NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill  Biden at the Unveiling of the Reimagined White  House Public  Tour

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The Rose Garden
    Have any of you ever walked through a museum and wanted to touch one of the displays?
    Have you ever heard a recording from years ago and suddenly it feels like you’re in that room—like the present and the past are coming together?
    Have you ever seen a picture of someone famous, and it’s helped you understand that person a little better?
    That’s what was on my mind when creating this updated White House tour.
    Today, with you, we are unveiling a reimagined White House tour experience.
    Thank you for joining me and welcome to the White House!
    As a teacher for 40 years, I know that we all learn in different ways.
    Some of us learn through hearing something. Some of us through seeing or feeling something.
    So, we added dynamic, flexible, and tactile tools of learning that let you follow your curiosity.
    Now, you can do all the things that you’ve always wanted to do in a museum.
    We made replicas, so that you can feel the features of some of the sculptures’ faces and touch the shining fabric on the furniture in the Blue Room. 
    You can now hear President Roosevelt’s fireside chats in the room in which he recorded them—so you can feel as if you are there beside him.
    We added screens and information, so you can read about what you see in each of the rooms.
    One of my favorite parts of this new tour is walking past those glowing pictures in the Colonnade, going around the corner, and coming to that model of the White House on the wall. 
    It changes every couple seconds, so you can see all the renovations that have taken place over the years.
    You may not know this, but the White House didn’t always have running water or electricity. So, they had to open up the walls and add it!
    That’s what you’ll learn on this tour. The rendering tells you that story: who added each piece of the house and when.
    Serving as your First Lady has been an honor.
    Being able to bring friends into the house is special—and that’s what we’re doing today—sharing it with all of you.
    So many people put months of hard work into this project.
    I’m grateful to Paul Buccieri and the History Channel, the National Park Service, the White House curators and Executive Residence Staff, ESI Design, the White House Historical Association, and presidential libraries staff for all their work.
    To preserve our history, we must teach it.
    We learn from the wisdom of the past and weave it into our future. And, as you walk through this house, I hope you’ll feel the history here. It’s your history—and it lives in each of you, connecting you to those who have walked here before you and to each other.
    One of the things that makes this house so special is that it belongs to the American people.
    And as your First Lady, it’s been a privilege to share it with all of you and keep opening the doors wider and wider.
    Thank you. 
    Like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, the White House is a national park.
    And I’m grateful to the National Park Service who work so hard to preserve and protect it for all of you.
    They help make sure the White House is a place where you can be inspired and learn.
    So, please help me welcome, National Park Service Director, Chuck Sams.
    ***
    Thank you, Alysha.
    Teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. And we can all see that you were called to this profession for a reason. I’m so glad you answered that call. 
    I’m grateful to everyone here for spending some of your day with us—for being a part of this moment.
    And after you leave here, keep telling the world what you learned here. Keep exploring new parts of our history—keep that wisdom with you as you shape the future of our nation. And maybe one day, we’ll see one of your portraits hanging here, watching over the next generation of students.
    Thank you. And enjoy the new tour!

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Promoting financial inclusion through technological innovation in the Americas

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Technology is rapidly changing how the financial system interacts with end users. Internet and smartphone coverage are rising, while physical access points to the financial system (eg bank branches) have declined. In this new environment, a plethora of new options in payments, credit, insurance and wealth management is supporting financial inclusion. Emerging market and developing economies are closing gaps with advanced economies in this regard.

    Increasing financial inclusion requires actions by the public and private sector, with central banks being a key player. Some are participating directly in their national financial inclusion strategies. Others are improving their retail payment systems and introducing immediate availability of fund transfers on a 24×7 basis. Experiences in the Americas, eg with Brazil’s Pix, show the dramatic potential of fast payment systems to support inclusion.

    Going forward, one of the most challenging areas is cross-border payments. Yet the potential for greater integration in the Americas is great. The BIS remains committed to supporting dialogue among central banks and encouraging disruptive innovations in financial and payment systems through its committees, its research and the BIS Innovation Hub. As we look to the future, integration of fast payment systems across the Americas, similar to in the BIS Innovation Hub Project Nexus, could hold significant potential.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill  Biden at the Unveiling of the Reimagined White  House Public  Tour

    Source: The White House

    The Rose Garden

    Have any of you ever walked through a museum and wanted to touch one of the displays?

    Have you ever heard a recording from years ago and suddenly it feels like you’re in that room—like the present and the past are coming together?

    Have you ever seen a picture of someone famous, and it’s helped you understand that person a little better?

    That’s what was on my mind when creating this updated White House tour.

    Today, with you, we are unveiling a reimagined White House tour experience.

    Thank you for joining me and welcome to the White House!

    As a teacher for 40 years, I know that we all learn in different ways.

    Some of us learn through hearing something. Some of us through seeing or feeling something.

