council. The Council – which consists of members from each of the twelve regions of the Democratic Caucus – will be led by former Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer, the former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives.


Cantwell, Murray Introduce Resolution Recognizing National Girls & Women in Sports Day.


Cantwell, First U.S. Senator to Oppose Pebble Mine, Celebrates EPA Decision to Save Prolific Bristol Bay Salmon Run

Cantwell: “This is the final nail in the coffin for the Pebble Mine;” Bristol Bay salmon generate $500 million annually for WA state and support 5,000 jobs.


Senator Murray, Representative Kilmer Announce over $5 Million for Electric Infrastructure in Jefferson County.


Senator Murray Issues Statement on FDA Food Oversight Reforms, Will Continue Pushing to Ensure Improvement.


(3) WORLD & NATIONAL HEADLINES


WORLD:

Following Year of Political Discord, Iraq's New Government Tackles Pressing Challenges, Institutes Reforms, Senior Official Tells Security Council

Country Representative Details Initiatives, Reforms, Diplomatic Endeavours--UN PRESS RELEASE

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15189.doc.htm

In its first three months in office, Iraq’s new Government has shown its commitment to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the country, including endemic corruption, poor public service delivery and high levels of unemployment, the senior United Nations official in the country told the Security Council today, while underscoring the need of accountability.


Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), said that, since 2003, too many opportunities to conduct meaningful reform have been wasted due to pervasive corruption.  However, Iraq’s new Government, ending more than a year of tensions, political discord and power play, has tackled the myriad national challenges, including the recovery of stolen funds and the investigation of corruption allegations.


Encouraging the Iraqi Government to persevere, she called for systemic change through socioeconomic reform, stronger institutions and better governance.  She also spotlighted the recent victory of Iraq’s national football team, adding that after decades of violence, Iraq’s hosting of the Gulf Cup for the first time since 1979 was a testimony to a return to normality the country’s potential to rally not only the nation but also regional partners around a common and positive objective.


Nonetheless, there are concern over violations of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, she noted, declaring:  “Messaging by strikes does nothing but recklessly heighten tensions, kill people and destroy property.”  Moreover, Iraq is one of the most explosive-ordnance-contaminated countries in the world, she said, noting that in 2022, those remnants of war are the leading cause of child casualties and one third of civilian casualties.


Echoing her concerns, Dr. Ahmed, Director of Donor and International Relations, Iraqi Health and Social Care Organization, also described Iraq as one of the most explosive-ordnance-contaminated countries in the world.  Decades of successive wars and conflicts — including the latest conflict with Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Da'esh — have created an obstacle to the safe and dignified return of Iraq’s 1.2 million displaced persons and a threat to people’s lives.


He also described the process of accreditation for mine action organizations as lengthy and wasteful.  Citing a “steep winding down in donor funding” that has hit mine action operators — in particular national non-governmental organizations — he reported that humanitarian funding for local actors dropped from 4.7 per cent in 2020 to 2 per cent in 2021, far from the target of 25 per cent.  Nonetheless, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has been leading efforts to “localize” demining processes through a model that brings together international and national non-governmental organizations to transfer skills and knowledge.


In the ensuing discussion, many speakers, congratulating Iraq’s national football team for its recent victory, commended not only the formation of the new Government, but the appointment of three women to the Cabinet, while also stressing the need to combat corruption, tackle unemployment and promote security in the country.


Japan’s delegate, underlining the importance of UNAMI’s electoral assistance, also welcomed the Iraqi Government’s active engagement in building confidence among neighbouring countries through regional dialogues.  In that regard, closure of the United Nations Compensation Commission in December 2022 — following Iraq’s final payment to Kuwait — marked an important milestone.  He also drew attention to steady cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property.


In another vein, the representative of China warned that the current situation in Iraq remains dire as terrorists are still conducting asymmetric attacks, resulting in casualties among civilians.  He called on the international community to support Iraq in combating terrorism, eliminating extremist forces, such as Da’esh, preventing their return and consolidating hard-won gains in countering terrorism.


Along similar lines, Albania’s delegate expressed concern about continued attacks by terrorist groups, voicing support for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  He also drew attention to the risks posed to Iraq by climate change, which are already seriously impacting the country’s security and human rights situations.


The representative of Mozambique, also speaking for Gabon and Ghana, said that, while the end of Iraq’s year-long political deadlock is encouraging, efforts to ensure the defeat of Da’esh, and international support for Iraq’s role in that endeavour, must continue.


Rounding up the discussion, Iraq’s delegate, outlining the Government’s new priorities, noted they are built upon international partnerships and focus on holding early elections, countering corruption, countering poverty and unemployment, and improving national security, among others.  Reporting on improved relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government, he said talks are under way on legislation relating to oil and gas, customs revenues and other matters.  He also reported that 4 million internally displaced persons have already returned to Iraq.


Moreso, after four decades of discriminatory policies, a recent decree guarantees land ownership rights to Yazidis, he said, calling for increased international support for services provided to victims of Da’esh crimes.  In addition, he pledged the new Government’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — which are being hindered by climate change and the scarcity of water resources — noting that Iraq has implemented several green economy projects to date.


