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  • MIL-OSI Security: Russian Man Sentenced for Running an Illegal Money Transmitting Business

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Feliks Medvedev, 43, of Buford, Georgia, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business which transferred over $150 million in Russian money. 

    According to the court documents and other information presented in court, Medvedev is a Russian citizen who resides in North Georgia. He registered eight companies in Georgia that were used to transmit more than $150 million in over 1,300 transactions. The companies were purportedly headquartered in Buford and Dacula, Georgia, but they did not have typical business expenses or employees. The money was used, in part, to purchase over $65 million in overseas gold bullion. Medvedev transferred millions of dollars overseas from multiple bank accounts in the United States.

    As part of the conspiracy, Medvedev worked with a Russian company and was directed by multiple Russian nationals at that company to make illegal transfers of funds. Subsequent to Medvedev’s indictment, on Sept. 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, acting pursuant to Executive Order 14024, sanctioned two of Medvedev’s alleged co-conspirators: Russian national Alexey Chubarov and his company KSK Group. Earlier this year, on Feb. 13, Chubarov, KSK Group and Russian national Lev Solyannikov were separately indicted in the Northern District of Georgia for conspiring with Medvedev.

    Medvedev was convicted of the charges on Feb. 7, after he pleaded guilty.

    The FBI and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Huber and Norman L. Barnett for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

    This case was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vice President of Asphalt Paving Company Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Sixth Individual Pleads Guilty in Ongoing Investigation of Collusion in Michigan-Area Asphalt Industry

    A senior executive of a Michigan asphalt paving company pleaded guilty today for his role in two separate conspiracies to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

    According to court documents, David A. Coppola, vice president of Taylor-based Al’s Asphalt Paving Company Inc. (Al’s Asphalt), conspired with Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), F. Allied Construction Company Inc. (Allied) and employees from those companies to rig their bids. Coppola participated in the two conspiracies from March 2013 through November 2018, and from June 2013 through June 2019, respectively.

    Today’s guilty plea is the ninth in the Antitrust Division’s ongoing investigation into collusion in the Michigan asphalt paving industry. Coppola’s employer, Al’s Asphalt, and its president pleaded guilty in January, and, in 2023, Allied and two of its executives pleaded guilty, as did ASI and two of its former executives. On July 31, Al’s Asphalt was sentenced to pay a fine of $795,661.31.

    In both charged conspiracies, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company submitted intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators had already decided who would win the contracts.

    “Americans expect and deserve the benefits of competitive markets — including for vital aspects of our transportation infrastructure like asphalt paving services,” said Director of Criminal Enforcement Emma M. Burnham of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The division and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable executives who seek to profit at the expense of consumers.”

    “The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) continues to work closely with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division to target individuals who knowingly participate in bid rigging and other anti-competitive activities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of DOT OIG’s Midwestern Region. “Today’s guilty plea shows our commitment to bringing to justice those who engage in illegal and unfair practices that adversely impact transportation projects.”

    “Activities related to bid-rigging and collusion do not promote an environment conducive to open competition which harms the consumer,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General. “The guilty plea in this case represents a win for all law enforcement agencies who investigate those who engage in this type of harmful conduct to ensure that justice is served.”

    Coppola pleaded guilty to two counts of violating Section One of the Sherman Act. Coppola faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and Offices of Inspectors General for the DOT and USPS investigated the case, as part of an ongoing operation investigating bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixty-Eight Defendants Charged in Indictment of Dozens of Members and Associates of California White Supremacist Gang

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Federal and local law enforcement today arrested 42 members and associates of the SFV Peckerwoods, a San Fernando Valley, California-based white supremacist street gang, on a 76-count federal grand jury indictment alleging they engaged in a years-long pattern of racketeering activity that included trafficking of drugs — including fentanyl — illegal firearms possession, and COVID-19 benefits and loan fraud.

    “The Justice Department has dealt a decisive blow to the San Fernando Valley (SFV) Peckerwoods, a violent white supremacist gang that we charge is responsible for trafficking deadly fentanyl and other drugs, committing robberies, and perpetrating financial fraud to fund both their criminal enterprise and that of the Aryan Brotherhood,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “With today’s charges and arrests, the Justice Department, together with our state, local, and federal partners has targeted the heart of this gang’s operations, and we will continue to zero in on the criminal enterprises that endanger our communities.”

    The indictment unsealed today charges a total of 68 defendants with a score of federal crimes: conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices.

    The defendants arrested today are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    During the investigation, law enforcement seized large quantities of illegal firearms, and dozens of pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, according to the indictment.

    “The Peckerwoods’ violent white-supremacist ideology and wide-ranging criminal activity pose a grave menace to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “By allegedly engaging in everything from drug-trafficking to firearms offenses to identity theft to COVID fraud, and through their alliance with a neo-Nazi prison gang, the Peckerwoods are a destructive force. In prosecuting the members of the Peckerwoods criminal organization, our office is carrying out its mission to protect the public from the most dangerous threats.”

    “This operation, led by our Joint Terrorism Task Force, disrupted a racially motivated violent extremist group who engaged in a wide range of criminal activity,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “This case strikes at the heart of our collective mission to rid our communities of the corrosive elements that fuel violence and extremism that greatly impact our way of life. The FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners, remains strongly committed to working every day to make sure the people of the Southland remain safe.”

    “The San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods, the Aryan Brotherhood, and their associates are fused by one thing: hatred,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Allen of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division. “It appears, however, that the business of hate was not enough for them. Driven by greed, they engaged in other crimes, including drug distribution, pushing out deadly fentanyl onto our streets. Operating from corners of the San Fernando Valley, they conducted their crimes within and beyond the 8-1-8 community. Today’s large-scale indictments and arrests reflect our relentless commitment to dismantling criminal organizations that continue to harm our communities.”

    According to the indictment that a grand jury returned on Sept. 26, the Peckerwoods is a street gang based in communities in the San Fernando Valley whose members engage in a wide variety of criminal activity, including drug trafficking, violent crime, and fraud. As a white supremacist gang, the Peckerwoods at times takes orders from the Aryan Brotherhood, California’s dominant prison-based white supremacist gang, and maintains an alliance with the Mexican Mafia prison gang, which controls most Latino street gangs in California. The Peckerwoods use Nazi tattoos, graffiti, and iconography to indicate their violent white supremacy extremist ideology. These tattoos and iconography include swastikas, the symbol “88”, used by violent white supremacy extremists as code for “Heil Hitler”, and images of Nazi aircraft.

    Members and associates of the gang used social media to share information with each other about their criminal activities and gang rules, to identify gang members in good standing, and to target people who broke the gang’s rules. The social media use included a members-only Facebook group and private, direct messages between the gang’s members and associates.

    From at least December 2016 to September, Peckerwoods members conducted and participated in the affairs of their criminal enterprise by engaging in violence and threats of violence to preserve and expand the gang’s criminal operations, which promoted a climate of fear. Members and associates of the gang illegally maintained firearms and ammunition in furtherance of these aims.

    To generate revenue for the gang, its members trafficked narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Specifically, lead defendant Claire Patricia Haviland, 62, of Chatsworth, California, and co-defendants Brian Glenn Ekelund, 53, of Chatsworth, and Brianne Brewer, 38, of North Hollywood, California, maintained and oversaw drug stash houses where large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs were stored prior to distribution. Haviland and Ekelund allegedly mailed illegal drugs to customers and used applications such as Zelle and CashApp to receive money from drug buyers and send money to their drug sources.

    They also generated revenue via robberies and financial fraud and participated in identity theft schemes. For example, from at least March 2021 to July 2023, defendants Sean Craig Gluckman, 35, of Encino, California; Maria Anna James, 30, of Canyon Country, California; and others submitted false and fraudulent applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was designed to aid businesses harmed by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants – posing as sole proprietors – signed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of individuals incarcerated in California state prisons and collected a portion of the fraudulently obtained proceeds from co-conspirators as payment for their assistance.

    In April 2021, Gluckman submitted an application that falsely stated he was a self-employed “artist/writer” with a gross income of nearly $250,000. Later that month, he obtained a PPP loan in the amount of $20,833. In a separate scheme, Gluckman submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) applications in the names of other people to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to fraudulently obtain jobless benefits.

    “The proliferation of gang related organized crime deteriorates the core of our society,” said Chief Dominic Choi of the Los Angeles Police Department. “Taking guns out of the hands of gang members and drugs from our streets is just one more step towards reducing this deterioration. Today is yet another example of how local, regional, and federal law enforcement, with a matched dedication, are working together to investigate, apprehend and prosecute criminals.”          