    So, we added dynamic, flexible, and tactile tools of learning that let you follow your curiosity.

    Now, you can do all the things that you’ve always wanted to do in a museum.

    We made replicas, so that you can feel the features of some of the sculptures’ faces and touch the shining fabric on the furniture in the Blue Room. 

    You can now hear President Roosevelt’s fireside chats in the room in which he recorded them—so you can feel as if you are there beside him.

    We added screens and information, so you can read about what you see in each of the rooms.

    One of my favorite parts of this new tour is walking past those glowing pictures in the Colonnade, going around the corner, and coming to that model of the White House on the wall. 

    It changes every couple seconds, so you can see all the renovations that have taken place over the years.

    You may not know this, but the White House didn’t always have running water or electricity. So, they had to open up the walls and add it!

    That’s what you’ll learn on this tour. The rendering tells you that story: who added each piece of the house and when.

    Serving as your First Lady has been an honor.

    Being able to bring friends into the house is special—and that’s what we’re doing today—sharing it with all of you.

    So many people put months of hard work into this project.

    I’m grateful to Paul Buccieri and the History Channel, the National Park Service, the White House curators and Executive Residence Staff, ESI Design, the White House Historical Association, and presidential libraries staff for all their work.

    To preserve our history, we must teach it.

    We learn from the wisdom of the past and weave it into our future. And, as you walk through this house, I hope you’ll feel the history here. It’s your history—and it lives in each of you, connecting you to those who have walked here before you and to each other.

    One of the things that makes this house so special is that it belongs to the American people.

    And as your First Lady, it’s been a privilege to share it with all of you and keep opening the doors wider and wider.

    Thank you. 

    Like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, the White House is a national park.

    And I’m grateful to the National Park Service who work so hard to preserve and protect it for all of you.

    They help make sure the White House is a place where you can be inspired and learn.

    So, please help me welcome, National Park Service Director, Chuck Sams.

    ***

    Thank you, Alysha.

    Teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. And we can all see that you were called to this profession for a reason. I’m so glad you answered that call. 

    I’m grateful to everyone here for spending some of your day with us—for being a part of this moment.

    And after you leave here, keep telling the world what you learned here. Keep exploring new parts of our history—keep that wisdom with you as you shape the future of our nation. And maybe one day, we’ll see one of your portraits hanging here, watching over the next generation of students.

    Thank you. And enjoy the new tour!

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Promoting financial inclusion through technological innovation in the Americas

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Technology is rapidly changing how the financial system interacts with end users. Internet and smartphone coverage are rising, while physical access points to the financial system (eg bank branches) have declined. In this new environment, a plethora of new options in payments, credit, insurance and wealth management is supporting financial inclusion. Emerging market and developing economies are closing gaps with advanced economies in this regard.

    Increasing financial inclusion requires actions by the public and private sector, with central banks being a key player. Some are participating directly in their national financial inclusion strategies. Others are improving their retail payment systems and introducing immediate availability of fund transfers on a 24×7 basis. Experiences in the Americas, eg with Brazil’s Pix, show the dramatic potential of fast payment systems to support inclusion.

    Going forward, one of the most challenging areas is cross-border payments. Yet the potential for greater integration in the Americas is great. The BIS remains committed to supporting dialogue among central banks and encouraging disruptive innovations in financial and payment systems through its committees, its research and the BIS Innovation Hub. As we look to the future, integration of fast payment systems across the Americas, similar to in the BIS Innovation Hub Project Nexus, could hold significant potential.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Jasper’s wildfire recovery is challenged by its unique land classification and the approaching winter

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jack L. Rozdilsky, Associate Professor of Disaster and Emergency Management, York University, Canada

    On July 24, 2024, one-third of the structures in Jasper, Alta. were destroyed when the Jasper Complex Wildfire burnt an estimated 32,722 hectares.

    As a researcher of disaster and emergency management, I visited Jasper in October to observe disaster recovery efforts there.

    The Municipality of Jasper and its federal partners are actively managing the recovery. The municipality has submitted an application for $73.14 million in expenditures for reimbursement from Alberta’s provincial Disaster Recovery Program.

    For those outside of the disaster zone, the message is that Jasper still exists and it is open for business. In the meantime, visitors need to be aware that residents are facing daunting tasks in a recovery effort that will take not months but years.

    Visiting Jasper

    As I approached Jasper from the south, through the fire-scarred Jasper National Park, I was first struck by what visually appears as a wasteland of burnt sticks in a black, brown and grey landscape.

    Burned trees in Jasper National Park landscape.
    (J. Rozdilsky), CC BY

    Proceeding into Jasper, the landscape transforms into the disfigured skeletal remains of noncombustible portions of structures — the buildings have been reduced to piles of charred, rusting and decomposing objects in vast debris fields.