In other world headlines...


UN aid convoys deliver lifesaving relief to Ukraine’s war-ravaged east.

Two UN aid convoys have reached communities with acute needs near the contact line in Ukraine’s war-shattered east this week, relief coordinators reported on Friday.


Ethiopia: Northern aid access improving but some areas still hard to reach.

UN humanitarians on Thursday reported that aid access in the north is continuing to improve with aid operations expanding following last November’s ceasefire agreement, but some civilians in the battle-scarred region “remain hard to reach.”


Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Interview with Nick Schifrin of PBS NewsHour--USUN


Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Sison’s Travel to Seattle, Washington--US STATE DEPT.

Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Michele Sison will travel to Seattle, Washington, February 6-7, 2023, to highlight America’s multilateral leadership and to discuss the many ways in which that leadership reflects U.S. values of democracy and human rights and contributes to our country’s safety, security, and prosperity.  During her visit, the Assistant Secretary will headline events hosted by the World Affairs Council of Seattle and meet with students at the University of Washington and Seattle University to discuss today’s shared global challenges, as well as career opportunities at the Department of State and in international organizations.


NATIONAL:


New Jersey Man and Company Operating Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in Wisconsin Charged with Health Care Fraud--DOJ

Thursday, February 2, 2023

New Jersey Man and Company Operating Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in Wisconsin Charged with Health Care Fraud

A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin returned an indictment yesterday charging Kevin Breslin, 56, of Hoboken, New Jersey, and KBWB Operations, LLC, doing business as Atrium Health and Senior Living (Atrium) in Park Ridge, New Jersey, with a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items, or services.


The indictment alleges that the scheme operated from January 2015 to September 2018. The indictment charges the defendants with health care fraud, six counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, conspiracy to commit tax fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.


According to the indictment, Breslin was the Chief Executive Officer of Atrium, which operated 24 skilled nursing facilities and nine assisted living facilities in Wisconsin and Michigan. These facilities included:


Atrium Post Acute Care of Appleton, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Black River Falls, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Bloomer, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Chetek, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Chilton, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Ellsworth, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Kewaunee, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Lancaster, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Little Chute, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Marshfield, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Menominee, Michigan;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Mineral Point, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Neenah, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of New Holstein, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Oconto Falls, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Plymouth, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Shawano, Wisconsin, at Birch Hill,

Atrium Post Acute Care of Shawano, Wisconsin, at Evergreen,

Atrium Post Acute Care of Shawano, Wisconsin, at Maple Lane,

Atrium Post Acute Care of Stevens Point, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Two Rivers, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Weston, Wisconsin;

Atrium Post Acute Care of Williams Bay, Wisconsin; and

Atrium Post Acute Care of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

The indictment alleges that from January 2015 through September 2018, Atrium billed Medicare for over $189,000,000 and received over $49,000,000 and that they billed Medicaid for over $218,000,000 and received over $93,000,000. The indictment alleges that when the defendants obtained money from Medicare and Medicaid, they certified that they would follow all required quality of care standards, but they did not do so, and that they would operate their facilities with adequate staffing, supplies, and services, but they did not do so.


The indictment alleges that as part of the scheme to defraud, Breslin and Atrium diverted funds from the Wisconsin facilities through guaranteed payments to Atrium owners, guaranteed monthly return-on-investment payments to investors that were financing the construction of skilled nursing facilities in New Jersey, and construction costs for the New Jersey facilities. The indictment further alleges that the diversion of funds caused inadequate care of residents, including a shortage of clean diapers, inadequate wound care supplies, inadequate cleaning supplies, and a lack of durable medical equipment and respiratory supplies. In addition, the diversion of funds caused non-payment to vendors, which caused numerous services to be cut off, including physical therapy for residents, fire alarm monitoring services, phone and internet services preventing staff from obtaining prescription orders and accessing electronic medical records systems, and necessary repairs and maintenance of the physical plant facilities.


In addition, the indictment alleges that Breslin and Atrium withheld insurance premiums from employees’ paychecks but failed to pay those monies over to the third-party administrator for use in paying health claims, causing payment of employees’ health claims to be stopped. The indictment further alleges that the defendants withheld 401(k) retirement savings account contributions from employees’ paychecks but failed to pay those monies over to the third-party pension administrator.


The indictment also alleges that Breslin and Atrium evaded payment to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service of state and federal income taxes and employment taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks.


If convicted, Breslin and Atrium face penalties of five years in federal prison on the conspiracy to commit tax fraud charge, and 20 years on each health care fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering charge. The conspiracy to commit tax fraud charge and each of the health care, wire and mail fraud charges carry a $250,000 fine; the money laundering charge carries a $500,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.


Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin made the announcement.


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; IRS Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Medicare Fraud Control and Elder Abuse Unit; and the FBI investigated this case.


Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber for the Western District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Karla-Dee Clark of the Consumer Protection Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division are prosecuting the case.


