Washingtonian Google Play Store users eligible for share of $700 million as a result of AG Ferguson lawsuit.

 

ref. https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/washingtonian-google-play-store-users-eligible-share-700-million-result-ag

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that, as a result of his multistate antitrust lawsuit against Google, Washington Google Play Store users are eligible for a share of a $700 million nationwide resolution against the global technology giant.

The lawsuit accused Google of using anticompetitive practices to insulate its app distribution service, Google Play Store, from competition — forcing Android app developers to raise app prices for users in order to pay Google’s exorbitant fees. These practices targeted all levels of the smartphone ecosystem, including device manufacturers, network operators and app developers.

Each eligible consumer will receive at least $2, with additional payments depending on how much they spent in the Play Store between August of 2016 and September of 2023. An estimated 2.9 million Washingtonians have Android phones, though only those who paid for apps through the Play Store, or paid for in-app purchases, are eligible.

Washingtonians will receive an estimated $10.6 million in reimbursements for their overpayments all together.

“When companies illegally act like monopolies, everyone loses out on the benefits of healthy competition,” Ferguson said. “People face higher prices and fewer choices. Smaller businesses are forced out of the market — or have no way into it in the first place. This resolution stops Google from rigging the system and creates a more level playing field. We will continue to fight for a competitive marketplace that increases consumer choice, improves affordability and provides a level playing field for business.”

The lawsuit asserted that Google’s anticompetitive tactics included, among others, blocking non-Google Play Store apps from advertising on Google’s ubiquitous search platforms. These practices have helped Google dominate the Android app distribution market. Well over 90 percent of all Android apps are downloaded from Google Play Store.

In addition to paying $700 million, Google is also required to make several corporate reforms and changes to how it operates Play Store. Those include prohibitions on contracts that maintain the Play Store’s exclusivity on phones, allowing the installation of third-party apps on Android phones outside of the Play Store and making operating system improvements to support those apps, among other changes.

Case background

Ferguson joined 36 other attorneys general to file the lawsuit in July of 2021, accusing Google of forming an unlawful monopoly in the app distribution and in-app-payment services markets, harming both Android phone users and app developers.

Google owns Android, an operating system for smartphones, similar to Apple’s iOS. Android and iOS are the only two smartphone operating systems available to consumers. Because Apple only allows iOS on Apple devices, Android is the only operating system currently widely available to other mobile device manufacturers, such as Samsung and Sony. Globally, approximately 75 percent of smartphones use Android.

An estimated 2.9 million Washingtonians and more than 100 million people nationwide use a phone that runs on Android, Google’s operating system. An estimated 40,000 app developers live in Washington.

The states’ lawsuit asserted that Google unlawfully forced out its competition for Play Store and its payment processing service, Play Billing, in several ways. For example:

Preventing apps that aren’t offered on Play Store from advertising on Google’s platforms, including search ads and YouTube ads

Imposing restrictions that deter people from directly downloading apps or installing other app stores that would compete with the Google Play Store

Paying off device manufacturers and mobile network operators not to make their own app stores and instead preload Google Play Store and make it impossible to delete

Offering incentives to Samsung, a major smartphone manufacturer, to use Play Store instead of its own Galaxy app store

Sharing monopoly profits with large app developers to prevent them from making their own app store or moving their apps to a competing app store

Mandating that all apps on the Play Store also use Google Play Billing after their initial download for subsequent in-app purchases, forcing people to unknowingly pay Google’s up to 30 percent commission instead of the cheaper rates of competing payment services

Because of Google’s exclusionary conduct, even large, sophisticated content distributors like Amazon have failed to create a competitive alternative to Google Play Store.

Resolution details

As a result of the lawsuit, Google will pay a total of $700 million to the states. $630 million is set aside for consumer reimbursements through the states’ case and private consumers who filed a separate lawsuit.

About $10.6 million is estimated to be distributed to Washingtonians.

Eligible Washingtonians will receive at least $2, with additional money in proportion to their Google Play spending from Aug. 16, 2016, through Sept. 30, 2023. Washingtonians eligible for payments do not have to submit a claim. Payments will automatically be made directly to PayPal or Venmo accounts associated with Washingtonians’ Play Store accounts.  A settlement administrator will contact users for whom an automatic payment is not possible to arrange for a different method of reimbursement.

The remaining $70 million from the nationwide resolution will be split between the original bipartisan group of 38 states and Washington D.C. that filed the lawsuit, including Washington state, for civil penalties and to pay for their costs and fees associated with the case.

As part of the resolution, Google is also required to:

Give all developers the ability to allow users to pay through in-app billing systems other than Google Play Billing for at least five years

Allow developers to offer cheaper prices for their apps and in-app products for consumers who use alternative, non-Google billing systems for at least five years

Permit developers to steer consumers toward alternative, non-Google billing systems by advertising cheaper prices within their apps themselves for at least five years

Not enter contracts that require the Play Store to be the exclusive, pre-loaded app store on a device or home screen for at least five years

Allow the installation of third-party apps on Android phones from outside the Google Play Store for at least seven years

Revise and reduce the warnings that appear on an Android device if a user attempts to download a third-party app from outside the Google Play Store for at least five years

Maintain Android system support for third-party app stores, including allowing automatic updates, for four years

Not require developers to launch their app catalogs on the Play Store at the same time as they launch on other app stores for at least four years

Submit compliance reports to an independent monitor who will ensure that Google is not continuing its anticompetitive conduct for at least 5 years

Assistant Attorneys General Amy Hanson, Brooke Howlett Lovrovich, and Tyler Arnold with the office’s Antitrust Division are leading the case for Washington.

The Office of the Attorney General’s Antitrust Division is responsible for enforcing the antitrust provisions of Washington's Consumer Protection Act and federal antitrust laws. The division investigates and litigates complaints of anticompetitive conduct and reviews potentially anticompetitive mergers. The division also brings actions in state and federal courts to enforce antitrust laws. It receives no general fund support, funding its own actions through recoveries made in other cases.

For information about filing a complaint about potential anticompetitive activity, visit https://fortress.wa.gov/atg/formhandler/ago/AntitrustComplaint.aspx.

Other actions against Google

This is one of three antitrust lawsuits Ferguson has filed against Google. The others are:

In April 2023, Ferguson joined the U.S. Department of Justice and 16 other states in a lawsuit asserting Google unlawfully monopolized online display advertising.

In December 2020, Ferguson partnered with a bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general to file a federal antitrust lawsuit over the company’s monopoly in the online search and search advertising markets.

The Washington Attorney General’s Office has also filed consumer protection and campaign finance cases against the technology company.

In January of 2022, Ferguson filed a lawsuit asserting Google uses a number of deceptive and unfair practices to obtain users’ “consent” to be tracked. As a result, it is nearly impossible for users to stop Google from collecting their location data. In May of this year, Ferguson announced Google will pay $39.9 million to Washington state as a result of the lawsuit. Google will also implement a slate of court-ordered reforms to increase transparency about its location tracking settings.