    “When criminal organizations cross jurisdictional lines, it makes conducting investigations and subsequent prosecutions much more difficult,” said Sheriff Jim Fryhoff of the Ventura County, California, Sheriff’s Office. “Having our federal law enforcement partners involvement in such cases greatly enhances our ability to protect not only the citizens of our county, but also those of our region of the state.”

    If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

    The FBI, DEA, Los Angeles Police Department, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. The Simi Valley Police Department; California Highway Patrol; Glendale Police Department; Burbank Police Department; Redondo Beach Police Department; Beverly Hills Police Department; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Department of Veterans Affairs Police; Department of Labor; Federal Bureau of Prisons; Los Angeles County Probation Department; Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services; Pasadena Fire Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and IRS Criminal Investigation provided assistance in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema M. El-Amamy, Jeremiah M. Levine, and Alexander Su for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit http://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On Sept. 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Justice Department established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at http://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DOJ Secures Agreement with MD State Police to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination in Hiring

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP) to resolve the United States’ claims that MDSP’s hiring process for state troopers violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Specifically, the United States alleges that MDSP uses a written test that discriminates against Black candidates and a physical fitness test that discriminates against female candidates. The agreement must still be approved by a federal judge.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Maryland Department of State Police to Resolve Allegations of Race and Gender Discrimination in State Trooper Hiring Process

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP) to resolve the United States’ claims that MDSP’s hiring process for state troopers violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Specifically, the United States alleges that MDSP uses a written test that discriminates against Black candidates and a physical fitness test that discriminates against female candidates. The agreement must still be approved by a federal judge.

    The settlement agreement resolves a civil pattern and practice investigation the Civil Rights Division opened on July 15, 2022. As part of the investigation, the division conducted an in-depth review of MDSP’s hiring practices, the composition of its sworn personnel, applicant data, and information received from the Maryland State Police, and concluded the State’s written and physical fitness tests do not meaningfully distinguish between applicants who can and cannot perform the position of Trooper. These tests also had the effect of disqualifying Black and female applicants from the hiring process at significantly disproportionate rates. The department thus concluded that these tests violate Title VII.

    “Equal employment opportunities in law enforcement are not just a core civil right but essential to ensuring that those who serve reflect the rich racial and gender diversity of the communities they are sworn to protect,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The underrepresentation of Blacks and women in law enforcement undermines public safety and runs contrary to the principle of equal opportunity which is central in our job market. This agreement requires the Maryland Department of State Police to institute meaningful reforms, remove unlawful barriers in its hiring process, and provide restitution and relief to those already harmed, ensuring that all qualified applicants have a fair chance to serve. The Justice Department will continue working to ensure equal access to employment opportunities for all Americans.”

    “This settlement agreement is a reflection of our continued mission to protect the civil rights of all Marylanders, including those of our sworn law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. “Law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to protect all citizens equally. We are pleased that MDSP is committed to ensuring that its hiring processes will not discriminate on the basis of race or gender.” 

    The complaint, filed today in the District of Maryland, alleges that MDSP’s use of a written test called the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) disproportionately excludes Black candidates, and its use of a physical fitness test called the Functional Fitness Assessment Test (FFAT) disproportionately excludes female candidates, from employment as troopers. The United States alleges that MDSP’s uses of the POST and the FFAT are not job related or consistent with business necessity, and thus, violate Title VII.

    Under the terms of the consent decree, MDSP will:

    • Adopt written and physical fitness tests that do not discriminate in violation of Title VII;
    • Provide data to the United States on the administration of the new tests to ensure compliance;
    • Pay $2.75 million in back pay to applicants who were disqualified by MDSP’s use of the challenged tests; and
    • Hire up to 25 applicants who were unfairly disqualified by those tests and who successfully complete MDSP’s new trooper screening and selection process.

    Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, and religion. Title VII prohibits not only intentional discrimination but also employment practices that result in a disparate impact on a protected group, unless such practices are job related and consistent with business necessity.

    You can learn more about the contents of the agreement from this fact sheet and a statement from Assistant Attorney General Clarke here.

    The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. The Division has issued a new fact sheet on Combating Hiring Discrimination by Police and Fire Departments to help applicants for public safety jobs understand their Title VII rights to be free from discriminatory hiring processes. More information about the Civil Rights Division can be found at http://www.justice.gov/crt.

    Senior Trial Attorneys Emily Given and Cheyenne N. Chambers of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Phillips for the District of Maryland are handling this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Hospital CEO to Pay Over $5.3M to Settle Kickback Allegations Involving Laboratory Testing

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Former hospital chief executive officer (CEO) Jeffrey Madison, of Georgetown, Texas, has agreed to pay $5,343,630 to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act involving illegal payments to physicians for laboratory referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Madison also has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of, and litigation against, other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “The Justice Department will continue to pursue individuals — including C-suite executives — who commit health care fraud,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickbacks to physicians from laboratories or other healthcare providers can undermine healthcare decision-making, subject patients to unnecessary medical services and waste taxpayer funds.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally funded health care programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations in a lawsuit alleging that Madison, the former CEO of Little River Healthcare (Little River), a critical access hospital in Rockdale, Texas, caused the submission of false claims for laboratory testing to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE from January 2015 to June 2018. Madison allegedly agreed to a kickback scheme in which Little River paid commissions to recruiters who used purported management service organizations (MSOs) to pay kickbacks to doctors to induce their laboratory testing referrals to Little River. The settlement resolves allegations that Madison knowingly signed, and caused others to sign, false certifications in Medicare cost reports regarding Little River’s compliance with the Anti-Kickback Statute, and thereby caused the submission of false claims to federal health care programs.

    In addition, the settlement resolves allegations in the same lawsuit that, after defendant Doyce Cartrett Jr., M.D., of Silsbee, Texas, informed Little River of his potential laboratory testing referral volume, Madison agreed to have Little River pay Cartrett $2,000 per month in kickbacks disguised as purported medical director fees from February 2015 to May 2017, to induce Cartrett to shift his laboratory testing referrals to Little River. Madison allegedly agreed for Little River to pay the monthly fees, even though Little River did not receive any genuine medical director services from Dr. Cartrett.

    Madison did not contest, and accepted responsibility for, the allegations against him in the United States’ amended complaint. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Madison was excluded from participating in federal healthcare programs for 25 years. The lawsuit is captioned United States, et al. ex rel. STF LLC v. True Health Diagnostics LLC et al., No. 4:16-cv-547 (EDTX).

    “Seeing past a corporate entity and holding individuals responsible for making the decisions to engage marketers to pay providers for their laboratory referrals is what justice requires,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “This settlement is a testament to our continued efforts to combat fraud against our federal healthcare programs and to hold accountable all participants who profited from knowingly violating the laws meant to guard against overutilization of medical services and protect the public fisc.”

    “Illegal kickback payments, even when disguised as medical director fees, undermine and corrupt the medical decision-making process,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Both the payer and recipient benefit from these schemes, but it is ultimately the taxpayers who foot the bill. HHS-OIG will continue collaborating with law enforcement and prosecutors to protect the Medicare trust fund that millions of Americans depend on.”

    “Our nation’s uniformed military service members and their families should never have to question the integrity of their healthcare providers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Settle of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southwest Field Office. “Medical decisions influenced by greed destroy the fundamental element of trust in patient care. This settlement reinforces the commitment the DCIS shares with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department to pursue all available remedies against those who conspire to commit fraud against our Military Health System.”

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, with assistance from HHS-OIG and DCIS. The United States has recovered over $52 million relating to conduct involving MSO kickbacks to health care providers, which includes recoveries from 46 physicians.

    Trial Attorneys Christopher Terranova and Gavin Thole of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gillingham and Betty Young for the Eastern District of Texas handled the case.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Settlement

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Media Advisory: Sechelt District Infrastructure Announcement

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    District of Sechelt, British Columbia, October 2, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia, and Catherine Leach, Executive Director of the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society.

    Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024

    Time: 1:00 PM (PT)

    Place : Sunshine Coast Community Services Society Main Office5638 Inlet Avenue Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia OuslisCommunications AdvisorOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsHousing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email:media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us onTwitter,Facebook,InstagramAndLinkedInWebsite:Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Catherine LeachExecutive DirectorSunshine Coast Community Services Society604-885-5881info@sccss.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department and Colorado Judiciary Improve Language Access in Courts for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the release in Somali here. 

    The Justice Department announced today that the Colorado Judiciary has taken significant steps to ensure meaningful language access for people with limited English proficiency (LEP) who interact with the state court system.

    In July 2023, the department’s Civil Rights Division engaged the Colorado Judiciary after receiving complaints that the courts were not providing needed language services to individuals with LEP as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance.