In other national news:


Three Individuals Charged with Operating Multimillion-Dollar Elder Fraud Scheme

A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned an indictment yesterday charging three individuals with operating a mail fraud scheme that defrauded thousands of U.S. victims, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable.--DOJ


HUD ANNOUNCES NEW RESOURCES FOR ADVANCING HOUSING PROTECTIONS FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING

New Website, Technical Assistance and Enforcement Guidance Strengthen Protections for Survivors Applying for and Living in HUD-Assisted Properties.


HUD AWARDS $315 MILLION IN HISTORIC GRANTS TO ADDRESS UNSHELTERED AND RURAL HOMELESSNESS

The first of its kind package of grants and vouchers follows progress of 100,000 people and families housed and 40,000 housing units added to development pipeline by House America communities


(4) BUSINESS HEADLINE NEWS



Washington State:


Cryptocurrency website M.LBNK123.COM appears to be engaged in fraud.--DFI


The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Securities Division has received a complaint from a Washington resident regarding a purported cryptocurrency website, m.lbnk123.com. The investor was introduced to an individual named “Zhenhai Yu” (“Yu”) through social media. Yu told the investor to invest in Tether (“USDT”) stablecoins claiming they would shortly triple in value.


Yu initially sent the investor a link to the website, lbank.info[1]. Yu explained that LBank is a cryptocurrency exchange that would hold the investor’s USDT. After agreeing to invest, Yu sent the investor a separate link to M.LBNK123.COM, claiming the website was associated with the LBank website. The website opens to a purported Lbank login page. Yu told the investor to start an account on M.LBNK123.COM and wire funds to a third party overseas that would purchase the USDT and deposit them into the investor’s supposed LBank account.


Shortly after investing, the USDT in the investor’s Lbank account purportedly tripled in value. Yu told the investor that in order to receive a higher return, the investor needed to invest more money. The investor invested a few more times, for a total of $65,000, and wired the funds to other third parties within the United States.


The investor attempted to close and withdraw the funds from their LBank account but was unable to do so. LBank “customer service” claimed that that the investor could not withdraw their funds because the investor had entered into a contract and agreed to borrow $300,000. The investor was told that they would not be able to withdraw funds from their account until they invest $300,000. Yu told the investor that if they did not pay, they would also lose their investment and money. The investor lost their entire $65,000 investment. These allegations have not been verified by DFI.


This appears to be related to a scam that is on the rise called, “Pig Butchering.” (https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA221003).  This scheme involves fraudsters contacting victims online, gaining their trust, and advising them to invest on fake websites or applications. After investing, these fake websites or applications may give the impression their investments are making large returns. The fraudsters may misspell URLs to make it appear they are associated with a financial institution or cryptocurrency exchange.


This also appears to be what is commonly called an “Advance Fee Fraud(link is external).”


How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

DFI urges consumers to exercise extreme caution before responding to any solicitation offering investment or financial services. Investment professionals need to be licensed with DFI to offer investments to Washington residents. In addition, most investment products sold need to be registered with DFI.


To check the licensing status and to find out if there are any complaints against an investment professional or investment product, please visit FINRA Brokercheck(link is external) or contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division at (360) 902-8760.


If you live outside of Washington State, contact your state securities reg


IN OTHER BUSINESS HEADLINES:


Treasury Updates Vehicle Classification Standard for Clean Vehicle Tax Credits Under Inflation Reduction Act--US TREASURY


Federal Open Market Committee reaffirms its "Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy"--THE FED


Key points to keep in mind when filing 2022 tax returns--IRS


USDA Continues Laying Foundation for More and Better Markets with Launch of Pilot Cattle Contracts Library--USDA


(5) LOCAL MEETINGS


CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS


Clallam County Commission work session for 2/6/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02062023-716


Clallam County Commission meeting for 2/7/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02072023-717


A special meeting will be held February 8th  at 1 PM for a Clallam Community-BPA Stakeholder Meeting. 

https://clallampud.net/commission-meetings/



JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS


Jefferson County Commission meeting for 2/6/23

https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/2071e2cd-c9c0-4ef5-bfa3-5271e1ca5e7b


PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA

for 2/6/23

https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3106


Port of Port Townsend Commission meeting for 2/8/23

https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-02-08-CommMtg-Agenda.pdf



Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: Psalm 18:1-2 (New King James Version)
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said:
I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
 

Weekly Bible Study 
The Church of Oprah, by Dan Gatlin
For decades, Oprah Winfrey has proclaimed faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, when one examines Oprah’s Jesus, he is not the same Jesus found in the New Testament.




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

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

 The Chosen: About the life of Christ
 

 This Week's Videos:
 The COVID Blueprint: The Next 'Crisis' Globalists Will Use to Control YOU | Glenn TV | Ep 249
The annual World Economic Forum meeting a couple of weeks ago coincided with the release of the WEF's 2023 Global Cybersecurity Outlook. The WEF predicted a major “catastrophic cyber event” within the next 24 months. What do WEF members know that we don’t? As cyber attacks have escalated globally, everyone from NATO to the IMF and Central Banks are conducting war games. Remember Event 201 in November 2019, where people involved with WEF and like-minded elites conducted a war game involving a coronavirus pandemic? Coincidentally, a COVID pandemic followed soon after. Everything that was war-gamed during Event 201 — lockdowns, mandates, supply chain disruptions, and vaccinations — ALL became our reality. It was probably the biggest increase in government control since the progressive era and the biggest assault on freedom in our lifetime. What are they planning for this next big catastrophe? We are one “crisis” away from the end of privacy, liberty, and free will.
 



 HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:
 GOP Right To Deny Ilhan Omar a Committee Seat--PJ MEDIA

It’s All Omar but the Crying
Jew-hating Democrat Ilhan Omar was booted from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.--Patriot Post

Tyre Nichols Fatally Beaten by Invisible White People
Leading lights on the left identify white racism as the root cause of Nichols’ death.--American Spectator
  

The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
Your donation is appreciated.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Inslee and pro-choice advocates testify in support of state constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom--From the office of the Governor.

 

Link Source: https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-and-pro-choice-advocates-testify-support-state-constitutional-amendment-protect


Gov. Jay Inslee today testified at the public hearing in support of SJR 8202, a bill that would amend Washington state’s constitution to explicitly recognize the right of all Washingtonians to reproductive freedom.


"We are now in a historic fight to maintain reproductive freedom and the right to abortion access," Inslee told legislators. "We cannot be lulled into thinking that this is a past debate. It is a current challenge, and it is a current threat to the women of the state of Washington."


The resolution is one of several bills this session that would protect and enhance patients’ ability to receive abortion care. Other bills would strengthen data privacy protections, improve oversight of hospital mergers that result in reduced access to abortion or gender-affirming care, prohibit cost-sharing for abortion, protects patients and employers, and shields providers and their WA licenses from retribution by other states.


The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court last year highlighted the crucial role governors and state legislatures play in protecting access to such care. In the six months since Dobbs, 24 states have banned or severely restricted abortion care.


"Fundamentally, this is an issue of freedom," said Inslee. "It is an issue of freedom to have the most intimate decision of a woman's life to be determined by her, not someone she has never met."


Washington law is currently among the strongest when it comes to reproductive freedom, but without a constitutional amendment, legislators could enact the same kinds of severe restrictions or bans taking place in other states.


Inslee reiterated that point in response to a comment from a Republican senator that proposals like this are mere “political theater” to stoke fear about what should be considered “settled” law.


"There is a party in our state that wakes up every single morning trying to take away this right from women," said Inslee. "In multiple states, unfortunately, they have done so effectively. And while you have been sitting here for two weeks, there have been multiple bills in THIS legislature to take away this right."


"If you do believe it should be a right, why not put it in the constitution? That's the question that I would ask."


In other State News headlines...


Attorney General Ferguson recovers another $9.3M in stolen unemployment money.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that his office recovered another $9.3 million stolen as part of a massive fraud perpetrated against states across the country. The money had been deposited by fraudsters into Bank of America accounts, and last week a King County Superior Court judge ordered Bank of America to return the stolen funds to Washington state.



Sturgeon retention fishing to close on 2 pools of the Columbia River.

OLYMPIA – Recreational retention fishing for white sturgeon on two sections of the Columbia River mainstem will close over the next week, fishery managers from Oregon and Washington announced Tuesday.


Saving Washington's salmon from toxic tire dust

We are taking action to reduce 6PPD-quinone, a chemical that is deadly to coho salmon--DOE


State regulators approve rail safety grants for South King Fire and Rescue--UTC



(2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC


ICYMI: REPRESENTATIVES KILMER AND STRICKLAND CELEBRATE NEW PUGET SOUND RECOVERY LAW IN TACOMA.

From Rep. Kilmer's office

Link Source: https://kilmer.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-representatives-kilmer-and-strickland-celebrate-new-puget-sound-recovery-law-in-tacoma


WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, January 23, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Co-Chairs of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, celebrated their new law, the PUGET SOS Act, which passed the House and Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2023.


The new law, signed by President Biden on December 23, aims to enhance the federal government’s role and investment in Puget Sound, the nation’s largest estuary by volume and the heart of Washington State’s identity and economic engine.


At a press conference in Tacoma, Laura Blackmore, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Partnership, joined Reps. Kilmer and Strickland to celebrate this milestone for Puget Sound recovery.


“When President Biden signed our PUGET SOS Act into law, that moment marked progress that was years in the making – and it demonstrates the federal government stepping up and treating Puget Sound the same way other bodies of water of national significance are treated,” said Rep. Kilmer. “And it’s a recognition that it’s not just about environmental protection, but about our region’s economy as well.”


 

Kilmer continued, “it’s also about ensuring we can continue to use the Sound for recreation, that we can continue to dig for clams, and that we continue to see Southern Resident Killer Whales in Puget Sound not just today but for generations to come.”


“As Co-Chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, protecting and restoring the Sound is a top priority,” said Rep. Strickland. “Puget Sound is a key natural resource for the South Sound and the entire state, accounting for hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact. And now it is getting the federal recognition it deserves as one of our nation's great marine ecosystems.”


 “Our governor, state legislature, local elected officials, tribal elected officials, and our network of organizations around Puget Sound have proven their commitment to restoring it,” said Laura Blackmore, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Partnership. “We needed commensurate investment at the federal level, and today, I’m very pleased to say that the newly enacted PUGET SOS bill demonstrates that federal commitment.”