    However, portions of Jasper’s built environment did survive the fire, and it is entirely possible to spend time in some parts of the town that remained intact rather than looking like a burnt-out war zone.

    Clean-up challenges

    A very visible and immediate challenge to Jasper’s practical recovery is the removal of debris.

    A streetlamp lies on the ground in Jasper, outside what remains of the Wicked Cup Café.
    (J. Rozdilsky), CC BY

    Work is underway to expedite bulk debris removal action. The action would work by removing debris across multiple properties at the same time by using one contractor.

    One of the challenges of removing the debris is the rapid approach of winter. November sees the most snowfall in Jasper, with an average snowfall of 135 millimetres.

    Despite best efforts being made, if large tracts of disaster debris become frozen in place over winter, such a situation will impede recovery progress in 2025.

    In addition to health hazards and special worker safety related to fire debris, improper management of disaster debris can impede the timely recovery of the affected area.

    Land classification

    Less visible, but nonetheless important, challenges facing disaster recovery in Jasper are unfolding policy dilemmas related to a very nuanced land tenure situation. Rules of land tenure define how access is granted to rights to use, control and transfer land, as well as associated responsibilities and restraints.

    From the public administrative perspective, Jasper is not your typical Canadian town. It is formally a provincially classified specialized municipality that exists within the boundaries of federally administered national park lands governed under the National Parks Act.

    The situation means disaster recovery will take place under a unique set of rules governing everything from land use decisions to one’s right to reside in Jasper. In Jasper, residents own their homes, but not the property they sit on; the Crown is the only landowner in the park.

    Until an amendment to the Canada Parks Act known as Bill C-76 received royal assent on Oct. 3, 2024, Jasper’s local government did not have the ability to exercise control over its own land use and planning. Under Bill C-76, the Municipality of Jasper will formally take authority over specific elements of land-use planning and development that were previously held by Parks Canada.

    However, this nuanced land tenure situation in Jasper will complicate recovery. Unanticipated consequences of overlapping interests will occur as several parties in Jasper are allocated different rights to the same parcel of land.

    Collective recovery

    A sign that Jasper was moving in the right direction was evidenced by a municipally based public information campaign consisting of posters in the town centre. The headline on the poster was “We’re in this together.”

    A poster for a public information campaign addressing residents and visitors to Jasper.
    (J. Rozdilsky), CC BY

    The left column of the poster addresses Jasper residents, while the righthand side speaks directly to visitors. Visitors were advised to “ask us about our town, the park and our community. Try not to ask us what we lost in the fire.”

    The “We’re in this together” theme related to recovery applies beyond local affairs. For those far outside of Jasper, now is the time to support the town’s unique role as a national asset, facilitating access of 2.5 million visitors yearly to Canadian natural areas.

    For Jasper’s disaster recovery, we are indeed all in this together.

    Jack L. Rozdilsky receives support for research communication and public scholarship from York University. He also has received research support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

    – ref. Jasper’s wildfire recovery is challenged by its unique land classification and the approaching winter – https://theconversation.com/jaspers-wildfire-recovery-is-challenged-by-its-unique-land-classification-and-the-approaching-winter-241135