    In response to the department’s inquiry, the Colorado Judiciary identified proactive steps already taken to address the concerns raised in the complaint and worked with the division to make a variety of other improvements made to its language access program.

    “Providing accurate and timely interpreter services in and outside of the courtroom is paramount to ensuring that all court users are provided equal access to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The actions taken by the Colorado Judiciary stand as a model and show a true commitment to building a strong language access program.”

    In the year since the Justice Department began working with the Colorado Judiciary, the court has hired a new language access coordinator; revised the Office of Language Access Financial Policy; began to create a new scheduling system for interpreters; purchased new equipment to be used for court interpretation including headsets and iPads; trained court staff and interpreters; and implemented other key improvements.

    The department will continue to monitor the implementation of these changes, and it welcomes feedback from the public. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov.

    More information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at www.lep.gov, and information specific to courts can be found at http://www.lep.gov/state-courts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Defends Biden Rule Expanding Healthcare Access to Dreamers

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, October 2, 2024

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in defending a Biden Administration rule expanding healthcare access to deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipients – or Dreamers – by making them eligible for participation in the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplace. According to the UC Berkeley Labor Center, the rule will enable approximately 40,000 uninsured Dreamers in California to access subsidized health coverage through the state’s healthcare exchange, Covered California. The rule, which is set to go into effect on November 1, 2024, was challenged by Kansas and 18 other states.

    “Dreamers pay billions of dollars in taxes each year to help fund programs like the Affordable Care Act. Yet until now, they’ve been unable to access these programs themselves,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As home to more Dreamers than any other state in the country, California is proud to stand up for their right to access affordable healthcare.”

    Dreamers arrived in the United States as young children and often know no other country as home. Over decades, they have built lives and jobs for themselves and their loved ones, had children of their own, and contributed billions in federal, state, and local taxes to fund essential services and programs. Nearly 30% of Dreamers reside in California, paying more than $2.1 billion in federal taxes and $1 billion in state and local taxes each year, according to the Center for American Progress. 

    Attorney General Bonta joined a multistate coalition in strong support of the rule when it was first proposed. Today, the Attorney General joins a similar coalition in defending the final rule as a lawful expansion of the Affordable Care Act’s coverage and urges the district court to deny the Kansas-led coalition’s request for a preliminary injunction to delay or block the rule from going into effect, and at the very least to deny nationwide relief and allow the rule to go into effect in California and other states which do not oppose it.

    In filing the brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Jersey, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Releases Statement Celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis released the following statement to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. This holiday, the Jewish New Year, is observed from sundown Wednesday, October 2nd to sundown on Friday, October 4th.

    “Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish new year, a time to reflect, refresh, and spend time with family and loved ones. As we welcome in the year 5785, I wish the Jewish community a Shana Tova U’Metukah, a good and sweet new year. This and every year, we continue our work to build a safe, peaceful, vibrant future for all Coloradans. I’m wishing all who observe a meaningful holiday,” said Governor Polis.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice presents $500,000 check to Bob Burdette Center to expand afterschool tutoring program

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice delivered a $500,000 check today to the Bob Burdette Center to support the expansion of its afterschool program, as it launches a new two-year pilot initiative focused on improving tutoring access for at-risk students in Kanawha County.
     

    The pilot program will serve two schools on Charleston’s West Side, Mary C. Snow Elementary and Edgewood Elementary, both located in economically disadvantaged areas. The program’s certified teachers will provide one-on-one tutoring to help students improve their math and reading skills.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech: Why Kiwi businesses are the best in the world

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    For clarity – I mean all of you from the A List all the way to the C-List.

    I am a firm believer that government’s role is to work closely with business: help small ones to innovate, and ensure the settings are right so big ones can thrive.

    Governments should invest in research and development to improve access to technology; open opportunities for business on the world stage through trade; and ensure that our investment grows an economy that supports everyone who lives in our great little country to thrive.

    I have really enjoyed the past six months, getting out – mostly in Auckland – and sitting down with people across the business sector.

    Coming from a niche tax and insurance background, you have all been incredibly generous with your time and I am looking forward to continuing to build our relationships over the next two years of opposition.

    When businesses do well, New Zealand does well. Workers do well. New Zealanders do well. You employ people and innovate and create to make people’s lives better.

    Labour’s underlying philosophy on work is making sure there are enough jobs for people – you can’t do that without business.

    It’s about ensuring people feel secure in their jobs, are able to contribute to their workplace and help build good and successful businesses.

    Workers are an asset to any business and shouldn’t be seen as a cost.

    If you listened to National, you wouldn’t think that was Labour’s approach.

    I am utterly committed to sitting down with you and talking through what works for you and what doesn’t. Dispelling the myths. Understanding what has gone well in the past and what hasn’t.

    Something that does concern me is the number of Kiwis choosing to leave New Zealand, and the way the Government’s decisions are giving them an extra push.

    6,000 jobs gone in the public sector and counting. Manufacturing jobs disappearing before our eyes. 8,000 fewer people in construction. A freeze on hiring staff at our hospitals. Unemployment up to 4.6 percent, and projected to get to 5.5 percent.

    Even through COVID-19, we didn’t see unemployment like this. The forecasts were awful. But keeping people in work, and businesses afloat, was a priority for Labour and I’m really proud of that.

    New Zealanders are finding it tough anyway, you all know the statistics. But losing the household income along with the job, can be terrifying.

    It’s no wonder so many are looking to greener pastures.

    In July this year, a record was set for the number of net New Zealanders leaving. 55,800 Kiwis chose to move away, well exceeding the previous record from way back in 2012.

    My concern isn’t only that people are choosing to leave for a better life, it is also the skill loss which will have an effect on our ability to innovate, deliver and grow as a country.
    It is no surprise that the mood of the boardroom is optimistic, even though the economy is doing it tough.

    June 2024 marked the seventh consecutive quarter of stagnant or declining per capita economic activity. We are now very much at the bottom of the economic cycle. Things will get better.

    But not because of any action by this government, but from you.

    But they will not get better overnight. We know unemployment has some way to go, and there are many, many steps until interest rates are back to a balanced level.
    But our business community is resilient.

    Many of you have made it through the GFC, the Christchurch earthquakes, Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods, and collectively we made it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
    I know you all just want to get on with it, but also want a vision for what we aspire to be and where we want to get to.

    New Zealand faces substantial fiscal challenges over the short and longer-term. Addressing these challenges will require brave decisions that tackle the system we all work in.
    These are brave decisions that need to be enduring, and that is what Labour does best.

    Whether it’s, ensuring Kiwis could retire with dignity by the introduction of KiwiSaver and the SuperFund.

    Families could afford the basics and be incentivised to stay in work through Working for Families, or the safety nets introduced by Sir Michael Joseph Savage of state housing and welfare.

    And then the list of trade deals UK and EU Free Trade agreements to name a couple, Labour is the party that has always looked ahead to progress our country.

    Planning for the future will mean conversations about the appropriate level of government spending and debt.

    By 2060, 10% of our GDP will be spent on health care, and 7% on Superannuation.

    Returning to surplus is a moot point, if you are not also providing Kiwis with the healthcare they need.

    We, as a country, need a government with a positive vision and informed solutions.

    Every political party likes to talk about growth and productivity, but you need to back it up.

    Often, when thinking about productivity, we focus on cutting-edge tech. And we should. We are seeing the R&D tax credit making a meaningful contribution to research and development.

    But we also need back our smaller Kiwi businesses, if we are serious about tackling productivity.

    Many of our SMEs are not technologically enabled. They struggle to have time and the capital to make the changes they need.

    The Government, along with sector, should be doing more to help.

    The Treasury’s Chief Economist came out last week saying “productivity growth alone is not enough to alleviate fiscal pressures”.

    We also must realistically assess our economic situation. We are capital poor. We need more sustainable solutions than tinkering around the edges with new levies and revenue-gathering measures.

    It’s a conversation our party is having and one I hope many of you can feed into as part of our hui going forward.

    Unlike the three-year parliamentary cycle, I know that you have to plan for the future in a much more long-term way. Government’s should do better. I’ve spoken quite a few times about being better at bipartisanship on long-term investment, but we need both parties to come to the table on that!

    You will all know better than anyone when looking to the future that there is almost nothing more pressing than preparing for the consequences of climate change.

    Two years ago, on this stage, Nicola said that “we share your commitment to emission reduction”. But the governments actions speak differently by rolling back many of the measures Labour introduced to bring down our emissions and prepare for the future.

    Many of our free trade agreements have climate obligations, including the EU FTA which “contains ambitious outcomes on climate action and the Paris Agreement, including making these commitments enforceable in the FTA”.