 Blackmore continued, “the PUGET SOS Act aligns federal brainpower and resources to focus on Puget Sound, and makes sure that our federal partners are coordinated, that they’re setting goals, and that they’re holding each other accountable – and this alignment and accountability will increase our effectiveness and provide yet another boost to Puget Sound recovery.”


 Now law, the PUGET SOS Act will help build a stronger partner in the federal government for critical Puget Sound recovery and restoration efforts by establishing a Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office in the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate protection and restoration efforts related to Puget Sound and codify the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force, created through a 2016 Memorandum of Understanding by executive action.


 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, the fiscal year 2023 government funding legislation signed into law by President Biden on December 29, includes $54 million for the implementation of these provisions – a nearly $20 million increase from last year’s funding level.


 IN OTHER CONGRESSIONAL NEWS...


Cantwell Celebrates Renewal of Protections for America’s ‘Salmon Forest’

Forest Service announcement overturns Trump administration efforts to allow old-growth logging in Tongass National Forest in Alaska--Sen. Cantwell's office


$11.6M in Grants to Washington State Ferries Will Help Electrify State’s 2nd Most Popular Route

Grants will fund electric charging station for vital Mukilteo/Clinton route; a new Southworth passenger terminal; better payment options for all riders; Funds secured through ferry programs included in Cantwell-supported Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law--Sen. Cantwell's office


Senator Murray Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Protect Communities, Schools from Assault Weapons--Sen. Murray's office.


Senator Murray Urges Judiciary Committee to Advance Judge Charnelle Bjelkengren’s Nomination for U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.--Sen. Murray's office


(3) WORLD AND NATIONAL HEADLINES.


With Highest Number of Violent Conflicts Since Second World War, United Nations Must Rethink Efforts to Achieve, Sustain Peace, Speakers Tell Security Council.--UN Press release.


Against a backdrop of the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War and a consequent, pervasive sense of insecurity around the world, the United Nations must rethink its efforts to achieve sustainable peace, the Security Council heard today, as speakers presented suggestions to that end during an open debate on investing in people to enhance resilience against complex challenges in the context of building and sustaining peace.


Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, stating that peace — the United Nations’ raison d’être — “is now under grave threat”, observed that people’s sense of safety and security is at an all-time low in almost every country.  Six out of seven worldwide are plagued by feelings of insecurity, the world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War and 2 billion people — a quarter of humanity — live in places affected by such conflict.  Recalling the Secretary-General’s words that “the world is at a key inflection point in history,” she underscored the need to rethink efforts to achieve sustainable peace.


“There is only one route to durable peace,” she stressed — the route of sustainable development.  It is the only reliable tool with which to break through cycles of instability and address the underlying drivers of fragility and humanitarian need.  Stressing that investments in development, people, human security and shared prosperity are also investments in peace, she noted, however, that such investments have fallen short in recent years.  “When we fail to meet the development needs of our time, we fail to secure peace for our future,” she said, urging the Council to consider the fundamental role of sustainable development in securing peace for current and future generations.


Muhammad Abdul Muhith (Bangladesh), Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, also stressed that inclusivity is key to advancing national peacebuilding processes and objectives, as it ensures that the needs of all segments of society are considered.  Underlining, in that regard, the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, he called for their inclusion — along with youth — in capacity-building efforts at all levels.  Adding that the Commission’s strengthened advisory role has supported the Council in making decisions that benefit from broader peacebuilding perspectives, he encouraged those present to further explore innovative ideas on how the Council can better use the Commission to complement its work.


Diago Ndiaye, President of the Network on Peace and Security for Women in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, pointing out that domestic conflict is triggered by governance issues, poorly organized elections and non-compliance with Constitutions.  She encouraged the Council to find ways to prevent such situations, including by expanding discussion frameworks to involve non-State actors in consultations and dialogue.  Also noting that social inequalities and exclusion relating to religious, regional and ethnic differences constitute sources of conflict in African countries, she urged the Council to find approaches to rectify such trends.


In the ensuing debate, nearly 80 speakers shared national perspectives and suggestions on how best to achieve sustainable peace in today’s fraught world, including the actions the Council can and must take in this endeavour.  Many underscored the importance of meaningfully including women and youth in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and policymaking processes.  Speakers also underlined the important role played by the Peacebuilding Commission, and how liaising with that body can help the Council better maintain international peace and security by leveraging the Commission’s specialized local and regional knowledge.


The representative of Japan, Council President for January, spoke in his national capacity to advocate for convening a meeting where all Peacebuilding Commission and Council members engage through informal interactive dialogue.  He also said that the organ could request the Commission’s advice before commencing work on draft mandate resolutions, and to help develop that advice, could ask the head of the relevant peacekeeping operation to brief the Commission.


The representative of the United States also called for more ambitious and structured Council collaboration with the Commission, as the latter body is ideally placed to raise awareness of regional efforts, local communities’ expertise and the cross-border dimension of conflicts.  Also noting that international actors often cannot be architects of peace, he stressed that local stakeholders must be supported in finding their own solutions and called on the United Nations to shift resources to increase the capacity of local, national and regional peacebuilding activities.