In 2013, Google paid Washington state more than $600,000 over alleged data privacy violations involving tracking consumers. The payment to Washington was part of a total of $17 million split between 37 states and the District of Columbia. Google also paid Washington state more than $135,000 the same year for unauthorized data collection through its Street View service. This payment to Washington was part of a $7 million settlement split between 38 states and D.C.

In 2018, Google paid Washington state $217,000 to resolve Ferguson’s lawsuit accusing the company of violating Washington campaign finance disclosure laws that require political advertisers to maintain information about those who purchase advertising and make that information available to the public. In October, Ferguson announced his intention to file a second lawsuit against Google after a referral from the state Public Disclosure Commission, accusing the company of continuing to violate campaign finance disclosure laws.

In other State news headlines:

AG Ferguson proposes creation of bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

“Washington is on the cutting edge of innovation,” Ferguson said. “It is imperative that we embrace new technology in a thoughtful way. As we celebrate the benefits, we must also ensure we protect against the potential for irresponsible use and unintentional consequences.”/WAAG

Commerce awards over $2 million to help address highest priority child care shortages.

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced over $2 million in Child Care Partnership Grants to 18 local organizations for local planning and pre-design efforts that will expand child care capacity in communities across the state.  Funding for the first year of these two-year awards includes up to $430,000 from Ballmer Group, $300,000 from the Bezos Family Foundation and $350,000 from state general funds./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.

State Equitable Access to Credit program accepting 2023 contributions through December 31

OLYMPIA, WA – Businesses and individuals with state Business and Occupation Tax (B&O) liabilities can earn tax credits by contributing to the state’s new Equitable Access to Credit program, launched in August. Cash contributions to the program can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit from the Department of Revenue (DOR). A business can contribute up to $1 million annually and receive tax credit. Deadline for 2023 contributions is Dec. 31, 2023./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.

Clean water funding supports upgrades at Pasco facility

Ecology's Clean Water Grants and Loans program helps communities upgrade and expand their wastewater treatment facilities. Through our competitive funding program, we've committed approximately $53 million dollars to support the City of Pasco's upgrades to their Process Water Reuse Facility. This facility is unique in that it takes wastewater from companies that process food and purifies the water (using algae) so it can be used in other ways. In other words, it is a water recycling facility! Recycling water reduces the burden on the city's municipal wastewater treatment plant and helps protect water quality in the Columbia River. Also, the facility creates biofuels, ultimately decreasing greenhouse gas emissions./DOE

WDFW approves four days of coastal razor clam digs starting Dec. 26; more digs planned for January and February.

OLYMPIA – Razor clam diggers can look forward to more holiday digging beginning Dec. 26, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) coastal shellfish managers confirmed today./WDFW

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION 

Cantwell Announces Historic Funding to Spur Next Era of Timber & Maritime Industries on North Olympic Peninsula

Communities in Clallam, Jefferson & Grays Harbor Counties to receive $1 million in planning grants from Recompete Pilot Program; WA coalition now among 22 applicants eligible for $50 million implementation grants in 2024./ From a press release

Cantwell Bills to Modernize Nation’s Weather Radio, Deliver Real-Time Emergency Alerts Pass Senate

Bills would upgrade U.S. weather radio stations -- including 17 across WA -- and expand coverage in rural areas; In 2023, the U.S. experienced 25 weather and climate-related disasters exceeding $1B dollars in damages each & resulting in nearly 500 deaths/ Press release issued 12/19/23

KILMER-LED PROGRAM TO SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CREATE JOBS NATIONWIDE DELIVERS HISTORIC FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES ACROSS AMERICA

U.S. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION AWARDS FIRST GRANTS AS PART OF REP. KILMER’S RECOMPETE PILOT PROGRAM/press release issue 12/20/23

KILMER ANNOUNCES HISTORIC FUNDING TO SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CREATE JOBS IN CLALLAM, JEFFERSON, AND GRAYS HARBOR COUNTIES

COMMUNITIES ACROSS WASHINGTON’S SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT TO RECEIVE $1 MILLION FROM REP. KILMER’S RECOMPETE PILOT PROGRAM NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA RECOMPETE COALITION SELECTED AS NATIONAL FINALIST FOR PHASE 2 GRANTS TO BE ANNOUNCED IN 2024/Press release issued 12/20/23

Senator Murray Announces Over $3 Million From Grant Program She Created to Strengthen Public Health Infrastructure in WA/ from a press release issued 12/20/23

Senator Murray Speaks on Senate Floor on $600 Million Mega Grant Award for I-5 Bridge Replacement, Outlines Decades-Long Fight to Move This Project Forward.

3) WORLD< NATIONAL< BUSINESS

WORLD:

Security Council Opens Door to UN Funding for African-led Peace Missions, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2719 (2023)

The Security Council unanimously agreed today to consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests from the African Union Peace and Security Council seeking for authorization to access United Nations assessed contributions for African-led peace support operations./ UN PRESS RELEASE

Violence Raging ‘In All Theatres of Syria’, UN Special Envoy Tells Security Council, Urging Return to Political Track Inclusive of All Actors, All Issues

Violence is spiralling throughout Syria in a conflict that “cannot be left unattended”, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the country told the Security Council today, as members echoed his call for a return to the political track with a realistic approach inclusive of all actors and all issues./UN PRESS RELEASE

Speakers Weigh Prospects for Engagement with Taliban in Afghanistan amid Ongoing Concern over Harsh Repression of Women’s Rights

‘Dialogue Does Not Legitimize,’ Special Representative Says

The Security Council today heard calls for and against greater engagement with the Taliban to address critical challenges in Afghanistan, as speakers highlighted a dire humanitarian situation and severely restricted rights for women, girls and minorities./ UN PRESS RELEASE

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Defense Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen/US STATE DEPT.

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Chemical Weapons in Syria/ USUN

NATION:

A Proclamation on Granting Pardon for the Offense of Simple Possession of Marijuana, Attempted Simple Possession of Marijuana, or Use of Marijuana/WH

Defense Department Taking Action With Warfighter Brain Health Initiative.

The Defense Department is committed to focusing on warfighter brain health. Some DOD actions include monitoring service members, instituting injury prevention safety measures, and continuing to provide innovative brain injury treatments. /DOD

Nurse Practitioner Sentenced for $192M Medicare Fraud Scheme.