    We can’t rely on export driven growth, if this government is risking our export potential.

    Climate action is what is required from a moral standpoint and matters for the health of our economy. I do not want our exporters being locked out of markets because of climate-sceptic policies.

    I started this speech talking about values. But I will end with a pledge.

    I won’t just stand up here and make political promises I don’t intend to work my ass off to keep.

    We may not always agree, but I will always take a meeting or a call and I will always listen.

    No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police prepare to welcome larger wings as application numbers soar

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Huge numbers of people are applying to join New Zealand Police, as a new recruitment campaign and changes to application criteria help to stimulate growing interest.

    Applications to become a police officer have been trending upwards in 2024, including a sustained spike in applications, Assistant Commissioner, Leadership, Talent and Development, Jill Rogers says.

    To keep up with the upswing in applications Police leaders have made the decision to increase the capacity of recruit wings at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) from 80 to 100 from April next year.

    “From July, our recruitment billboards have been highly visible and changes to the application criteria prompted a major surge.

    “This has considerably expanded our talent pool.

    “With 1371 applications, July 2024 had highest number of applications for any month since the Police national recruitment database was created in 2014.

    “August had a total of 1037 applications, the second highest month on record. 

    “With an average of 526 applications each month in the first six months of 2024, compared with 334 applications each month in the first six months of 2023, we know we are heading in the right direction.

    “All together, when including our major spike in applications, by the end of August Police has received more than 5500 applications in 2024.

    “This is more than double the amount received across the same period in 2023.

    “To accommodate a major influx of applications and get these recruits into training and out keeping our communities safe faster, we have made the decision to increase the size of our wings to 100 recruits next year.

    “Our maximum wing size is usually 80, but we don’t want a blockage at the end of our pipeline for people waiting for a wing.

    “We want them to flow through each step.

    “A model that enables larger wings will also support us to deliver on the Government’s commitment of 500 additional officers.

    “This will mean some changes for other courses at RNZPC, but we are working through options to deliver them within districts or online.

    “This model has been successfully run for investigation courses since 2020.”

    Police are also seeing positive trends with our attrition, which remains low, and in August 2024 was just 4.8%.

    To put Police’s attrition rate in context, in 2023 reported turnover across public sector departments ranged from 11% to 54% with an average of 20%.

    “With more than 10,000 constabulary employees some movement is always expected, but our monitoring suggests there aren’t significant numbers of staff heading overseas.

    “Our best measure for estimating this movement shows that between 1 January 2023 and 1 July 2024, 115 constabulary staff have resigned from New Zealand Police to move to Australia.

    “This is based on us receiving a vetting request from an Australian police jurisdiction for a staff member who then subsequently resigns within the next 12 months.

    “Although this is not conclusive, this does indicate that departures to work in Australia only make up a small portion, less than a seventh of our low attrition.

    “So far in 2024, 73 former Constabulary employees have either re-joined as a Constabulary employee or applied to do so. 

    “This means a good proportion of officers who have left in recent years have applied to return.

    “We are committed to putting more officers on the frontline to enhance community safety and prevent crime and harm.

    “Achieving this growth in recruits is and will continue to require a massive effort from everyone involved in attracting, selecting, and training the new officers.

    “We want to continue to move forward and keep building on this positive momentum.

    “I would like to acknowledge everyone in Police for their hard work that will benefit both Police and the wider community,” Assistant Commissioner Rogers says.

    New Cops

    Whether you’re taking your first steps into the workforce or considering a career change, the best time to apply is right now.

    The earlier you start your recruitment journey, the sooner you’ll be ready to start your training.

    We’re also encouraging ex-constabulary staff that are considering rejoining NZ Police to express their interest on newcops.govt.nz.

    In November, billboards will be updated to feature police officers from your local area.

    The ads will continue to target the regions where recruitment is needed most.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: David Scott Leads 60+ Bipartisan Members in Calling for VA Secy. to End Efforts that Weaken Veterans Anesthesia Care Standards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, joined by Reps. Mike Turner (OH-10) and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Denis McDonough alongside more than 60+ Members, expressing deep concern with the VA’s latest attempt to weaken veterans anesthesia care standards.

    “After more than a year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has yet to provide Congress with a clear justification for changes to its anesthesia care standards,” said Congressman David Scott. “I remain deeply concerned with the VA’s departure from universally agreed upon medical standards, independent data, and the very voices of our veterans who are opposed to this dangerous initiative. Nine out of ten veterans in need of anesthesia care favor having an anesthesiologist present when receiving this kind of high-risk medical procedure. It is unconscionable to think veterans would be receiving lower quality care simply because they are required to access that care at a VA facility.”

    Rep. David Scott has been fighting to ensure veterans receive the highest quality anesthesia care at the VA since the first Obama Administration. The VA’s proposal to remove physicians from providing anesthesia during high-risk surgical procedures is a disservice to our veterans and ignores sound medical practice. A multi-year review of the proposal released in 2017, received more than 200,000 public comments from veterans and their families, medical experts, and academic researchers who voiced strong opposition. Rep. Scott joined with these families to urge the VA reverse course and maintain physician-led anesthesia care.

    To date, there appears to be no rationale for the VA to diminish its current standards.

    Specifically, no independent patient safety research exists to support changes to VA’s well-established policies. To the contrary, existing data suggests dismantling the team-based model of care would result in increased risk of harm to Veterans, particularly to the recently enrolled PACT Act Veterans, a patient population with unique health care needs.

    The text of the letter can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Strengthen Cross-Border Trade, Guard Against Terrorism Signed Into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Carper (D-DE), James Lankford (R-OK), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after their legislation to create a pilot program to strengthen the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program was signed into law:
    “In order for America to remain competitive in global markets, we must ensure our ports are open, efficient, and secure,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This law will allow additional trusted trading partners to expedite shipments important to Texas’ economy while protecting against illegal goods and national security threats.”
    “I am proud that the bipartisan Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Pilot Program Act has been signed into law,” said Sen. Carper. “This commonsense bill will improve the reliability and efficiency of our supply chains in expediting the customs clearance process for trusted merchants. Now that it’s become law, the CTPAT Pilot Program will help reduce congestion at ports of entry and strengthen our national security.”
    “America’s supply chain security is essential to keeping food on the table and businesses up and running,” said Sen. Lankford. “This bill will create a new pilot program to strengthen standards for border security while streamlining our trade with other nations.”
    “I am glad that President Biden has signed this commonsense, bipartisan bill into law to help strengthen our supply chains and keep our country safe, secure, and free,” said Sen. Hassan. “This bill will help our economy continue to thrive and stay competitive in today’s ever changing world.” 
    The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Robert Menendez (NJ-08).
    Background:
    CTPAT was created as a part of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 to support secure cross-border trade through a fast-track, customs clearance process for trusted merchants who voluntarily submit themselves to enhanced security screening measures. The legislation would create a pilot program that would allow up to 20 trusted non-asset and asset based, third-party logistic providers (3PLs) to become CTPAT certified. The carrier companies would work with Customs and Border Protection to become CTPAT certified by meeting additional security requirements and participating in inspections throughout the cargo transit process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito, Archivist of the United States Visit West Virginia University