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Announce Nearly $3 Million Loan for High Speed Internet in Oregon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    October 21, 2024
    The USDA ReConnect Loan will benefit residents of Clackamas County
    Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal loan of $2.8 million for Clear Creek Communications to expand high-speed internet access to households, businesses and farms in Clackamas County.
    “It is more important now than ever to have reliable access to the internet, especially for rural Oregonians who need access to emergency services, telehealth appointments, school research and more,” Wyden said. “Just last year, I worked with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimundo to fix broadband maps that have since provided Oregonians nearly $700 million to modernize and expand broadband services in rural parts of our state. I applaud this new $2.8 million federal loan for Clackamas County, and I am committed to building on the successes we have had getting more federal resources for rural broadband services.”
    “It is critical for individuals, families, and small businesses in every corner of Oregon to have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet,”?Merkley said.?“This federal support?will boost the broadband access needed in Clackamas County to better support stronger, more connected rural Oregon communities.”?  
    This investment from the USDA’s ReConnect Loan Program will go to Clear Creek Communications to deploy fiber broadband that will provide high-speed internet to 102 people, three businesses and five farms in Clackamas County. 
    “This project will start to add Redland members to the national fiber footprint,” said Clear Creek Communications President Jay Henke. “It will also better support the growing number of internet-connected devices the average subscriber has in their home today like smartphones, tablets, gaming systems, health trackers and doorbell cameras.” 
    Wyden and Merkley have both advocated for more resources to expand access to broadband services in rural Oregon. In June 2023, Wyden announced $689 million in federal funding from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce after Wyden successfully fought to fix inaccurate Federal Communications Commission maps. In August 2023, Wyden and Merkley announced $25.7 million to bring broadband to homes and businesses in Marion, Lane, Benton and Lincoln counties. In June 2024, Wyden and Merkley announced $25 million to help local organizations, cooperatives and Tribes expand affordable, high-speed internet projects in rural communities throughout Oregon and nationwide. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Visits Nevada Businesses and Communities in Esmeralda and Mineral Counties, Highlights Efforts to Support Local Tourism and Clean Energy Industries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Reno, Nev. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) met with local businesses and communities in Esmeralda and Mineral Counties discuss her work to create more good-paying jobs and support the tourism and clean energy industries in rural Nevada. Cortez Masto has now visited all seventeen Nevada counties this year.
    “It was great to visit Goldfield and Luning to see firsthand how our tourism and clean energy industries are helping drive economic growth,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Preserving Nevada’s cultural sites and addressing our climate challenges head-on are key to supporting our rural communities, and I will continue to make it a priority to visit all our counties in Nevada every year to make sure I’m delivering for every part of our state.”
    In Goldfield, Senator Cortez Masto visited the Goldfield Historic High School, a site that dates back to the early 1900s and remains an economic driver for the town. Cortez Masto and local small business owners discussed improvements and restoration efforts to preserve this critical piece of the Silver State’s cultural heritage. A champion of the Nevada’s economy, Cortez Masto is pushing legislation to support key tourism and outdoor industries in every corner of Nevada through economic development.
    In Luning, Senator Cortez Masto met with Ormat Technologies and toured a geothermal energy facility to highlight their work creating more good-paying clean energy jobs and bringing 21st century solutions to our climate challenges. Nevada is the second largest producer of geothermal energy in the nation and has one of the largest amounts of untapped geothermal resources in the country. Senator Cortez Masto has worked hard in the Senate to support our renewable energy economy. Her Geothermal Energy Opportunities Act was signed into law to make it easier to develop geothermal resources on some public lands, and she recently introduced bipartisan legislation to accelerate geothermal investments in Nevada.
    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. She also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Murphy, Van Hollen, Kaine Issue Statement Expressing Concern About the Escalation of Violence in Lebanon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), senior members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following joint statement regarding the deteriorating situation in Lebanon: 
    “Over the past few weeks, there has been a concerning escalation of violence in Lebanon, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, the displacement of over one million civilians and unacceptable attacks on United Nations peacekeepers.  
    “There is no question that Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorism on its northern border and that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization whose actions have led to Lebanese, American and Israeli deaths. By preventing the formation of a functioning government, Hezbollah has exacerbated an economic crisis and perpetuated the suffering of everyday Lebanese citizens. We also assert firmly that Iran must be stopped from supplying Hezbollah with resources and weapons, which is essential to securing peace on the border and ensuring that Israelis in the north can return safely to their homes. 
    “At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces have an obligation to conduct their operations in a way that limits civilian harm and does not impede humanitarian access. We also strongly condemn the attacks against United Nations peacekeepers who operate in Lebanon under UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 2749. Peacekeepers must be allowed to fulfill their mission of ensuring peace along the Blue Line. 
    “We must work towards de-escalation and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in Lebanon while also urging all parties involved to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal. We must do all we can to prevent further civilian casualties, dangerous destabilization and expansion of this conflict into a full-out war.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Keeping Albertans’ lights on and homes warm

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    .
    .

    When temperatures drop, Alberta’s Winter Rules for utilities are designed to keep the power and heat on for Albertans during the cold winter months. Ensuring Albertans have access to reliable and affordable energy is a top priority for Alberta’s government.

    From Oct. 15 to April 15, electricity and natural gas services in Alberta cannot be fully disconnected by retailers. This also applies to any time during the year when the forecast for the next 24 hours indicates temperatures below zero degrees.

    “During Alberta’s harsh winters, no one should be forced to choose between heating and eating. We’re keeping the lights on for the most vulnerable and taking action to lower power bills for all Albertans. I encourage anyone having difficulties with their utility bill to contact the Utilities Consumer Advocate and learn what options are available.”

    Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

    Under the Winter Utilities Reconnection program, customers with disconnected utilities are contacted to help get them reconnected before the cold weather hits. This is led by the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA), in partnership with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), utility retailers and distributors and other government agencies. Albertans who are having difficulty with paying their utility bills, communicating with their retailer or making manageable payment arrangements should contact the UCA.

    “The Winter Utilities Reconnection Program is an important protection for customers struggling with utility bills. UCA Mediation Staff are available to help customers get energy utilities reconnected and stay safe during winter. They can be reached at 310-4822.”

    Chris Hunt, Utilities Consumer Advocate

    Alberta’s government is working tirelessly to lower utility bills and protect ratepayers, ensuring Albertans keep more of their hard-earned dollars in their bank accounts. With more still to come, Alberta’s government has already taken action by stabilizing local access fees through new legislation, introducing regulations to prevent power price spikes and investing in programs to help municipalities and rural Albertans manage and lower their energy costs. Additionally, the UCA continues to help consumers better understand and navigate the utility market, and their advocacy has led to Albertans saving more than $3.2 billion over the past two decades.