A Florida woman was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for her role in a scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting over $192 million in claims for genetic tests and durable medical equipment that patients did not need and telemedicine visits that never occurred./DOJ

Biden-Harris Administration Awards $44.5 Million to Improve Postsecondary Education Access and Completion for Students in Rural Communities/ DEPT. OF EDUCATION

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $174 Million to Support Energy Efficiency and Climate Resilience for Thousands of Low-Income Households as Part of Investing in America Agenda

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program grant and loan awards support improvements to HUD-assisted multifamily properties./HUD

BUSINESS:

Interior Department Announces $27 Million from President’s Investing in America Agenda for Tribal Dam Safety, Water Sanitation Projects./DEPT. of INTERIOR

What to Expect from the Economy in 2024

A possible economic slowdown would be mitigated by the ongoing worker shortage./ US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Three Men Charged in International Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme.

A five-count indictment was unsealed on Wednesday charging a Georgia businessman, a former Honduran government official, and a former Florida resident for their alleged participation in an international scheme to pay and conceal bribes to Honduran government officials to secure contracts to provide uniforms and other goods to the Honduran National Police. /DOJ

USDA Highlights 2023 Successes in Serving Farmers, Families and Communities.

WASHINGTON, December 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is marking the end of 2023 by highlighting on-the-ground projects and partnerships that are building economic prosperity for farmers, families, and communities nationwide. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda – and its record investments in rural America – USDA has been able to help tens of thousands of farmers continue their operations and increase their revenue, connected rural communities to internet access, advanced efforts to mitigate climate change, made investments that give small businesses a leg up, lowered energy costs and costs for consumers, and more./USDA

IRS: New Voluntary Disclosure Program lets employers who received questionable Employee Retention Credits pay them back at discounted rate; interested taxpayers must apply by March 22/IRS

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS FOR 12/23/23

Six Sovereigns and Biden Administration partner in historic fashion to find solutions that benefit salmon and the Pacific Northwest.

 

Source link: https://governor.wa.gov/news/2023/six-sovereigns-and-biden-administration-partner-historic-fashion-find-solutions-benefit-salmon-and

Press release issued 12/14/23

Today, the Biden Administration announced its commitment to partnering with the Six Sovereigns on actions that address the urgency of the salmon, climate, energy, and Tribal justice crises facing the Columbia River Basin. 

The Six Sovereigns worked in a historic, collaborative manner to develop a comprehensive package of actions –  the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI) – to address these crises, and now welcome the Biden Administration’s commitments, in response to the CBRI. This is an integral step in our collective work to prevent salmon extinction and restore their population to healthy and abundant levels.

The Administration's commitments outline the critical steps we will be taking together to address an extinction crisis among salmonids throughout the Columbia River Basin. More than just avoiding extinction, today’s announcement marks a renewed obligation to restoring salmon to healthy and abundant levels, while addressing the services provided by the Federal Columbia River Power System and creating a roadmap for the region to meet growing electricity demand with new, clean energy resources. 

The Six Sovereigns’ CBRI provides a path to solutions that consider all affected parties that rely on the Columbia River, while building on a foundation of sound science and – like Governor Inslee and Senator Murray’s report and recommendations, and Congressman Simpson’s Initiative – advancing actions that solve for salmon, climate, and Tribal injustice while also building a stronger, more resilient Northwest.

The Six Sovereigns appreciate the Biden Administration for acknowledging the needs of the salmon and the communities that depend on them. With today’s announcement, the Administration is embracing the United States’ treaty and trust obligations to Tribal nations, while also considering all other interests – energy consumers, irrigators, fishers, recreationalists, and farmers, to name a few.

As we look ahead, the Six Sovereigns are optimistic about the ongoing partnership with the Biden Administration to advance and implement the urgent, actionable elements set forth in these commitments.

The Six Sovereigns include the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, Nez Perce Tribe, State of Oregon, and State of Washington.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

AG report: Data breaches decline for the second consecutive year, remain historically high.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson released his eighth annual data breach report today that shows data breaches remain at historic levels. However, the number of breaches and Washingtonians affected has gone down over the past two years./WAAG

Inslee budget proposes $1.2 billion increase for Department of Commerce.

Focus on equity runs throughout significant funding increases serving range of priorities from housing to clean energy, broadband expansion and helping secure federal funding/ WA COMMERCE DEPT.

New protections to reduce plastic and foam pollution from dock floats.

Beginning in 2024, floating plastic foam used for overwater structures must be fully encased in a durable shell/DOE

Processing.Direct, LLC Not Licensed in Washington State.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received a complaint from a Washington consumer against Processing./DFI

Seven steps for a happy and healthy holiday season.

OLYMPIA –The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) wishes everyone a happy holiday season. Embrace the spirit and enjoy this special time of year by following these seven steps to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy./DOH

2) From our Congressional Delegation to DC:

Senator Murray, Rep. Kilmer Celebrate Their Wild Olympics Bill Passing through Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee/FROM A PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 12/14/23

KILMER CHAMPIONS COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR SERVICEMEMBERS, MILITARY FAMILIES IN 2024 DEFENSE BILL/ Press release issued 12/14/23

KILMER ANNOUNCES $600K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SAFER STREETS AND IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY IN TACOMA/From a press release issued 12/12/23

Cantwell-Led Legislation to Reauthorize the Maritime Administration Heads to the President’s Desk

Bill expands programs to benefit WA seafood industry, shipbuilding, & mariner workforce/ From a press release issued 12/14/23

Cantwell, Risch Call for Swift Conclusion of Columbia River Treaty Modernization

“We urge you to renew the focus of your teams to complete their work and to consult closely with the U.S. Congress and Canadian Parliament on the path ahead,” the Senators wrote/ press release issued 12/13/23

3) WORLD< NATIONAL < BUSINESS:

WORLD:

Fifth Committee Approves Proposed Programme Plan for 2024 after Rejecting Resolution to Remove References Regarding Mechanism Investigating Serious Crimes in Syria

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today approved its annual programme planning resolution, after rejecting an eponymous text by the Russian Federation that would have removed any references to a mechanism set up by the United Nations a dozen years ago to investigate international crimes committed in Syria since that country’s war began in March 2011./UN PRESS RELEASE

Outgoing Chairs of Subsidiary Bodies Update Security Council on Progress Made by Sanctions Committees, Working Groups

Security Situations, Armed Groups, Weapons Embargos Come Under Spotlight

Outgoing Chairs of Security Council subsidiary bodies detailed their work today on various progress made, underscoring their efforts in discussions on security situations, activities of armed groups and monitoring of arms embargoes, as they emphasized that more work remains to be done to move forward the goals of the 15-member body./UN PRESS RELEASE

South Sudan Not Ready for Conducting Credible Elections, Special Representative Tells Security Council, Outlining Important Prerequisites to Be Met

South Sudan is not yet ready to hold credible elections in 2024, a senior United Nations official said today, as the Security Council examined the recent developments in that country, including implementation of the 2018 peace agreement and the dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by the influx of people fleeing the conflict in Sudan./UN PRESS RELEASE

Remarks at a UN Side Event Titled: “Empowering Youth for Reconciliation, Peace, and Stability: Shaping a Brighter Tomorrow”/USUN

The Ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo/US STATE DEPT.