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – At the invitation of U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Dr. Colleen Shogan, 11th Archivist of the United States, joined Senator Capito for a series of visits at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. to highlight the special and historical collections at WVU Libraries. Dr. Shogan’s visit to WVU comes during American Archives Month.
    Senator Capito and Dr. Shogan’s visits included a tour of the Libraries Depository and the Modern Congressional and Political Papers Collection at the WVU Libraries Depository and a roundtable discussion they hosted with WVU students to discuss the work of the Archives, as well as Dr. Shogan’s unique career path and her success as the first woman appointed to lead the National Archives and Records Administration. Additionally, Senator Capito and Dr. Shogan both separately toured the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC).
    “I appreciate Dr. Shogan for following up on her promise to me that she would come to West Virginia to see the extensive and historical efforts being done by WVU Libraries. We had a productive visit and saw firsthand how the work happening at WVU Libraries will benefit generations of historians, educators, and students for years to come,” Senator Capito said. “The National Archives is home to our nation’s most important documents and the ideas and inspirations that emanate from them. Today’s visit helped shine a light on the significant role academic institutions—like WVU—play in helping preserve our history, while informing the future.”
    “I’m thrilled to have joined Senator Capito in conversation at West Virginia University, and I loved my tour of the incredible work being accomplished at WVU Libraries,” Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan said. “It is always a privilege to speak before tomorrow’s leaders, and especially to discuss the work of the National Archives, where we preserve, protect, and share the stories of all Americans.”
    Dr. Shogan is the 11th Archivist of the United States, and is the first woman appointed to lead the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). A noted author and political scientist, Dr. Shogan is deeply committed to civic education and public engagement, and she has made it a priority to expand the reach of National Archives to a wider audience.
    Following Dr. Shogan’s nomination to serve as Archivist, Senator Capito has strongly supported her. Senator Capito personally introduced Dr. Shogan at her nomination hearing in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in September 2022. With Senator Capito’s support, Dr. Shogan was confirmed by the Senate on May 10, 2023 and sworn in to the position in September 2023, with Senator Capito in attendance at her swearing in ceremony.
    Photos from today’s visit are included below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, visit West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, visit West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, pictured with West Virginia University (WVU) students in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Todd Field Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Todd Field Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $214,749 to resurface 3,501 feet of Runway 16/34, 1,340 feet of taxiway, 278 feet of other surfaces, and 9,320 square yards of general aviation apron pavement. The funding will also be used to rehabilitate 400 square feet of the parking lot and 1,000 feet of the terminal entrance access road. 
    “Todd Field Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Long Prairie and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.”
    “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Todd Field Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards repaving the runway and other important surfaces.”
    This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Winsted Municipal Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Winsted Municipal Airport for new snow removal equipment. The grant provides $558,043 to acquire snow removal equipment to enhance the airport’s ability to clear the priority areas of the airfield during winter weather. 
    “Pilots and passengers who use Winsted Municipal Airport deserve a safe and efficient air travel experience,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will ensure the airport can continue running smoothly during the winter, even when it snows heavily.”
    “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Winsted Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards keeping runways clear and safe in the winter.”
    This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department and Colorado Judiciary Improve Language Access in Courts for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Note: View the release in Somali here. 

    The Justice Department announced today that the Colorado Judiciary has taken significant steps to ensure meaningful language access for people with limited English proficiency (LEP) who interact with the state court system.

    In July 2023, the department’s Civil Rights Division engaged the Colorado Judiciary after receiving complaints that the courts were not providing needed language services to individuals with LEP as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance.

    In response to the department’s inquiry, the Colorado Judiciary identified proactive steps already taken to address the concerns raised in the complaint and worked with the division to make a variety of other improvements made to its language access program.

    “Providing accurate and timely interpreter services in and outside of the courtroom is paramount to ensuring that all court users are provided equal access to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The actions taken by the Colorado Judiciary stand as a model and show a true commitment to building a strong language access program.”

    In the year since the Justice Department began working with the Colorado Judiciary, the court has hired a new language access coordinator; revised the Office of Language Access Financial Policy; began to create a new scheduling system for interpreters; purchased new equipment to be used for court interpretation including headsets and iPads; trained court staff and interpreters; and implemented other key improvements.

    The department will continue to monitor the implementation of these changes, and it welcomes feedback from the public. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov.

    More information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at http://www.lep.gov, and information specific to courts can be found at http://www.lep.gov/state-courts.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State of Missouri holds 2024 Show Me Challenge competition, winning team presents idea to expand operations to maximize print efficiencies

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, the State of Missouri announced the winners of the 2024 Show Me Challenge competition. On Monday, nine finalist teams competed in-person before a panel of state government senior leaders to present the best ideas to improve state government.

    Inspired by the hit TV show “Shark Tank,” the Show Me Challenge continues to bring together state team members from across Missouri’s 17 executive departments to pitch solutions that improve systems and processes that serve the citizens of Missouri, cut out unnecessary work, and/or save the State time and money.

    The Show Me Challenge invited all State of Missouri team members in the executive branch to submit an initial pitch outlining their solutions. Nine teams were then invited to participate in the final competition. They had the opportunity to further develop their pitch, receive coaching, and then present their ideas in front of a panel of judges, including department directors and other senior leaders with government, policy, and business expertise.

    The finalist teams represented nine of the 17 executive departments of the Missouri state government and competed in front of a live audience.

    First place went to the team Space Rangers from the Office of Administration (OA) for their request to find additional space for their printing and mailing services team (OA Document Solutions) to maximize print efficiencies by acquiring additional equipment. 

    Winning team members of Space Rangers are:

    Brandon Bailey
    Lance Clingman
    Erin Coles
    Kenneth Cummings
    Aaron Dickey
    Terry Groner
    Bradley Malone
    Maddie Meyer 

    OA Document Solutions (OADS) held a close partnership with University of Missouri Print and Mail Services (MU) for over 40 years. Throughout this collaboration, MU has consistently delivered print services that surpassed OADS capabilities in terms of size or finishing. On August 2, 2023, MU announced that they would be phasing out MU Print Services over the next calendar year. OADS began brainstorming how to acquire and put to use the MU equipment with capabilities that would expand their services, provide substantial return on investment, and minimally impact services to our State Agency customers. With the new equipment, OADS will be able to increase our efficiencies 200-800% in run time and/or finishing, depending on the project.

    “OADS is committed to streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency by consolidating all print equipment into a single, appropriately-equipped facility. This will not only enhance productivity but also provide an opportunity for OADS to meet the printing demands of the state agencies in-house. Furthermore, it allows OADS to have better quality control of production and meeting the customer requested deadlines,” said Erin Coles, OA Document Solutions Program Manager, OA. “Our team appreciated the opportunity through the Show Me Challenge to showcase what we have been working on to senior leaders. The process improvements we continue to make will allow us to better serve our State Agencies and citizens of Missouri.”

    Second place went to Data for All from the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Revenue (DOR), Department of Economic Development (DED), and OA for their project that would create a curriculum, checklists, and other resources to educate state team members to help increase accessibility of documents published online by the State of Missouri. 

    Third place went to Team MoVest (Missouri Vital Empowerment for State Teams) from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), DESE, & OA for their idea to create a virtual learning experience that will provide a unique opportunity for all state team members to grow their professional networks, develop new skills, and enhance their abilities.

    A Fourth and Fifth place were also awarded to contestants. Fourth place went to Recovery from MoDOT for their design to help the department recoup money spent repairing MoDOT property by automatically bringing together information from a variety of sources to make it easier to recover outstanding funds. Fifth place went to Hands on Deck from the Department of Social Services (DSS) for seeking to establish in their Children’s Division a pool of experienced retired/former employees to be paid on an hourly basis as they step in to cover workforce gaps when an office or facility experience inadequate workforce numbers, extended absence, or crisis situations. 

    The judges for this year’s competition were Senator Mike Bernskoetter, Representative Dave Griffith; Anna Hui, Director, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR); Valerie Huhn, Director, DMH; Robert Knodell, Director, DSS; Valarie Moseley, Deputy Director, Department of Corrections (DOC), and Tyler Hobbs, Legislative Director, Governor’s Office. 

    The judges considered a pitch’s quality, practicality, and potential for impact.

    “It is incredibly inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of our public servants, who are committed to making state government more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of our citizens,” said Rep. Dave Griffith. “By empowering employees to share their insights, we ensure that we are delivering the best possible services to the people of our state.”

    “The Show Me Challenge is an exciting opportunity for our team members to present their best ideas for improving government. Not only does it empower our workforce to take an active role in driving positive change but fosters a culture of innovation for the services we provide to our customers,” said Valerie Huhn, Director, DMH. “The creativity and insight from our team members is one of our greatest assets and I look forward to seeing how their ideas will enhance our operations and make a lasting impact on state government.”

    “This competition showcases the incredible talent and ingenuity of our frontline state team members, giving them a platform to present ideas that can significantly improve how we operate,” said Robert Knodell, Director, DSS. “Through tapping into the creativity of our workforce, we are uncovering innovative solutions that make government more efficient and save valuable time and taxpayer dollars. The Show Me Challenge is a powerful reminder that the best ideas often come from within.” 

    To date, over 600 team members have pitched ideas to improve production and processes across state government. The 2025 Show Me Challenge competition will begin next spring.

    For more on the Show Me Challenge, go here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Typhoon Krathon Nears Taiwan

    Source: NASA

    Typhoon Krathon lingered off the coast of southwestern Taiwan in early October 2024 and is forecast to batter the idland’s populated west coast with torrential rain and damaging winds.
    On its way to Taiwan, Krathon first thrashed northern parts of the Philippines, where the storm is known as Typhoon Julian. Its strong winds damaged roofs and toppled trees in the Philippine province of Batanes on September 29 and 30, according to news reports. The storm continued to strengthen as it moved northwest.
    The image above, acquired by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite, shows the typhoon at 1 p.m. local time (05:00 Universal Time) on September 30, when it was centered west of the Batanes Islands and about 155 kilometers (96 miles) southwest of Taiwan. The image below, captured at 10 a.m. local time (02:00 Universal Time) on September 30 by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8, shows a closer view of the eye of Krathon.