Ghana’s delegate similarly stated that local ownership of peace processes helps ensure the success of peace missions, joining many others in underscoring the need to actively empower women and youth through local peace initiatives.  In addition, she pointed out that early warning systems are more effective if they are anchored in regional arrangements, including the African Union and its regional economic communities such as ECOWAS.  These regional organizations are closer to conflict settings and, usually, have an institutional memory and keen awareness of the sensitivities that can help to better defuse conflicts.


The representative of the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing that institutions do not exist for the sake of existing, also urged the Council to better coordinate with the Commission through the latter’s written advice, informal dialogues and the participation of the chairs of country-specific configurations within its discussions.  “We do not have to reinvent the wheel,” she stressed, “but we do need to mobilize the different tools at our disposal in the UN peacebuilding architecture.”


Ecuador’s representative observed that the Council might, at times, give the impression that it functions “as a sort of global ambulance”, going from one conflict to another when they are already in full swing — even though prevention is the most effective way to maintain global peace and security.  Underlining the importance of conflict prevention, he also said that the “New Agenda for Peace” must include effective mechanisms to overcome the challenges posed by non-military threats — such as organized transnational crime that takes advantage of porous borders during times of transition.


The representative of Kuwait, also underlining the importance of prevention, said that the Council should look for means and methods to effectively avert the outbreak of conflicts.  On that point, he urged that a greater role be given to regional and subregional organizations in this area by boosting their strategic partnerships with the United Nations to conduct mediation.  He also commended the important role of the Peacebuilding Commission, calling for enhanced cooperation, consultation and coordination between that body and the Council.


Kenya’s delegate, meanwhile, pointed out that there can be no true defence of human rights in countries and regions beset by poverty and armed conflict; no way to protect peace when citizens have no decent livelihood; and no chance to promote peacebuilding by investing in people-centred development while cutting the core budget of development agencies.  Recalling that peacekeeping was invented to further the defence of international peace and security, he urged that this same spirit be used to harness the Peacebuilding Commission’s potential and innovate in the area of peacekeeping, particularly in mandating, funding and equipping regional peace operations.


Echoing that point was the representative of Turkmenistan — also speaking for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — who, while expressing support for the “New Agenda for Peace”, noted that efforts to implement peacebuilding agendas require adequate resources.  Stressing the need for such funding to be predictable and sustainable, she praised the work of the Peacebuilding Fund “as a catalytic, rapid-response and flexible pre-positioned pooled fund” that provides financing for crucial activities in conflict-affected countries.


On that point, many speakers welcomed the Peacebuilding Fund’s work, with delegates drawing attention to the need for adequate, predictable and sustainable financing for these efforts and underlining the importance of increasing financing for peacebuilding in general.  Otherwise, the representative of Canada, pointing out that peacebuilding and conflict prevention ultimately require money, warned:  “A strategy without resources is better called a hallucination.”


Addressing the financing of the Fund, several speakers announced their country’s contributions to the Fund, with the representative of the Republic of Korea reporting that his Government will provide $4.3 million to the Fund in 2023.  As well, Australia’s delegate, underscoring that global spending on peacebuilding represents only a fraction of that spent on militaries and crisis response, said his country has committed to a further three-year agreement with an increased contribution of A$12 million for the Fund.


Also speaking today was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and representatives of China, France, Albania, Brazil, Mozambique, Switzerland, Malta, Russian Federation, Gabon, United Kingdom, Egypt, Poland, Rwanda, Indonesia, Latvia, Mexico, Slovenia, Italy, Luxembourg, Croatia, Denmark (also for Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Romania, Germany, Jordan, Guatemala, Thailand, Slovakia, Djibouti, Chile, Portugal, Austria, Netherlands, Philippines, Costa Rica, South Africa, Pakistan, Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Mongolia, Morocco, Lebanon, Ireland, Peru, Myanmar, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Georgia, Cambodia, India, Greece, Azerbaijan, Argentina, El Salvador, Palau (for the Pacific Small Island Developing States), Federated States of Micronesia, Bangladesh, Liberia, Ukraine, Liechtenstein and Armenia, as well as the League of Arab States.


In other World News headlines.


Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.--USUN


Imposing Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Process in Nigeria--US Dept. of State


Largest U.S.-Israeli Exercise in History Concludes--DOD



Holocaust remembrance: beware ‘sirens songs of hate’ – UN chief.

At a UN ceremony to mark the Holocaust on Friday, Secretary-General António Guterres warned that antisemitism, hate speech, and misinformation are ever-present, 90 years on from the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany.


NATIONAL


HUD AND CENSUS BUREAU REPORT NEW RESIDENTIAL SALES IN DECEMBER 2022.--HUD press release


WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau jointly announced the following new residential sales statistics for December 2022:

New Home Sales

Sales of new single‐family houses in December 2022 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 616,000, according to estimates released jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 2.3 percent (±18.5 percent)* above the revised November rate of 602,000 and is 26.6 percent (±13.2 percent) below the December 2021 estimate of 839,000.