NATION:

Trust, Responsibility at Core of DOD Approach to AI.

The Defense Department's path toward the adoption of artificial intelligence is guided by trust and responsibility, a senior Pentagon AI official said today./DOE

Man Charged for $60M Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme.

A federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment yesterday charging a Texas man for his alleged role in a $60 million health care fraud, wire fraud, and kickback scheme involving the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), genetic tests, and foot bath medications./DOJ

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on the Recent Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System Collection/ DEPT. of Education

HUD Announces $40 Million Funding Opportunity to Expand Support Services for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

Funding provides service coordinator staff that connect residents in affordable multifamily homes with vital resources/HUD

In 2023, HUD Helps More Than 424,000 Households Connect to Homeless Support Services, Exit or Avoid Homelessness

New Biden-Harris Administration programs and efforts are increasing the number of people who exit homelessness into permanent housing in the last two years/HUD

BUSINESS:

Justice Department Announces Crackdown on Networks That Steal Money from Consumer Accounts and Use Fraudulent “Microtransactions” to Hide the Activity from Banks/DOJ

USDA Signs Agreement with Agriculture Future of America to Prepare Young People for Careers in Agriculture/USDA

Small Business Survey Drops as Respondents See Weakening Economy

The Q4 2023 Small Business Index fell on a worsening view of the economy, but small business owners remain positive on the health of their own business./US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DIDION MILLING INC., AGREES TO PAY $1.8M IN PENALTIES, MAKE COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AFTER 2017 CAMBRIA CORN MILL EXPLOSION KILLED 5 WORKERS/DEPT. of LABOR

United States Announces Leading Pledge to the International Fund for Agricultural Development Replenishment/US TREASURY DEPT.

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETING FOR THE WEEK 12/16/23

https://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/in-focus-local-meeting-for-week-121623.html

ANNUAL INVASIVE PEST HUNT CONCLUDES

  

Second year without northern giant hornet detections

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has completed its annual invasive pest survey season and will begin removing northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) traps this month. For the second consecutive year, no northern giant hornets were detected in the state.

Trappers will remove more than 800 WSDA northern giant hornet traps they set and have been monitoring since July. In addition, nearly 200 additional traps were placed and monitored by WSDA partners including federal, state, and local agencies; local community groups in Whatcom County and private citizen scientists.

“While we appear to be heading in the right direction, there is still work to be done to make sure these hornets have not established here,” Greg Haubrich, WSDA’s Plant Protection Assistant Director, said. “It is possible the hornets could be out there. We still need the community’s continued support to report suspected sightings and participate in our citizen science trapping program next year.”

Per USDA guidelines, the northern giant hornet cannot be considered eradicated until WSDA has three consecutive years without a confirmed detection of the hornet.

The northern giant hornet is just one of more than 130 species that WSDA’s Pest Program looks for each year. These pests pose a threat to the state’s agricultural industry, though many have not yet been found in the state.

The spotted lanternfly is one such pest. Though never detected in Washington, it is causing significant damage to vineyards, farms and gardens in several states in the Eastern U.S. WSDA has been monitoring for the pest and preparing for its arrival – collaborating with the Washington Invasive Species Council to create a state spotted lanternfly response plan.

The pest has shown a remarkable ability to spread quickly and hitchhike, with dead specimens being found as close as Oregon and California.

“It’s not if, but it’s when it arrives,” Joshua Milnes, the WSDA entomologist leading the agency’s spotted lanternfly program, said. “Being prepared will give us our best chance to prevent this pest from establishing when it gets here. Washington residents should know what this pest looks like and snap a photo and report it immediately if they think they see it.”

Residents can also help prepare the state by removing the spotted lanternfly’s preferred host, tree-of-heaven, which is itself an invasive species.

Other major pests the program has monitored for this year include the apple maggot, Japanese beetle and spongy moth.

Apple maggot is established in Western Washington and some areas of Eastern Washington. WSDA monitors for the pest to slow its spread and ensure it is not detected in Washington’s commercial apples. WSDA continues to attempt to eradicate an infestation of Japanese beetles in South Central Washington and this year also has detected over 100 spongy moths.

The WSDA Pest Program protects the viability of Washington’s agricultural producers by monitoring for and eradicating invasive pests. Visit agr.wa.gov to learn more about the Pest Program.

Ref. https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=38022

In other state news headlines:

STATE VETS OFFICE GIVES UPDATE ON CANINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE

OLYMPIA – With recent reports of an unidentified canine illness increasing across the nation, the Washington State Veterinarian is encouraging dog owners to be vigilant to keep their animals safe and healthy./WSDA

$40.6 million on the way to low-income Washingtonians as a result of AG Ferguson lawsuits.

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office is mailing checks to hundreds of thousands of Washington households as a result of his successful antitrust lawsuits against large chicken and tuna corporations that engaged in price-fixing./WAAG

Industrial site in Whatcom County penalized $900,000 for dangerous waste violations.

BELLINGHAM  – 

For years, hundreds of thousands of gallons of oily waste, tons of solidified wastes, and numerous containers of dangerous waste accumulated at the Treoil industrial site in Whatcom County, with much of that waste stored adjacent to wetlands and a nearby creek./DOE

Recovering Financially After a Natural Disaster

Tips and resources on recovering financially after a natural disaster./DFI

Fish and Wildlife Commission to decide on land transaction, black bear timber damage, and several rule-making petitions; vote for chair and vice chair at Dec. 14-16 meeting/WDFW

2) FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:

KILMER APPLAUDS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO USHER IN NEXT ERA OF TRIBAL SELF-DETERMINATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) released the following statement after President Joe Biden signed an executive order to usher in the next era of Tribal self-determination./ From a press release issued 12/7/23

KILMER INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO BOOST DIGITAL LITERACY AND SKILLS UNDER WIOA

BIPARTISAN INVESTING IN DIGITAL SKILLS ACT WILL EXPAND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AROUND DIGITAL SKILLS AND DIGITAL LITERACY/ FROM A PRESS RELEASE 12/7/23

House Passes Cantwell-Championed Bill to Research & Combat Illegal Synthetic Drugs

As Commerce Committee chair, Cantwell led a markup of the TRANQ Research Act to help scientists better understand & detect animal tranquilizer xylazine, which is emerging as an illicit drug; Bill comes on the heels of Cantwell’s statewide listening tour across WA to hear from folks on the front lines of the drug crisis/ From a press release issued 12/6/23

Cantwell: “Make No Mistake About It – The Fentanyl Crisis is a Flood of Poison Entering Indian Country”