    Affordable electricity options are available

    Alberta has a unique competitive electricity market, which gives Albertans the power to choose the best energy provider, plan and payment option to fit their needs. Consumers can purchase their power from more than 50 competitive retailers, with the choice of either fixed or variable rate contracts.

    Albertans are encouraged to explore their options and find the competitive rate best-suited to their needs. Last year, tens of thousands of households moved off the Rate of Last Resort to competitive contracts for a more affordable option. Albertans who are looking for help with their utility bills or are experiencing a dispute with their provider should contact the Utilities Consumer Advocate at 310-4822, via email, or through their website.

    Related information

    • Utilities Consumer Advocate
    • Financial Assistance Resources (UCA)
    • Alberta Utilities Commission
    • Farm fuel and rural utility programs

    Related news

    • Introducing the Rate of Last Resort (Sept. 25, 2024)
    • Helping Alberta communities lower energy costs (Sept. 24, 2024)
    • Helping Calgarians save millions on their power bills (Sept. 19, 2024)
    • Power rates slashed in half by new market rules (Sept. 5, 2024)
    • Power watchdog supports Alberta’s electricity market reforms (Aug. 5, 2024)
    • Preventing power price spikes (June 26, 2024)
    • Making utility bills more affordable (April 22, 2024)
    • Making electricity more affordable (April 18, 2024)


    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Early voting for upcoming Althingi elections begins November 7, 2024

    Source: Government of Iceland

    Icelandic citizens in Canada seeking to cast a ballot as part of the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for November 30, 2024 can do so via Iceland’s embassy in Ottawa or through the offices of Iceland’s honorary consuls across the country.

    Voters are advised to visit Iceland’s embassy between 09:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday, unless otherwise noted on the embassy’s Google Maps profile. Booking appointments in advance is recommended and can be done by calling 1-613-482-1944 or emailing [email protected].

    Citizens outside of the National Capital Region should make appointments in advance with honorary consuls directly if they intend to vote. Click here for a list of honorary consuls across Canada and their contact details. 

    It is advised that ballots be mailed by November 23rd to ensure that they will reach Iceland by November 30th. 

    For more details on the upcoming parliamentary elections, see Landskjörstjórn. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden, Maloy Introduce Bill Cutting Red Tape for Remote Veterans to Access Eyeglass Fittings

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and Celeste Maloy (UT-02) introduced the Servicemember’s Eyeglasses Efficiency Act (SEE Act). This bill would add eyeglass lens fittings to the list of medical treatments covered by the Veterans Community Care Program, increasing access to care for millions of veterans in remote areas.

    “Veterans in rural Wisconsin should not have to drive hours to Tomah, Madison, or Milwaukee for a simple eyeglass fitting,” said Rep. Van Orden. “I have made a commitment to our veterans to improve their healthcare and quality of life, and that is why I am proud to join Rep. Maloy in introducing the SEE Act. This legislation is a practical step toward ensuring veterans can access the care they deserve, without unnecessary barriers.”

    “Veterans in rural Utah have expressed frustration about having to travel hundreds of miles just to be fitted for eyeglasses. Making this basic service more accessible is a good step towards improving healthcare for our veterans,” said Rep. Maloy. “The SEE Act is a great example of how representative government should work: finding a solution to a federal problem raised by the people we represent.” 

    Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and John Curtis (UT-03) are original cosponsors. 

    “I’ve heard from many Central Oregon veterans concerned with a lack of accessible health care. Supporting community care fixes this problem by allowing them to find care in their communities without traveling to a VA facility. I’m proud to cosponsor the SEE Act, which would improve eye care options for our nation’s veterans by expanding community care coverage,” said Rep. Chavez-DeRemer. 

    “Current VA guidelines do not cover veterans’ eyeglass fittings outside of a VA facility,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “With a quarter of veterans living in rural areas, that is a burden for millions who served our nation. The SEE Act would give veterans more flexibility and save the VA money in travel and lodging reimbursement costs.  As an Ophthalmologist and a veteran from Iowa, I am proud to join Rep. Maloy in supporting the SEE Act to give veterans enhanced access to eyecare.” 

    “Requiring veterans in Utah to travel hundreds of miles for eyeglass fittings is nonsense. I’m pleased to support legislation making healthcare just a little more accessible for our veterans, who deserve convenient and quality care after their service to our country,” said Rep. Curtis.  

    Background: 

    A quarter of U.S. vets (6.4 million) live in rural parts of the country and one third wear glasses. VA Community Care Networks (CCNs), created by the Mission Act in 2018, allow some veterans to access basic care in their communities without traveling to VA facilities. However, the Mission Act only lists “optometric services” and “vision testing” as eyecare services covered by CCNs. The VA does not consider eyeglass fittings to be covered. As a result, veterans in rural parts of Utah are forced to drive upwards of 500 miles roundtrip for eyeglass fittings at VA facilities.  