Sales Price

The median sales price of new houses sold in December 2022 was $442,100. The average sales price was $528,400.


For Sale Inventory and Months’ Supply

The seasonally‐adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of December was 461,000. This represents a supply of 9.0 months at the current sales rate. The January report is scheduled for release on February 24, 2023. View the full schedule in the Economic Briefing Room. The full text and tables for this release can be found at www.census.gov/construction/nrs/.


EXPLANATORY NOTES

These statistics are estimated from sample surveys. They are subject to sampling variability as well as nonsampling error including bias and variance from response, nonreporting, and undercoverage. Estimated average relative standard errors of the preliminary data are shown in the tables. Whenever a statement such as “2.5 percent (±3.2%) above” appears in the text, this indicates the range (‐0.7 to +5.7 percent) in which the actual percent change is likely to have occurred. All ranges given for percent changes are 90‐percent confidence intervals and account only for sampling variability. If a range does not contain zero, the change is statistically significant. If it does contain zero, the change is not statistically significant; that is, it is uncertain whether there was an increase or decrease. The same policies apply to the confidence intervals for percent changes shown in the tables. Changes in seasonally adjusted statistics often show irregular movement. It takes 4 months to establish a trend for new houses sold. Preliminary new home sales figures are subject to revision due to the survey methodology and definitions used. The survey is primarily based on a sample of houses selected from building permits. Since a “sale” is defined as a deposit taken or sales agreement signed, this can occur prior to a permit being issued. An estimate of these prior sales is included in the sales figure. On average, the preliminary seasonally adjusted estimate of total sales is revised about 5.8 percent. Changes in sales price data reflect changes in the distribution of houses by region, size, etc., as well as changes in the prices of houses with identical characteristics. Explanations of confidence intervals and sampling variability can be found at the Census Bureau’s website.


* The 90 percent confidence interval includes zero. In such cases, there is insufficient statistical evidence to conclude that the actual change is different from zero.


IN OTHER NATIONAL NEWS...


Five Members and Associates of White Supremacist Gang Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering, Kidnapping, and Murder--DOJ


Secretary Cardona Speaks with Native American Parents About Unique Needs of Native American Students in Urban Oklahoma Schools--Dept. of Education


Statement from Deirdre Lawrence Kittner, PhD, MPH, Director, CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health on the passing of Brian Hayden, Tips From Former Smokers® participant.--CDC


FDA Proposes Individual Risk Assessment for Blood Donations, While Continuing to Safeguard U.S. Blood Supply--FDA


(4) BUSINESS HEADLINES


On EITC Awareness Day, IRS and partners promote major tax benefit to millions of low- and moderate-income workers--IRS press release


WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service and partners nationwide today kicked off their Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day outreach campaign to help millions of Americans who earned $59,187 or less last year take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).


"This is an extremely important tax credit that helps millions of hard-working people every year," said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug O'Donnell. "But each year, many people miss out on the credit because they don't know about it or don't realize they're eligible. In particular, people who have experienced a major life change in the past year – in their job, marital status, a new child or other factors – may qualify for the first time. The IRS urges people to carefully to review this important credit; we don't want people to miss out."


In 2022, 31 million eligible workers and families across the country received about $64 billion in Earned Income Tax Credits, with an average amount of more than $2,000.


The IRS administers the EITC, which Congress originally approved in 1975. It was developed in part to offset the burden of Social Security taxes and provide an incentive to work.


The IRS and partners urge people to check to see if they qualify for this important credit. They also encourage people who don't normally file a tax return to review whether they qualify for EITC and other valuable credits.


The EITC is a tax credit for certain people who work and have low to moderate income. A tax credit usually reduces tax owed and may also result in a refund. Even though millions of people get the EITC, the IRS estimates that about 20% of EITC eligible taxpayers do not claim it.


Workers at risk for overlooking the EITC include those:


Living in non-traditional homes, such as a grandparent raising a grandchild

Whose earnings declined or whose marital or parental status changed

Without children

With limited English skills

Who are veterans

Living in rural areas

Who are Native Americans

With earnings below the filing requirement

The IRS also reminds taxpayers that the quickest way to get a tax refund is by filing an accurate tax return electronically and choosing direct deposit for their refund. Tax software, tax professionals and other free options can help people see if they qualify for the EITC.


Who can get the EITC?

To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return. There's no need to guess about EITC eligibility; find out with the EITC Assistant.


Workers with qualifying children may be eligible for EITC if their adjusted gross income (AGI) was less than $53,057 in 2022 ($59,187 for married filing jointly). These individuals can receive a maximum of $6,935 in EITC, up from $6,728 in 2021.


The maximum EITC for taxpayers with no dependents is $560, available to filers with an AGI below $16,480 in 2022 ($22,610 for married filing jointly), and it can be claimed by eligible workers between the ages of 25 and 64. Married but separated spouses who do not file a joint return may qualify to claim EITC if they meet certain requirements.


EITC is for workers whose income does not exceed the following limits in 2022:


$53,057 ($59,187 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children who have valid Social Security numbers (SSNs).

$49,399 ($55,529 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children who have valid SSNs.