In Senate hearing, Eastern WA U.S. Attorney & BIA leader from Makah Tribe highlight need for more law enforcement & better data; Cantwell bill would boost hiring, retention, & resources for tribal law enforcement agencies/ From a press release issued 12/6/23

Senator Murray on Republican Attempt to Pass Israel-Only Aid Bill, Urges Colleagues to Support Aid for Ukraine./From a press release issued 12/6/23

Murray on Senate Republicans Blocking Security Supplemental

ICYMI: Senator Murray urges Senate Republicans to move forward on national security supplemental./From a press release issued 12/6/23

3) WORLD< NATIONAL <BUSINESS:

WORLD: 

Transformative Action Programme Crucial to Help Landlocked Developing Countries Thrive, Fulfil Promise of Leaving No One Behind, Deputy Secretary-General Tells Joint Event

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the high-level opening segment of the General Assembly-Economic and Social Council Thematic Event on Landlocked Developing Countries, in New York today/ UN PRESS RELEASE DATED 12/7/23

Concerned over Limited Progress in Inter-Haitian Dialogue, Secretary-General Appeals for Broad Consensus to Restore Haiti’s Democratic Institutions

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres/UN PRESS RELEASE DATED 12/7/23

Speakers Urge Efficient Financial Management, Avoiding Duplicate Processes, as Fifth Committee Examines Programme Budget Implications of Disarmament-Related Texts

Delegates in the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today considered the 2024 budget implications of six outputs of the First Committee’s (Disarmament and International Security) 2023 session that — if adopted by the General Assembly — would deliver just over $1 million to help verify nuclear disarmament, curb an arms race in outer space and meet the challenges created by lethal autonomous weapons systems./ UN PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 12/7/23

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East/USUN

Promoting Accountability in Support of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights/US STATE DEPT.

NATIONAL:

DOD Recognizes Top Technology, Cyber Performers.

The Defense Department's chief information officer, John Sherman, today recognized more than a dozen individuals and teams who contributed in exceptional ways to the advancement of the DOD's information technology goals during 2023./DOD

Brooklyn Hospital Dietician Found Guilty of Filing False Tax Returns and Obstructing the IRS/DOJ

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $93 Million in Grants to Support Research and Development at HBCUs, TCCUs and MSIs, and Postsecondary Completion for Underserved Students/ Dept.of Education

FDA Approves First Gene Therapies to Treat Patients with Sickle Cell Disease./FDA

Biden-Harris Administration Calls on Housing Community to Help Expand Access to Life-Saving Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications Like Naloxone

As part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda priority to beat the overdose epidemic, federal agencies are working with housing and support services providers to improve access to life-saving measures like naloxone, destigmatize substance use disorder, and promote recovery/HUD

BUSINESS:

U.S. Treasury Department Updates Certification Application for Community Development Financial Institutions to Promote Responsible Lending to Financially Underserved Communities/US TREASURY

At White House Tribal Nations Summit, USDA Fulfills Long-Standing Tribal Requests to Strengthen Food Sovereignty and Expand Indigenous Roles in Forest Management

Department Announces Grants and Key Progress in Meat Processing for Indigenous Animals, Expanded Forest Management Tribal Partnerships, Tribal Bison Conservation Efforts, and Tribal Advisory Committee Appointments/USDA

Two Russian Nationals Working with Russia’s Federal Security Service Charged with Global Computer Intrusion Campaign/DOJ

Building a More Inclusive Financial System through Collaboration and Action

Governor Michelle W. Bowman. At the Aspen Institute, Washington, D.C./THE FED

FTC, DOJ and HHS Work to Lower Health Care and Drug Costs, Promote Competition to Benefit Patients, Health Care Workers

Recent agency actions have helped lower costs, increase care quality for consumers and promote competition across the health care market/FTC

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS FOR 12/9/23

Merry Christmas from the publisher

AG Ferguson statement on unsealed federal complaint against Meta for harming youth mental health.

  

Source link: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-statement-unsealed-federal-complaint-against-meta-harming-youth

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued the following statement today on his office’s federal lawsuit against Meta for knowingly harming youth mental health. The social media company recently agreed to unseal information it had previously designated confidential. 

The full complaint is now public, minus identifying information for certain non-executive employees, revealing specific details of Meta’s unlawful conduct.

“The evidence is clear — Mark Zuckerberg and Meta’s top executives knew and disregarded the extensive risks that addictive features on Instagram and Facebook posed to children,” Ferguson said. “They ignored repeated warnings from their employees and researchers, and exploited harmful features to maximize profit. My office will continue doing everything we can to protect the mental health of Washington youth.”

Ferguson is suing Meta in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 42 state attorneys general. The federal lawsuit, filed by 33 of those states, accuses Meta of putting profits before the well-being of millions of children and teens by intentionally targeting them with harmful features to get them hooked for life. Internal documents show the tech company knew the risks those features posed and not only ignored them, but publicly downplayed them in violation of the Consumer Protection Act. Read more about the lawsuit here.   

Highlights from the unsealed complaint

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg ignored internal documents on detailed consultation with “21 independent experts around the world” who found that filters with cosmetic surgery effects “can have severe impacts on both the individuals using the effects and those viewing the images.” Experts told Meta that children were particularly vulnerable as well as those with a history of eating disorders and mental illness. Instagram’s head of public policy wrote to Zuckerberg that outside experts were “nearly unanimous on the harm here.” Zuckerberg canceled a meeting to discuss these issues, then subsequently vetoed a proposal to ban the filters. He dismissed the concerns as “paternalistic.” 

 

In response to the veto, then-vice president of product design wrote in an email to Zuckerberg: “I respect your call on this and I’ll support it, but want to just say for the record that I don’t think it’s the right call given the risks . . . I just hope that years from now we will look back and feel good about the decision we made here.

 

Internal emails show that Meta disregarded well documented research on the psychological harm to youth when they are inundated with notifications. For example, an internal Meta document discussing “Problematic Facebook Use” stated that “smartphone notifications caused inattention and hyperactivity among teens, and they reduced productivity and well-being.” Despite this knowledge, the company pursued a strategy for “Teen Growth” by “leverag[ing] teens’ higher tolerance for notifications to push retention and engagement.”

 

Meanwhile, internal documents and emails between top executives show that Meta has long known its frequency of notifications are problematic, but continued the practice to maximize engagement. In fact, then-vice president of analytics said in an email “fundamentally I believe that we have abused the notifications channel as a company.” In June 2018, an internal presentation called “Facebook ‘Addiction’” proposed that Meta reduce notifications to curb problematic use. To date, Instagram does not offer users a setting to permanently disable all notifications. At most, users can opt to pause all notifications for up to eight hours at a time or pause notifications for a specific category. After notifications are disabled, Meta pressures users to reinstate notifications.