    The eye of a hurricane is a circular zone of fair weather at the storm’s center. It is surrounded by a towering ring of extremely powerful thunderstorms called an eyewall, the part of the hurricane with the strongest winds.
    About 19 hours after Landsat 8 acquired this image, the cyclone reached super typhoon status with sustained winds of 240 kilometers (150 miles) per hour—the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane—according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). At the time, JTWC noted that Krathon displayed a well-defined eyewall and estimated that the typhoon had likely peaked in intensity.
    Krathon’s movement slowed and its intensity weakened on October 1 and 2 as it churned toward Taiwan’s southwest coast. Between September 30 and October 2, the storm had already brought 150 to 300 millimeters (6 to 12 inches) of rain to the east coast of Taiwan.
    Typhoons in the Western Pacific often hit Taiwan’s mountainous and sparsely populated east coast, but Krathon is set to make landfall on its more populated western plain, near Kaohsiung. The typhoon season stretches across the entire year, but the majority of storms usually form between May and October.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang and Lauren Dauphin, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) and Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Emily Cassidy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO New York City arrests Venezuelan noncitizen and Tren de Aragua gang member convicted of criminal possession of a firearm

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — On Sept. 28, Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City arrested Javier Jose Albornoz Marchan, 22, an unlawfully present Venezuelan citizen and member of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization, who was convicted by the Bronx County Supreme Court of criminal possession of a weapon — possession of a firearm. Albornoz was one of eight noncitizens arrested by the New York City Police Department March 27, and was charged with weapons and drug related offenses.

    ERO Fugitive Operations officers took Albornoz into custody on Staten Island, pursuant to a warrant of arrest, and transferred him to the ERO New York City office for processing. Albornoz remains in custody without bond, pending removal proceedings.

    “Sanctuary jurisdictions undermine public safety and put our communities at unnecessary risk,” said ERO New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo. “New York City and state leaders should reevaluate the policies that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with ERO. It is unconscionable this felon was running free in New York for the last three weeks when he could have immediately been apprehended upon release from local custody. Thankfully, through the due diligence of our courageous officers and our law enforcement partners, this individual was swiftly apprehended and denied the ability to reoffend.”

    On Sept. 22, 2022, U.S Border Patrol encountered Albornoz near EL Paso, Texas. Officials released him into the United States as an alternative to detention and a condition of parole due to detention capacity at the Central Processing Center in El Paso, Texas. Albornoz never reported to ERO for processing.

    On June 18, 2023, the Moonachie Police Department arrested Albornoz for the crime of shoplifting-under-ringing. On June 21, 2023, the Municipal Court of Teterboro remanded Albornoz’s charges to the lower court and released him on his own recognizance.

    On Jan. 6, 2024, the Woodbridge Police Department in New Jersey arrested Albornoz for the crimes of shoplifting-take merchandise without paying and burglary tools-manufacture. On Jan. 8, ERO Newark lodged an immigration detainer for Albornoz with the Middlesex County Jail in North Brunswick, New Jersey. On the same date, the Middlesex County Jail ignored the detainer and released Albornoz from local custody without notifying ERO.

    On March 27, the NYPD arrested Albornoz for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree: loaded firearm; criminal possession weapon in the second degree: loaded firearm on school grounds; criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell; and acting in manner to injure child less than 17.

    On April 1, ERO New York City lodged an immigration detainer against Albornoz’s release with the New York Department of Corrections at Rikers Island.

    On Sept. 5, the Bronx County Supreme Court convicted Albornoz of criminal possession of a firearm and sentenced him to six months of imprisonment. The next day, the New York City Department of Corrections at Rikers Island released Albornoz back into the community after he served his sentence, despite an active detainer in place, without notifying ERO.

    On Sept. 27, the FBI New York’s Safe Streets Task Force notified ERO New York City of possible threats made by Albornoz to local law enforcement and requested assistance with locating and apprehending him.

    Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Because detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

    Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ERO officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges.

    ERO uses intelligence driven operations that target public safety threats, such as convicted criminal noncitizens and gang members, who have violated our nation’s immigration laws, including those who illegally reenter the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges. ERO officers prioritize enforcement actions in accordance with the Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law issued by DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Sept. 30, 2021, and reinstituted on June 28 — obtaining and reviewing entire criminal and administrative records and any other investigative information available, when taking decisive law enforcement actions.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to preserve public safety on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERONewYork.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Final proposal for representation arrangements for the 2025 elections open for appeals and objections

    Source: Auckland Council

    Following public consultation, Auckland Council has publicly notified its final proposal for representation arrangements across the region ahead of the 2025 local body elections. This means Aucklanders can submit an appeal or objection if they wish, from today until 3 November.

    Councillor Julie Fairey, chair of the council’s Joint Governance Working Party that has led the extensive review, says she’s pleased to have reached an outcome shaped by submissions from Aucklanders.   

    “This has been a huge piece of work for staff and elected members, and the communities most impacted, and I want to thank them for their mahi.  The submissions and feedback shaped the final proposal significantly, as in the recommendations for the Rodney subdivisions and keeping Parnell and Newmarket in the Ōrākei ward,” she says.

    Councils are required to review their elected representation arrangements at least every six years. This includes reviewing the number of councillors in the Governing Body and the number of members of local boards.

    The council must also review whether members are elected from the whole area, or by electoral areas such as wards for councillors and subdivisions for local board members. There are rules which require the council to provide effective representation of communities of interest and, where there are electoral areas, spread representation evenly.

    The final proposal amends the initial proposal in a couple of ways. It amends boundaries and names of subdivisions in the Rodney Local Board area. It also amends ward boundaries in Central Auckland. No changes have been made to proposals for Howick Local Board subdivisions or local board minor boundary changes.

    In early November, any appeals and objections that have been received will be referred to the Local Government Commission (LGC) to make an independent decision.

    Aucklanders can expect to hear an outcome on the council’s final proposal by April 2025, allowing time for changes to be introduced before next year’s council elections.

    The final proposal includes these changes to current boundaries:  

    Central Auckland wards

    The boundaries of the Waitematā and Gulf Ward, Ōrākei Ward, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward and Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward will realign with local board boundaries, except that:

    • Parnell and Newmarket to remain in Ōrākei ward

    • St Johns to remain in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward

    • Eden Terrace to remain in the Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward.

    North Shore wards

    North Shore/ Albany wards – the boundary between the wards will move to include the Bayview area and align with the proposed local board boundary along Sunset Road.

    Minor local board boundary changes

    • Upper Harbour / Devonport-Takapuna – all of Saunders Reserve to be in Upper Harbour

    • Kaipātiki / Upper Harbour:

      • boundary will run along Sunset Road

      • land near Kereru Reserve to Upper Harbour

      • area near Bayview, north of Glendhu Road

    • Kaipātikti Puketāpapa / Maungakiekie-Tāmaki – all of Taumanu Reserve to Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.

    Rodney Local Board subdivisions

    The boundary between the Northern Rodney and Southern Kaipara subdivisions has changed to include Kaukapakapa in the Southern Kaipara subdivision.

    Howick Local Board subdivisions

    • Howick, 3 members (no change)

    • Pakuranga, 3 members (no change)

    • Botany, 2 members (changed area)

    • Flat Bush, 3 members (new subdivision).

    Variances to the 10 percent rule  

    Decisions were made to prioritise communities of interest, resulting in the number of people represented by each elected member in a subdivision area not being within 10 percent of the average for the whole local board area (which is the ideal population-based ratio):

    • Hibiscus and Bays Local Board

    • Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

    • Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board

    • Franklin Local Board.

    For more detail, visit AKhaveyoursay.representation.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Working together to protect Auckland’s natural environment

    Source: Auckland Council

    Aucklanders will soon be asked for their feedback on Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation.

    Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee encourages all Aucklanders to have their say.

    “We’re going to ask you how we can all work together to protect our environment. We can’t do this alone – we know this mahi takes a collaborative effort from so many community groups, volunteers and individuals, all working together with the council and other agencies.”

    “Let’s protect our environment will ask what we can do to continue to protect what Aucklanders value. Like our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values, rural primary production, and the safety and wellbeing of our communities and natural habitats.”

    Why are we asking for feedback?

    “Our current approach to protecting Auckland’s natural environment has us covered until 2030. So we’re in the early stages of planning what the updated approach will cover, which includes formal public consultation in 2027. As part of our preparation, we are going out early to ask Aucklanders for their views on select topics to inform and update our approach,” explains Dr Imogen Bassett, Auckland Council Head of Natural Environment Specialist Services.