$43,492 ($49,622 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child who have valid SSNs.

$16,480 ($22,610 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children who have valid SSNs.

Investment income must be $10,300 or less.

How to claim the EITC

To get the EITC, workers must file a tax return and claim the credit. Eligible taxpayers should claim the credit even if their earnings were below the income requirement to file a tax return. Free tax preparation help is available online and through volunteer organizations.


Those eligible for the EITC have these options:


Free File on IRS.gov. Free brand-name tax software is available that leads taxpayers through a question-and-answer format to help prepare the tax return and claim credits and deductions if they're eligible. Free File also provides online versions of IRS paper forms, an option called Free File Fillable Forms, best suited for taxpayers comfortable preparing their own returns.

Free tax preparation sites. EITC-eligible workers can seek free tax preparation at thousands of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To locate the nearest site, use Find a Location for Free Tax Help on IRS.gov, the IRS2Go smartphone application, or call toll-free 800-906-9887. Taxpayers should bring all required documents and information.

Find a trusted tax professional. The IRS reminds taxpayers that a trusted tax professional can prepare their tax return and provide helpful information and advice. Tips for choosing a return preparer, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys and many others who don't have a professional credential, and details about national tax professional groups are available on IRS.gov. EITC recipients should watch out for unscrupulous return preparers.

The IRS reminds taxpayers to be sure they have valid Social Security numbers for themselves, their spouse if filing a joint return and for each qualifying child claimed for the EITC. The SSNs must be issued before the April due date of the return. There are special rules for those in the military or those out of the country.


Most EITC refunds deposited by late February

While the IRS began accepting 2022 returns on January 23, 2023, the IRS cannot issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to the 2015 PATH Act law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.


Where's My Refund? should show an updated status by February 18 for most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by February 28 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.


Get it right

Taxpayers are responsible for the accuracy of their tax return even if someone else prepares it for them. Since the rules for claiming the EITC can be complex, the IRS urges taxpayers to understand all of them.


Look out for scams

Be sure to choose a tax preparer wisely. Beware of scams that claim to increase the EITC refund. Scams that create fictitious qualifying children or inflate income levels to get the maximum EITC could leave taxpayers with a penalty.


Visit IRS online to learn about other tax credits

IRS.gov is a valuable first stop to help taxpayers get it right this filing season. They can check to see if they also qualify for the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents.


In other Business News...


USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production--USDA


DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SELECTS 10 STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FOR NATIONAL EFFORT TO EXPAND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, OUTCOMES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES--Dept.of Labor


Federal Reserve Board issues policy statement to promote a level playing field for all banks with a federal supervisor, regardless of deposit insurance status--THE FED


FTC Returns More Than $973,000 to Consumers Charged by NutraClick LLC for Unwanted Monthly Subscriptions for Supplements and Beauty Products--FTC


(5) Local meetings.


CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS


Clallam County work session for 1/30/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01302023-712


Clallam County Commission meeting for 1/31/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01312023-713


Clallam County housing solution committee for 2/3/23

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02032023-708


Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 1/31/23

https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01312023-649



Weekly devotional

BIBLE VERSE: John 4:24 (New King James Version)
God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
 

Weekly Bible Study 
The Christian's Reign, Jeffrey W. Hamilton
A large number of passages establish the reign of Christians. Paul tells us that Christians will reign with Christ after this life is over. "This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 




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

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

 The Chosen: About the life of Christ
 

 This Week's Videos:
 
Debunking Outrageous LIES from the New Hulu Series, ‘The 1619 Project’ | Ep 247
58,922 views  Premiered Jan 25, 2023
Remember this quote from George Orwell’s “1984”? “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” The Left is trying to erase the truth of our past to control our lives NOW. For example, did you know there was also a white, European slave trade? That Thomas Jefferson intended to get rid of slavery during America’s founding? That only two colonies voted against including the abolition of slavery in the Declaration of Independence? Glenn sets the record straight on some of the history forgotten by "The 1619 Project" — a “project” that evolved from “journalism” by Nikole Hannah-Jones of the New York Times into curriculum for school districts in all fifty states and into a documentary series airing on Hulu. "The 1619 Project's" premise is that America was founded and built on slavery alone and continues to suffer because of this ultra-racist foundation. It dovetails perfectly with the critical race theory blanketing America’s education system, for which Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is being raked over the coals this week after blocking a high school Advanced Placement course on African-American studies. "The 1619 Project" is a political agenda dressed up as history and gets so many historical facts absolutely WRONG. Glenn takes you into the American Journey Experience vault to reveal artifacts from one of the largest private collections of pilgrim and Jamestown history. He’s joined by Elijah O’Neal, the head of the education department at the American Journey Experience, who brings the evidence to debunk the LIES about America being pumped out in the news, in our classrooms, and now in our living rooms.



 HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:
 
Body Cam Footage Released Showing Incident Between Police And Tyre Nichols--Daily Wire

Watch: Farmers May Have Figured Out Exactly What's Causing the Egg Shortage - Was This Intentional?--WJ

What's Become of Personal Liberty In a Once Free Society?--News Max
  

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