 

Meta executives repeatedly ignored or declined requests to fund proposed well-being initiatives and strategies that were intended to reduce harmful features on Instagram and Facebook. For example, in April 2019, Meta’s then-vice president of research emailed Zuckerberg proposing well-being investments on the platforms, pointing out, “there is increasing scientific evidence (particularly in the US…) that the average net effect of [Facebook] on people’s well-being is slightly negative.” Meta’s leadership team declined to fund the initiative. Requests like these, which involved internal discussions between multiple top executives at both Instagram and Facebook over several years, were repeatedly denied.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:

AG Ferguson, NY AG James lead 21 attorneys general arguing to block Idaho’s discriminatory transgender bathroom law.

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson and New York Attorney General Letitia James are leading a coalition of 21 attorneys general to file a brief seeking to block an Idaho law that categorically bars transgender students from using school facilities like bathrooms or locker rooms consistent with their gender identity./WAAG

*  This happens when society let's immorality fester.

WSDA AWARDS FARM TO SCHOOL PURCHASING GRANTS

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has offered $3.7 million in Farm to School Purchasing grants to 105 applicants. School districts, childcare providers, tribal schools and tribal early learning centers will use the grants to serve high quality, nutritious and culturally relevant foods grown, raised, caught or foraged by producers in Washington state.  WSDA's Farm to School Purchasing Grants are possible thanks to the Washington State Legislature’s ongoing investment in farm to school./ WSDA

State Energy Resilience and Emergency Management Office publishes Fuel Action Plan.

2023 Washington State Fuel Action Plan describes supply chain hazards, actions to take in event of disruption

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington Energy Resilience and Emergency Management Office (EREMO) at the Department of Commerce recently published the 2023 State Fuel Action Plan. Authorized in Washington State statute and through related Presidential directives and federal law, the plan describes the fuel supply chain, hazards to fuel infrastructure, and tactics available to the state for responding to a fuel shortage or disruption./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.

Ecology offering $1.8 million to Washington communities for drought planning, preparedness.

OLYMPIA  – 

To help Washington communities prepare for a drier future, Ecology will offer $1.8 million in grants to increase local drought preparedness./DOE

Seattle and King County penalized for sewer overflow violations.

SEATTLE  – 

The Washington Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are jointly issuing penalties to Seattle and King County for violating conditions of their federal consent decrees and state water quality permits that regulate combined sewer overflows from Seattle’s sanitary sewer system./DOE

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

WA Ferries Awarded $4.8M to Extend Lifespan of 6 Aging Vessels by up to a Decade

Funds will refurbish passenger amenities for ferries currently serving Fauntleroy, Vashon, Southworth, Mukilteo, Clinton, Anacortes, & the San Juan Islands/FROM A PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/29/23

DOT Launches New, Cantwell-Created Office to Prevent Costly Supply Chain Snafus

After pandemic-era freight congestion clogged NW ports, Cantwell wrote provision creating Multimodal Freight Office & secured its inclusion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; Office led by longtime WSDOT staffer Allison Dane Camden, a Clark College and UW grad/Press release issued 11/29/23

Amtrak Fulfills Promise to Cantwell – Adds 2 More Daily Roundtrips Between Seattle & Portland

Announcement “significantly increases capacity for riders travelling between the two busiest stops on the Amtrak Cascades Route,” says Cantwell; Total number of Seattle-Portland roundtrips to increase from 5 to 7 beginning on Dec. 11/From a press release issued 11/29/23

Senator Murray, Colleagues Take to Senate Floor to Share How Child Care Crisis is Hurting Constituents, Urge Action from Congress/ From a press release issue 11/29/23

WA Ferries Awarded $4.8M to Extend Lifespan of 6 Aging Vessels by up to a Decade 

Funds will refurbish passenger amenities for ferries currently serving Fauntleroy, Vashon, Southworth, Mukilteo, Clinton, Anacortes, & the San Juan Islands/Press release issued 11/29/23

WORLD< NATIONAL < BUSINESS

WORLD: 

Expressing Grave Concern over Rise in Tuberculosis Cases, General Assembly Also Highlights Gap in Progress towards Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Assembly Also Designates 7 September World Duchenne Awareness Day to Spark Awareness of Rare Genetic Disorder/ UN PRESS RELEASE

Truly Sustainable Development for Persons with Disabilities Means Ensuring Equal Rights, Ending Discrimination, Secretary-General Tells Commemorative Event

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the commemorative event to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities/UN PRESS RELEASE

Speakers Seek More Information on Governance, Cost Savings, Efficiency Gains, as Fifth Committee Considers Proposals for Improved Service Delivery

Optimistic that interlinked reform processes juxtaposed with improved service delivery within the United Nations will reinvigorate the Sustainable Development Goals at all levels and redirect savings towards development and carrying out the UN’s mandate, delegates in the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today called for more detailed information and data on the concept. /UN PRESS RELEASE

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  This is my third visit to the region since Hamas slaughtered men, women, and children on October 7th.  During the first visit that I made, I came to show strong solidarity with Israel defending itself, trying to make sure that October 7th never happens again; and also, to stress the importance of humanitarian assistance getting to people in need in Gaza.  After that visit, the humanitarian assistance began to flow./US STATE DEPT.

Security Council Hears Fresh Calls for Ceasefire, Two-State Solution During Ministerial Meeting on Israel-Gaza War

Warring Parties Must Abide by International Law, Secretary-General Asserts

Fifty-three days since the Israel-Gaza war began, speakers called today for the current humanitarian pause to become a sustained ceasefire — and for renewed efforts to be made for a two-State solution in the Middle East — during a ministerial-level meeting of the Security Council that coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People./UN PRESS RELEASE

NATION:

FACT SHEET: Marking the Two-Year Anniversary of the Report on the Impact of Climate Change on Migration/WH

Search Continues in Japan for Downed Osprey Aircraft.

On Tuesday, a CV-22A Osprey Aircraft assigned to the Air Force's 353rd Special Operations Wing was involved in an aviation mishap off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan. There were eight airmen on board. Search and rescue operations are now underway to locate both the aircrew and their aircraft./DOD

Man Charged in $148M Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Scheme.

A federal grand jury in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, returned an indictment today charging a Louisiana man for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid of over $148 million in medically unnecessary definitive urine drug testing services./DOJ

U.S. Department of Education Announces Winners of the $1 Million Future Finder Challenge to Support Adult Learners.

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced today that Gladeo, a minority- and women-owned public benefit corporation based in Los Angeles, California, has been selected as the grand-prize winner of the Future Finder Challenge, a $1 million challenge to reimagine career navigation for adult learners. Workbay, a woman-owned business based in Franklin, Tennessee, has been selected as the runner-up./DEPT. of EDUCATION

Photo and Video Release: In Brooklyn and at JP Morgan Chase & Co Housing Summit, HUD Secretary Spotlights Affordable Housing Investments and Need for Public Private Partnership

Secretary Marcia L. Fudge toured affordable senior housing alongside Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), visited Nehemiah Spring Creek and spoke to bankers at the JPMorgan Chase Housing Finance Summit/HUD

BUSINESS:

Treasury Targets DPRK’s International Agents and Illicit Cyber Intrusion Group.