    Adding eyeglass fittings to the list of treatments covered by Community Care Networks would help veterans and save the VA money in travel and lodging reimbursement costs. 

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Calls for CDC Study on Gun Violence as Adverse Childhood Experience

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Estimated 3 Million American Children Exposed to Gun Violence Per Year, Potentially Traumatic Impact Following Throughout Their Lives

    Read the Letter Here

    New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) and 20 Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH, calling on the CDC to include gun violence as part of its Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screening tools and prioritize research on the trauma caused by gun violence in children. An ACE is a traumatic event or set of events that occurs for a person during childhood (0-17 years) and can continue to have effects on an individual throughout their life.

    “Many clinicians and professionals across the country will screen children for ACEs as it provides them with information on the likelihood of whether that child may be experiencing toxic stress,” the Members wrote. “Experiencing toxic stress, particularly for children, can impact many things, including their physical and mental health, their brain development, and their ability to succeed and thrive later on in life. Once an ACE clinical assessment has been completed, clinicians can create individualized plans to address and mitigate the harm a child is experiencing due to the ACEs. Gun violence needs to be explicitly part of these ACE screening tools.”

    As the leading cause of death for children in the United States, gun violence will have an impact on an estimated 3 million children every year. On average, 23 children and teens are shot a day. Of those children and teens shot, 74 percent will survive but carry emotional and sometimes physical scars for the rest of their lives, while the other 26 percent, will die – often a result of gun homicide. Additionally, the firearm suicide rate among children in the U.S. increased by 57 percent over the past decade.

    “Such high rates of daily gun violence mean that American children are threatened, afraid or traumatized where they live, play, and, infamously, where they learn. This compounding trauma is something that needs to be explicitly captured and more broadly defined when it comes to screening for ACEs. The CDC needs to provide additional guidance for clinicians and professionals to be able to capture the trauma from gun violence in their respective screening mechanisms,” the Members continued.

    Read the letter here or below:

    Dear Director Cohen,

    We are writing today to urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide guidance on how to include gun violence in future Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) screening tools, prioritize studying gun violence as an Adverse Childhood Experience and prioritize funding, including policy evaluation research, focused on assessing the trauma caused by gun violence in our country.

    An Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) is a traumatic event or set of events that occurs for a person during childhood (0-17 years). Many clinicians and professionals across the country will screen children for ACEs as it provides them with information on the likelihood of whether that child may be experiencing toxic stress. Experiencing toxic stress, particularly for children, can impact many things, including their physical and mental health, their brain development, and their ability to succeed and thrive later on in life. Once an ACE clinical assessment has been completed, clinicians can create individualized plans to address and mitigate the harm a child is experiencing due to the ACEs. Gun violence needs to be explicitly part of these ACE screening tools.

    Far too many American children — an estimated 3 million each year — are exposed to gun violence. Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens in our country. On average, 23 children and teens are shot a day. Seventeen of those youth will survive but carry emotional and sometimes physical scars for the rest of their lives; six of those youth will die. The majority of those deaths are due to gun homicide, which encompasses everything from stray bullets to domestic violence and disproportionately impacts Black and Brown youth.

    Though gun homicide accounts for the most youth deaths, firearm suicide rates are rising at an alarming rate. Over the past decade, the firearm suicide rate among children in the U.S. increased by a staggering 57%. Today, although the majority of youth suicide victims are white, the firearm suicide rate for children of color is rapidly increasing. Such high rates of daily gun violence mean that American children are threatened, afraid or traumatized where they live, play, and, infamously, where they learn. This compounding trauma is something that needs to be explicitly captured and more broadly defined when it comes to screening for ACEs. The CDC needs to provide additional guidance for clinicians and professionals to be able to capture the trauma from gun violence in their respective screening mechanisms.

    Additionally, the CDC’s ongoing research regarding ACEs serves as a robust framework for comprehensively understanding childhood trauma. ACEs wield significant influence on future experiences of violence and long-term health outcomes and opportunities throughout one’s life. Scientific and medical research on a variety of public health issues has led to policy changes that have saved lives for decades, which is why Congress has, on a bipartisan basis, appropriated funds for the CDC to study firearm injury and mortality prevention research since Fiscal Year 2020. To that end, we request that you provide an overview of the CDC’s plans to study firearm violence, specifically as it relates to studying gun violence as it relates to an ACE and assessing the overall trauma that people are experiencing today living under the constant threat of gun violence.