    “This pre-consultation will give us some great early feedback on critical topics and new issues. We are also working closely with mana whenua to understand their aspirations for the taiao / environment, and we have planned an extensive programme of engagement on specific topics.”

    The public feedback, as well as engagement with mana whenua, stakeholders, and technical experts, will be used to draft a new plan for how we protect the natural environment from 2030-2040. When this draft plan is ready, you’ll be asked for your feedback on this, too.

    What has changed since our current plan was approved in 2020?

    “A lot has changed since our existing plan was drafted. Many new species have arrived from overseas, such as myrtle rust, exotic caulerpa seaweed, and freshwater gold clam. We need to consider how – and if– we should address these new risks in the future,” says Dr Bassett.

    Additionally, as our climate warms, and severe weather events become more frequent, we also need to adapt our approach. Species that originate from warmer climates may pose a greater risk to Tāmaki Makaurau in the future. Acting now can help us prevent those problems.

    Storms and floods, damage the resilience of our ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to damage from introduced species, while simultaneously spreading introduced species to new places.

    “Of course, all species are indigenous to somewhere in the world, and have value and whakapapa to those lands, regardless of the impacts they may have here in Aotearoa. We also know that there’s an economic impact to this work. Together, we need to work out where the balance lies to manage different species in different contexts,” says Cr Richard Hills.

    Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation opens soon (25 October to 8 December 2024). Sign up for updates on akhaveyoursay.co.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study of vaping trends among adults in England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in The Lancet Public Health looks at vaping trends in adults who have never regularly smoked.

    Prof Peter Hajek, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Health and Lifestyle Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), said:

    “Some people have genes and circumstances leading them to like nicotine products. Traditionally, they ended up smoking, but some are now discovering vaping without becoming smokers first. If vaping did not exist, they would be smoking. The study authors point this out.

    “The just-released figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK smoking prevalence is under 12%, an all-time low. If much less risky alternatives are allowed to continue to compete with cigarettes, smoking (and heart disease, lung disease and cancers that it causes) will continue to decline as well. 

    “The UK and USA, which allow vaping, have seen significantly faster declines in cigarette sales and in smoking among young and low income people than Australia, which bans vaping.  Sweden, which is the only EU country that allows use of low-risk oral tobacco, has by far the lowest smoking prevalence.  Efforts are needed to limit use of nicotine products in adolescents but if more adults (as well as adolescents) are taking up vaping instead of smoking it may in fact be good news.”

    ‘Vaping among adults in England who have never regularly smoked: a population-based study, 2016-24’ by Sarah Jackson et al. was published in The Lancet Public Health at 23.30 UK time Wednesday 2 October 2024.

    Declared interests

    Peter Hajek: no COIs

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 10.02.2024 Sen. Cruz Celebrates Designation of “Ports-to-Plains” Corridor Portion to I-27 in Lubbock County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after the Texas Transportation Commission designated a segment of the state highway system in Lubbock County as Interstate 27, officially bringing another portion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor into the Interstate System. Sen. Cruz led legislation to formally name the Ports-to-Plains Corridor between Laredo, Texas, and Raton, New Mexico, as the future Interstate 27, which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.
    Following the announcement, Sen. Cruz said, “It has been a long and hard-fought effort to improve infrastructure for I-27, but this news is another tremendous step in boosting jobs, economic development, and better transportation for Texans in communities across the Lone Star State. The integration of this stretch of I-27 is a welcome sight for leaders and business owners along the I-27 corridor, who will greatly benefit from improved supply chains and safer highways. I was proud to author the bipartisan legislation designating I-27, which will produce thousands of high-paying jobs and billions in new investments in Texas. I will continue to advocate for more stretches of the famed “Ports-to-Plains” corridor to be swiftly incorporated into I-27 pursuant to the law I authored with my colleagues in Congress.”
    BACKGROUND
    In 2022, Sen. Cruz successfully included language in the fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations legislation to designate the portion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor from Laredo, Texas, to Raton, New Mexico, as a future Interstate route. This was an important step toward adding the route to the U.S. Interstate System. Though the language passed into law in 2022 will add key parts of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor to the Interstate System, it did not give the route an official future Interstate route number. Sen. Cruz’s legislation, which was signed into law in March, names the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as the “future Interstate 27.”
    The I-27 Numbering Act of 2023, was co-sponsored by Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), August Pfluger (R-Texas), and Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) introduced identical legislation in the House.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Signed Into Law: Brown’s Bipartisan Bill To Cut Red Tape For Chips Projects Like Intel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the President signed into law his bipartisan Building Chips in America Act, a law to streamline federal reviews for microchip manufacturing facilities like the one being built by Intel in New Albany. The law prevents delays in domestic manufacturing investments made possible by the CHIPS Act while maintaining bedrock environmental protections for clean air and water.
    The legislation passed the U.S. Senate in December and the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
    “This law will help prevent delays to the semiconductor manufacturing projects the CHIPS Act made possible and will encourage future investments in American manufacturing. This is critical to Intel’s project in Licking County and to ensure that we can outcompete China,” said Brown.
    Brown has been a leader in bringing new manufacturing opportunities to Ohio and worked to pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 which boosted Intel’s $20 billion investment to build a semiconductor plant in New Albany and is expected to create 10,000 jobs.
    Following its passage, companies throughout the semiconductor supply chain have announced plans to invest billions in new domestic manufacturing projects. The Building Chips in America Act would ensure federal environmental reviews are completed in a timely manner for these microchip projects supported by the CHIPS Act by streamlining approval for projects currently under construction and others that could be delayed, and by providing the Secretary of Commerce greater tools to more effectively and efficiently carry out reviews.
    This will give the administration additional authority to more effectively implement the CHIPS Act and maximize its potential to boost domestic microchip manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, lower costs, and improve national security.
    In addition to Brown, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Ted Budd (R-NC) led the legislation in the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown Pushes Administration to Maintain Funding for Stryker Vehicles, Fights for Workers at Lima’s JSMC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown called on the Biden administration to maintain funding for the Stryker Family of Vehicles, manufactured in part at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima.
    In a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young, and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Brown details how critically important this combat system is to the U.S. Military and our defense industrial base. Brown lays out how the reduction in funding could threaten military readiness and hurt the JSMC’s skilled workforce, including members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2075, who support the manufacturing of the M1 Abrams tanks.
    “It’s my understanding that the Army’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) fiscal year (FY) 2025 through FY 2029 proposes to drastically reduce Stryker procurement funding by more than $1.6 billion, or 496 vehicles. These shortsighted cuts would impose significant costs on the U.S. Army and Stryker’s domestic industrial base, and I urge you to reconsider this proposal and replace it with one that recognizes the value of the Stryker FoV and maintains an investment in this essential technology and the manufacturing community supporting it.,” wrote Brown to the administration officials.
    Brown continued, “Cutting Stryker funding threatens both military readiness and the industrial base – both workforce and manufacturers – that ensure our continued military superiority.  Of particular concern is the impact such disinvestment could have on the JSMC’s skilled workforce – which also supports the M1 Abrams tank. Reduced funding would impose a deep workforce reduction that could only be revived with much effort and at great cost. In addition, cuts to the Stryker F0V would impact hundreds of manufacturers – and their employees – throughout the nation.  In fact, 80 suppliers in Ohio alone support the Stryker program – many of them small businesses that would likely need to shut down or shift work elsewhere if the Army maintains its plan of deep reductions.”
    Recently, Brown was able to secure $402 million for the Stryker vehicle production and $773 million for the M1 Abrams tank production in the Senate version of the bipartisan FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the country’s annual national defense bill. The bill text has been negotiated by both parties in the Senate and represents an important step forward in process of making the national defense bill law. It is expected be voted on by the Senate in the coming months.
    The full letter is HERE or below.
    Dear Secretary Austin, Director Young, and Secretary Wormuth:
    As the U.S. Army works to sustain and modernize its Stryker Family of Vehicles (FoV), I ask that you maintain funding for this critically important combat system, which is manufactured in part at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, Ohio.  It’s my understanding that the Army’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) fiscal year (FY) 2025 through FY 2029 proposes to drastically reduce Stryker procurement funding by more than $1.6 billion, or 496 vehicles. These shortsighted cuts would impose significant costs on the U.S. Army and Stryker’s domestic industrial base, and I urge you to reconsider this proposal and replace it with one that recognizes the value of the Stryker FoV and maintains an investment in this essential technology and the manufacturing community supporting it.
    The Stryker FoV are the Army’s workhorse – a proven combat vehicle fleet that provides highly-mobile, versatile, and essential support for U.S. servicemembers and our allies. To date, the Stryker FoV has logged over 30 million combat miles in more than 23 deployments and is currently a key deterrent force in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Despite the Stryker FoV’s proven capabilities, the Army’s FYDP for FY 2025-29 proposes a Stryker vehicle reduction of 58 percent from previous FYDPs and sends a dangerous signal that the Army intends to phase out Stryker production with no replacement in place. 
    Cutting Stryker funding threatens both military readiness and the industrial base – both workforce and manufacturers – that ensure our continued military superiority.  Of particular concern is the impact such disinvestment could have on the JSMC’s skilled workforce – which also supports the M1 Abrams tank. Reduced funding would impose a deep workforce reduction that could only be revived with much effort and at great cost. In addition, cuts to the Stryker F0V would impact hundreds of manufacturers – and their employees – throughout the nation.  In fact, 80 suppliers in Ohio alone support the Stryker program – many of them small businesses that would likely need to shut down or shift work elsewhere if the Army maintains its plan of deep reductions.
    Even without a reduction to the Stryker FoV, I am concerned the Army currently has no plan to modernize the Stryker platform beyond its current configuration. Future planning is necessary to ensure the Stryker FoV’s operational effectiveness for the envisioned, complex battlefield of the future. 
    I urge you to invest in our national security by keeping the funding at $1.6 billion over the next 4 years and reconsider plans to shift investment away from this essential line of equipment and the talented, domestic manufacturing base behind it. Additionally, I respectfully request a briefing on the Army’s plan for the Stryker platform and the plan to address the risks inherent in its current funding position.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Secures Additional Provisions for Servicemembers, Veterans in Senate’s Bipartisan National Defense Bill Final Text