WASHINGTON — Today, in coordination with foreign partners, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight foreign-based Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) agents that facilitate sanctions evasion, including revenue generation and missile-related technology procurement that support the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. Additionally, OFAC sanctioned cyber espionage group Kimsuky for gathering intelligence to support the DPRK’s strategic objectives./ US TREASURY

Omaha Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax Returns.

A Nebraska attorney was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for filing false individual income tax returns./DOJ

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the 2023 Farm Sector Income Forecast.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2023 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service released its annual Farm Sector Income Forecast report for 2023. Agriculture Secretary/USDA

Opening Remarks

Chair Jerome H. Powell

At a Fireside Chat at Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia/THE FED

The Importance of Effective Liquidity Risk Management

Vice Chair for Supervision Michael S. Barr

At the ECB Forum on Banking Supervision, Frankfurt, Germany/THE FED

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS FOR 12/2/23

https://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/in-focus-local-meetings-for-12223.html

AG Ferguson: PeaceHealth will return up to $13.4 million to patients who should have received financial assistance.

  

Source Link: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-peacehealth-will-return-134-million-patients-who-should-have

Hospital chain billed thousands of low-income patients without notifying them that they were likely eligible for financial assistance with their hospital bills.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that hospital chain PeaceHealth is refunding up to $13.4 million to more than 15,000 low-income patients of its five western Washington hospitals. The refunds are a result of an Attorney General’s Office investigation into the hospital chain’s financial assistance and collection practices. Ferguson’s investigation found that PeaceHealth billed thousands of low-income patients who likely qualified for financial assistance without informing them of their eligibility.

PeaceHealth operates hospitals in Bellingham, Friday Harbor, Longview, Sedro-Woolley and Vancouver. This resolution impacts patients at all five hospitals. 

“I appreciate PeaceHealth’s cooperation in reaching this resolution that fully refunds Washingtonians for millions of dollars in medical payments, plus interest, without the need for litigation,” Ferguson said. “Washington’s hospital financial assistance law helps working families avoid crushing medical debt by making help available to those who qualify.”

At the time of the unlawful conduct, Washington households making at or below 200% of the federal poverty level were eligible for free care or discounts on out-of-pocket hospital expenses. As a result of a new law proposed by Attorney General Ferguson, Washington law now guarantees individuals making up to 400% of the federal poverty level receive financial assistance on their out-of-pocket hospital expenses, regardless of their insurance. Millions of Washingtonians are eligible for full write-offs for necessary medical expenses received in Washington hospitals. For more information about Washington’s medical financial assistance law, including tools to see if you qualify, visit affordablehospital.wa.gov. 

According to a consent decree, filed today in Whatcom County Superior Court, PeaceHealth will pay approximately $4.2 million in direct refunds — including more than $400,000 in interest — to more than 4,500 patients. This represents full restitution, plus interest, for these impacted consumers. The average payment to these individuals will be more than $900. Eight Washingtonians will receive more than $10,000. Nearly 50 will see refunds of more than $5,000. Washingtonians will receive direct refunds in the form of checks in the mail. 

PeaceHealth is also required to refund up to an additional $9.2 million — including more than $900,000 interest — through a claims process to approximately 11,000 patients who were also likely eligible for help on their medical bills. If they file claims, these 11,000 patients will receive full restitution plus interest. Qualifying patients will receive a letter from the Attorney General’s Office informing them of the resolution and refund process.

The primary difference between the two groups of consumers relates to their estimated income level. The first group likely has a lower estimated income, while the second group likely has a higher level. The additional 11,000 patients can return a simple form proving that they qualify to receive assistance. Impacted patients will qualify for assistance if their income is under the threshold of PeaceHealth’s public-facing financial assistance policy, which was higher than the law required at the time of PeaceHealth’s conduct.  

None of the impacted patients have outstanding medical debt for hospital care they received from PeaceHealth during the time in question.

If patients have questions about whether they qualify for this resolution, they should contact PeaceHealth. The Attorney General’s Office does not have patient data. PeaceHealth can be reached at 877-314-2011. Anyone who feels they are not receiving the financial assistance on their hospital bill they are entitled to should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

In addition to the up to $13.4 million in patient refunds, PeaceHealth will pay $2 million to the Attorney General’s Office. That payment will reimburse the costs of the investigation and help fund the office’s continued work to ensure Washington hospitals are following the state’s medical financial assistance laws.

Case Background

The Attorney General’s Office began investigating PeaceHealth in 2020 as part of the office’s Health Care Initiative.

PeaceHealth locations in Washington are:

St. Joseph Medical Center — Bellingham

Peace Island Medical Center — Friday Harbor

St. John Medical Center — Longview

United General Medical Center — Sedro-Woolley

Southwest Medical Center — Vancouver

Ferguson’s investigation found that PeaceHealth failed to screen patients for financial assistance eligibility prior to attempting to collect payment, failed to meaningfully disclose the availability of financial assistance and collected payment from patients who it knew were likely eligible for financial assistance without disclosing their eligibility.

PeaceHealth runs its patients through a tool that uses public data and analytics to predict which patients may be eligible for financial assistance. However, instead of notifying patients who it found were likely eligible, PeaceHealth billed them for their care. 

Many eligible patients paid for their care without knowing they likely qualified for financial assistance.

If the patient did not pay, or pay the entire balance, after being sent four bills, PeaceHealth did write off the bill, but did not inform the patient of their financial assistance eligibility. 

Resolution details

In addition to paying restitution to patients and money to the Attorney General’s Office to fund continued enforcement of the state’s medical financial assistance laws, PeaceHealth is required to:

Notify all patients of the availability of financial assistance prior to attempting to collect payment, and offer to screen the patient for eligibility, 

Provide patients with a financial assistance application if the patient appears to be eligible after screening, or if the patient requests one, and

Refrain from billing or attempting to collect payment until the patient’s financial assistance application is processed.

Assistant Attorneys General Audrey Udashen and Will O’Connor, investigators Bau Vang and Matthew Befort, paralegal Jen Killoren and legal assistant Joshua Bennett handled the case for the Attorney General’s Office.

If you were billed for, or paid for health care at a Washington hospital but believe you were eligible for financial assistance, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office. 

Previous AGO enforcement of Washington’s charity care law

Ferguson filed three other lawsuits against Washington hospitals for violating Washington’s Consumer Protection Act by preventing low-income patients from accessing charity care. 