    We thank you for your engagement on this issue and stand ready to use this critical research to shape public policy to ensure that gun violence is neither the leading cause of death for children nor a primary cause of trauma for children.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Strengthen Food Supply Chains and Protect Essential Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    The ‘Grocery, Farm, and Food Worker Stabilization Act’ Would Provide Funds to Cover Disaster-Related Costs for Farm, Grocery, and Meatpacking Workers

    Read the Bill Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing the ‘Grocery, Farm, and Food Worker Stabilization Act’, which would help cover disaster-related costs for essential farm, grocery, and meatpacking workers.

    “The COVID-19 Pandemic highlighted and exacerbated many ugly undercurrents in our society, including the extreme fragility of food supply chains,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “It is imperative that we learn from those experiences and bolster food supply chain resiliency efforts. As climate change increases the strength and frequency of natural disasters across the country, we must ensure our food workers have the support they need to keep our communities fed even in the face of emergencies.”

    In 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the Farm and Food Workers Relief (FFWR) Grant Program to help farm, grocery, and meatpacking workers with pandemic-related health and safety costs. The FFWR Grant Program distributed nearly $680 million in grant funding to meat processing, grocery store, and farm workers for expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, FFWR was a one-time grant program. The ‘Grocery, Farm, and Food Worker Stabilization Act’ would make a similar grant program permanently available so that Congress can provide support to frontline workers during emergencies.

    Congressman Goldman is committed to expanding access to food assistance and supporting America’s frontline workers.

    In May 2023, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act’ to address the growing crisis of food insecurity among college students. The legislation would specifically remove barriers to accessing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for college students.

    In July, Goldman convened a town hall to discuss strategies for combatting food insecurity and share information about New York State’s Summer EBT program, which provides funding for eligible families to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other SNAP-authorized retailers.

    Last month, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Food Nutrition Delivery Safety Act’, which would require authorized SNAP retailers to pay delivery workers good wages, ensure SNAP groceries are delivered safely, and protect SNAP users’ online data.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Using a Common Economic Theory to Help Endangered Frogs in Puerto Rico

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Amphibians in the US Caribbean, like the well-known coquí frog, are particularly vulnerable to human-caused climate change. Coquí frogs are represented by 17 species across Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands and include several mountainous and coastal species that are threatened by extreme heat and drying, loss of coastal freshwater marshes through saltwater intrusion, or both. Over the past decade

    Learn More

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in New Haven County Temporarily Relocates with Adjusted Hours of Operation

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in New Haven County Temporarily Relocates with Adjusted Hours of Operation

    FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in New Haven County Temporarily Relocates with Adjusted Hours of Operation

    FEMA announces the following location and schedule change to the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), located in Southbury, New Haven County, a temporary facility established in partnership between the state of Connecticut and FEMA, which will be in effect from Monday, October 21, 2024, until Wednesday, November 7, 2024:  

    Location change

    • Beginning Oct. 21 – NEW Temporary Location – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 910 Main Street, South, Southbury, CT 06488
    • Until Oct. 20 – OLD Location – Southbury Town Hall, 501 Main Street, South, Southbury, CT 06488  

    Adjusted hours of operation

    • Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
    • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: Closed

    Residents of Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven Counties who were affected by the August 18-19 severe storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides may visit the DRC as often as necessary to apply for FEMA assistance, upload documents needed for their application and get their questions answered in person. 

    The registration deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is November 19, 2024. 

    Survivors don’t need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. To apply without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

    adrien.urbani

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint Statement from Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on First Nations Policing

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    We call on the federal government to move forward on their commitment to implement amendments to the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program that would commit sustainable and predictable funding for First Nations-led law enforcement.

    First Nations and the Government of Alberta have long advocated for police services that reflect community values, cultures, and needs. To achieve this, it is essential that First Nations have clear jurisdiction and authority over their own policing frameworks, underpinned by equitable funding from both federal and provincial governments. Such funding must be sustainable and sufficient, ensuring that First Nations-led police services have the resources they need to deliver a high standard of community policing.

    This year, Alberta has allocated over $22.5 million to support policing in First Nation communities, including $12.2 million for three self-administered First Nation police services. Additionally, the Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant has been provided to several Indigenous communities to explore policing options that best meet their unique needs, including the establishment of their self-administered police services. Alberta is currently working with Siksika First Nation and Enoch First Nation to develop their own First Nations police services.

    Alberta’s government continues to empower local communities to explore or deliver Indigenous-led policing. This year, Alberta has provided over $22.5 million in funding to support policing for First Nation communities, including $12.2 million for three First nation self-administered police services. The Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant has also been provided to a number of Indigenous communities to explore policing options that will best meet their unique needs, including establishing their own self-administered police services. Alberta is currently working with Siksika First Nation and Enoch First Nation to create their own Indigenous police services.