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she has secured additional provisions for Nevada veterans and servicemembers in the final text of the Senate’s bipartisan national defense bill. This is in addition to the Rosen-backed bills, amendments, and provisions already included in the text of the bill passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The final Senate text of the legislation includes Senator Rosen’s bipartisan bill to maintain a permanent helpline to assist veterans with all services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and a Rosen-backed bipartisan bill to better inform students about military careers.
    “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I helped draft the Senate’s annual defense package to enhance our national security and deliver for our servicemembers, veterans, military families, and Nevada’s military and nuclear security installations,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud that two additional bipartisan bills I led are included in the final Senate bill to support our veterans and help inform young people about military careers. I’ll keep working across the aisle to ensure we have the resources to confront international threats and advance our state’s priorities.”
    Additional Rosen-led bipartisan bills in the final Senate version of the FY25 NDAA include:
    Bipartisan Veterans Assistance Helpline Act: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain a permanent helpline for veterans to use in order to quickly obtain information and assistance with all services from the VA.
    Bipartisan Military and Educational Data Integration Act: Requires the Department of Defense to create a data-sharing program to enable state education systems to access military enlistment data, allowing high schools to track the outcomes of students who enter military service after graduation.
    The Senate’s bipartisan national defense bill already includes many Rosen-led victories for Nevada, including preventing any funding from being authorized for storing defense nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. Other provisions will directly benefit Nevada’s servicemembers and national security installations, such as funding for Nevada’s first certified small arms training range for the Nevada National Guard at Hawthorne Army Depot, which she secured; requiring a plan for providing the VA with the documentation needed to help veterans who served near nuclear testing to submit claims for the radiation exposure benefits they deserve; increasing land in Nevada for Tribal housing; expanding health care coverage for veterans’ families; and creating programs to strengthen collaboration with Israel, Taiwan, and other allies in the areas of space, artificial intelligence, and the defense industrial base.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten interview on A Current Affair with Deborah Knight

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    SUBJECTS: NDIS Section 10 lists

    DEBORAH KNIGHT, HOST: The NDIS budget is blowing out big time. Courtesy in large part to roters, and spending on bizarre items: sex therapy and tarot card readings, just to name two. Finally, some common sense and a clear direction on what your money, taxpayer dollars, should be spent on the NDIS. Minister Bill Shorten is with me now. Minister, these changes are long overdue and a lot of it is common sense. Why has it taken so long to get to this point?

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNENT SERVICES: Well, they are overdue and they are common sense. You probably have to ask the seven coalition Ministers who are in charge of the portfolio before me, because I think what I’m doing is just spelling out in black and white what needs to be done, making it clear for participants what is and isn’t allowed expenditure.

    KNIGHT: Now, the banned items include tarot cards, clairvoyance and wilderness therapy, even cuddle therapy. Frankly, they should never have been funded in the first place. Why then is there a one year grace period?

    SHORTEN: Well, most of these things are not getting funded now. Let’s be clear. What this list represents is ten years of lessons. Most of this stuff is not getting funded now, but some of it is, though. Well, the reason why there is a grace period isn’t for the illegal stuff. That’s like narcotics, illicit substances, alcohol, that’s never been allowed and it shouldn’t be allowed in terms of the transition period. It’s purely, if someone makes a mistake, maybe by virtue of their disability, if the expenditure is small, under $1,500, we’ll educate them first and talk to people. The ironic thing is, you say, rightly, why is it taking so long? Other people say, I’m going too quickly, but I think this is now where we need to be.

    KNIGHT: And if people are repeat offenders, if they keep claiming the wrong things, will they potentially lose their NDIS funding altogether?

    SHORTEN: Well, it’s not going to get funded. As simple as that. Now, some of the list of what’s out is stuff which, frankly, mainstream departments of government, federal and state and hospitals should be doing. I mean, the NDIS shouldn’t be asked to pay for a child with a disability’s desk at school. That’s the obligation of the school system. If you’re on the NDIS and you go to a hospital outpatient ward, you shouldn’t be told, no, we won’t help you here because you’re on the NDIS. So, we’ll. I think this is just going to rebuild public confidence in the scheme. Most participants, by the way, nothing is going to change for them. Most participants and most service providers are doing the right thing. But it is an unfortunate fact alive that perhaps the NDIS in the past has been treated with naivety. And wherever there’s government money, opportunists will descend like flies upon a barbecue, trying to make their own profits at the expense of participants and taxpayers.

    KNIGHT: And what about the Reuters? Will you be putting a stop to all of that? Because we’ve brought you here on a current affair, story after story of people being fleeced.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, absolutely. And we’ve tripled the safeguards commission. They’re the regulator. When I came in two and a half years ago, there were 367 people trying to cover a scheme of over half a million. Now there’s over 1000 investigators and complaints officers. We’ve now got 56 people before the court, so we’re waiting for the commonwealth director of public prosecution to put them before the courts. We have over 500 active investigations. And I must always say most people are doing the right thing and this scheme is changing lives. But let’s tell the truth. And the truth is there is some proportion who’ve been having a lend to the scheme, overcharging, over servicing, ripping off, charging a fee for someone on the NDIS, which is higher than if they weren’t on the NDIS, charging for nonsense services.

    KNIGHT: And it’s because of that that the NDIS costs are skyrocketing and it’s already one of the most expensive areas of government spending. How much will these changes see taxpayers saving?

    SHORTEN: We think over the next four years through the various reforms, including these, but not just these, that we will be able to stop wasteful growth in the order of nearly $15 billion.

    KNIGHT: And can you guarantee that the money will now go to where it’s really needed?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, I actually think that we can. So, the short answer? Yes. Even last year, so financial year 23, July 23 to June 24, we’ve come in $1 billion under what we forecast, a billion dollars. That’s because we’ve got better quality staff, we’ve got. We’re investing in people and training and the whole aim of the scheme is it is changing lives. I love the idea of the NDIS giving a personal budget to a family, to a person with a disability, so that 80 year old carers drying the dishes late at night, looking over the sink into the backyard, don’t have to worry who’s going to look after their adult child. A little baby with a non standard developmental journey now has options in life, but we’ve got to eliminate expenditure, which basically is not delivering any return to participants and in some cases it’s just enriching crooks.

    KNIGHT: Yeah, well, no argument from anyone on that. But you finish up as NDIS Minister in February of next year. What do you hope your legacy will be?

    SHORTEN: That when a child has a non standard development journey and the parents work this out, they’ve got somewhere to go. That when those ageing parents in their eighties say, who’s going to love their 40 or 50 year old child, who needs quite a degree of intensive care, they know that this country will look after your child. That a person with a disability, when they finish year twelve, actually is sent somewhere other than a daycare centre. That they’re not looked at. That a person in Australia is not looked at purely through the prism of their disability, but all the things they can do, not what someone thinks they can’t do.

    KNIGHT: Well, let’s hope the money gets to where it is needed. Bill Shorten, thanks so much.

    SHORTEN: Thanks for your interest, Deb.

    MIL OSI News –