In February 2022, Ferguson filed a consumer protection lawsuit against five Swedish hospitals and nine Providence-affiliated facilities for failing to ensure that eligible low-income Washingtonians receive the discounts to which they are legally entitled, and aggressively collecting money from charity care eligible low-income Washingtonians. All of the hospitals are part of Providence St. Joseph Health, a national, non-profit health system based in Washington. That lawsuit is ongoing, and currently slated for trial in February.

As the result of a 2017 lawsuit, CHI Franciscan provided $41 million in debt relief and $1.8 million in refunds, in addition to rehabilitating the credit of thousands of patients who were not offered charity care when they were eligible at eight of its hospitals in Washington. CHI Franciscan also paid $2.46 million to the Attorney General’s Office to cover the costs of the investigation and enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act.

Ferguson also sued Capital Medical Center in Olympia the same year over its charity care practices. To resolve the lawsuit, Capital provided at least $250,000 in refunds and more than $131,000 in debt relief. In addition, Capital paid $1.2 million to the Attorney General’s Office.

Expanding access to medical financial assistance

 

Starting in July 2022, four million Washingtonians are qualified for free or discounted care at hospitals across Washington as a result of legislation that Ferguson requested.

The legislation requires large hospital systems to provide more financial assistance. Approximately half of all Washingtonians are now eligible for free or reduced-cost care at hospitals that represent approximately 80 percent of the licensed beds in the state. 

Ferguson worked with prime sponsor Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton, and Reps. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, and Nicole Macri, D-Seattle, on HB 1616 to strengthen Washington’s law.

IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES

AG Ferguson wins largest-ever federal Emmett Till grant for Indigenous cold case project.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office will partner with tribes across Washington to research, identify and create an inventory of cold cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous people that date back more than 40 years. /WAAG

Free Entrepreneurship Expo Nov. 30 wraps up Global Entrepreneurship Month training sessions.

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce will wrap up its annual Global Entrepreneurship Month activities on Nov. 30 with an online Entrepreneur Expo.  The free virtual Zoom session will cover a wide range of topics for current and prospective startups and small business owners, including artificial intelligence, funding opportunities, and Gen Z in the workplace. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. online./WAAG

Hanford Site agencies to hold cleanup dialogue meeting in Kennewick on Dec. 5.

KENNEWICK  – 

The public is invited to ask questions and learn about Hanford Site cleanup during an in-person Hanford Dialogue meeting in Kennewick on Tuesday, Dec. 5./DOE

Payroll employment grows in September; unemployment rate holds steady

OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy gained an estimated 7,900 jobs (seasonally adjusted) and the monthly unemployment rate remained constant at 3.6% in September./ESD

WDFW adopts new rule to offer incentives for chronic wasting disease testing.

SPOKANE- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) this week adopted a rule change allowing the Department to offer an incentive to hunters who have their harvested deer and elk tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD)./WDFW

2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSINAL DELEGATION

Senator Murray Announces Nearly $2 Million to Clean Up Hazardous Sites, Research Impact of Environmental Stressors on Children

Senator Murray: “Cleaning up hazardous brownfield sites and understanding the effects that agricultural pesticides have on children’s health are important steps towards protecting our environment and families in Washington state.”/ FROM A PRESS RELEASE

Murray, Blumenthal, Wyden, Rep. Himes Introduce Legislation to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT-04), in introducing the Lori Jackson – Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence. Every month, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner and nearly 1 million women alive today have reported being shot or shot at by intimate partners, according to Everytown for Gun Safety./ FROM A PRESS REALEASE ISSUED

3) WORLD< NATIONAL <BUSINESS

WORLD:

Second Committee Approves Nine Draft Resolutions, Including Texts on International Tax Cooperation, External Debt, Global Climate, Poverty Eradication

The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today concluded its seventy-eighth session, approving nine draft resolutions and two draft decisions on a range of topics, voting on a draft addressing international tax cooperation./UN PRESS RELEASE

With People Suffering, Planet Burning, Secretary-General Stresses to Group of 20 Summit ‘We Are One Earth and One Family with One Future, So Let’s Act Like It’

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Virtual Group of 20 Summit, hosted by India, today./ UN PRESS RELEASE

Secretary-General Welcomes Agreement between Israel, Hamas, Calling It ‘an Important Step in the Right Direction’/ UN PRESS RELEASE

Joint Statement on the DPRK’s November 21 Space Launch Vehicle

Albania, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States strongly condemn the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) November 21 launch of a space launch vehicle (SLV) using ballistic missile technology, in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions. In addition to launching three SLVs this year, the DPRK has launched 29 ballistic missiles, including four ICBMs. This behavior threatens international and regional peace and security, and seeks to undermine the Security Council’s credibility and the global nonproliferation regime./UN PRESS RELEASE

Austin Kicks Off Meeting on Ukraine Defense.

The U.S.-led international coalition that has rallied behind Ukraine remains undeterred as Russia continues its war of aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today as he convened a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group./STATE DEPT.

NATION:

FACT SHEET: Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces Latest Steps to Support Small Businesses/WH

U.S. Endorses Responsible AI Measures for Global Militaries.

The United States government is leading global efforts to build strong norms that will promote the responsible military use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Last week, the State Department announced that 47 states have now endorsed the "Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy" that the government first launched at The Hauge on Feb. 16./DOE

Cyber Scam Organization Disrupted Through Seizure of Nearly $9M in Crypto.

The Justice Department announced today the seizure of nearly $9 million worth of Tether, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar. These seized funds were traced to cryptocurrency addresses allegedly associated with an organization that exploited over 70 victims through romance scams and cryptocurrency confidence scams, which are widely known as “pig butchering.”/DOJ

CF Dallas, LLC, in Coordination with Sofia Produce, LLC Dba Trufresh, Voluntarily Recalls Select Fresh-Cut Fruit Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination/ FDA

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2024

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2 percent in 2024./Social Security Dept.

BUSINESS: 

USDA and the U.S. Small Business Administration Strengthen Partnership to Create Jobs and Economic Growth in Rural America/USDA

FTC Authorizes Compulsory Process for AI-related Products and Services.

The Federal Trade Commission has approved an omnibus resolution authorizing the use of compulsory process in nonpublic investigations involving products and services that use or claim to be produced using artificial intelligence (AI) or claim to detect its use./FTC

US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FINAL RULE REQUIRES STATE MERIT STAFF TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROGRAMS, IMPROVES DELIVERY FOR JOBSEEKERS, EMPLOYERS/DEPT OF LABOR

Former Virginia Ambulance Service Owner Found Guilty of Tax Evasion, Filing False Returns and Obstructing the IRS/DOJ

IRS announces delay in Form 1099-K reporting threshold for third party platform payments in 2023; plans for a threshold of $5,000 for 2024 to phase in implementation/IRS

IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS FOR: 11/25/23

https://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/in-focus-local-meeting-for-112523.html