    The recent deaths of First Nations individuals during interactions with police highlight the urgent need to address capacity gaps in policing and justice systems. Reforms must address specific needs in governance, recruitment, and culturally-informed training. The necessity for these changes has been emphasized in the Auditor General of Canada’s reports, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report and its Calls for Justice, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and other inquests and inquiries that underline the demand for Indigenous-led policing.

    We call on all levels of government to commit to equitable funding and legislative support, ensuring First Nations have the jurisdiction and autonomy to oversee their own police services. Together, we are committed to working with leaders across Canada to establish Indigenous-led police services that promote equity, justice, and improved community safety.

    The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on X @AFN_Updates.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Protect Americans from Reckless Gun Dealers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Licensed Firearms Sellers Often Allowed to Continue Operating Despite Violating Federal Firearm License Law

    Lax Enforcement Has Put Guns in Hands of Domestic Abusers, Drug Traffickers, and Violent Felons

    Read the Bill Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) in introducing the ‘Protecting Americans from Reckless Gun Dealers Act,’ which would require the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to publish detailed annual reports on the number of gun dealers that have violated Federal Firearm License law and the outcomes of resulting disciplinary actions.

    “For far too long, negligent firearm dealers have been flouting existing law and flooding our streets with weapons of war, endangering our communities and fueling the gun violence public health crisis,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Any firearm dealer who knowingly allows a gun to fall into the wrong hands must face consequences, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in ensuring the ATF holds reckless licensed gun dealers accountable for their dangerous business practices.”

    While the ATF is charged with investigating and holding gun dealers who violate federal gun laws accountable, many gun dealers who violate the law continue to sell guns without having their Federal Firearm License revoked or without facing other disciplinary actions.

    In June 2021, the Biden Administration issued guidance ordering ATF inspectors to implement a zero-tolerance policy against licensed Federal firearm dealers who willfully sell to prohibited purchasers or sell guns without conducting background checks. As a result, the ATF revoked more firearm licenses in 2022 than in any year since 2008.

    The ‘Protecting Americans from Reckless Gun Dealers Act’ would require the ATF to annually report: 

    • The number of ATF inspections completed each month.

    • The number of federal firearm licenses revoked that year, including names and locations of gun dealers whose licenses have been revoked.

    • The number of federal firearm licenses not renewed in lieu of revocation that year, including names and locations of gun dealers whose licenses have not been renewed.

    • The number of federal firearms licensee inspections resulting in a Qualifying Violation for a revocation, regardless of inspection outcome.

    • The number of Inspections with Qualifying Violations where revocation was ultimately not pursued.

    • The number of non-revocation remedial actions taken by the ATF.

    Congressman Goldman is committed to holding gun dealers and manufacturers accountable for their role in perpetuating the gun violence epidemic.

    In January, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Federal Firearm Licensee Act,’ which would modernize and strengthen the federal requirements for anyone who facilitates gun sales, including gun shops, gun shows, and websites. The legislation would update sections in the U.S. Code directed at federal firearms licensees (FFLs) that have not been updated in 30 years.

    In 2023, Goldman cosponsored the ‘Equal Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act,’ which would ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court, that negligent gun manufacturers are held liable when they disregard public safety, and that gun trace data can be accepted as evidence in court.

    Congressman Goldman has also cosponsored the ‘Default Proceed Sale Transparency Act’ to address the ‘Charleston Loophole,’ which allows some gun sales to be completed without a completed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background without a completed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check.

    Congressman Goldman is a Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and is Chair of the Dads Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Working Group.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Leads Democratic Efforts to Put a Spotlight on Project 2025 With New Documentary Style Video Series

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    New Documentary Video Series Details Project 2025’s Threat to Reproductive Freedom, Workers’ Rights, Environmental Protections, Public Education, and American Democracy

    Video Series Comes as Democrats Seek to Employ New Strategies to Meet the American People Where They Are, Capitalize on Strength of Social and Non-Traditional Media

    Series Features 13 Members of Congress, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Planned Parenthood Vice President Karen Stone, NY League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe, and Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone

    View Video on Project 2025’s Threat to Democracy Here

    View the Trailer for the Series Here

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) released the first full-length video in his five-part video documentary series detailing Project 2025’s threat to democracy, reproductive freedom, workers’ rights, environmental regulation, and public education. The series will feature interviews with Congressman Goldman and 12 of his House Democratic colleagues from across the country, as well as American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Planned Parenthood Vice President Karen Stone, NY League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe, and Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone. 

    As an increasing share of Americans consume their news from non-traditional sources on Instagram, YouTube, and other social media sites, Congressman Goldman’s series marks an effort by Democrats to reach audiences where they are in a diversified media landscape. Across various social media platforms, the first two videos of the series have received over 400,000 views, signaling the potential of this new format to reach large numbers of Americans.

    “Project 2025’s shocking plan to gut checks and balances, restrict abortion access, decimate public education, pollute our air and water, and endanger American workers for the sole benefit of Republican authoritarian extremists is utterly reprehensible and incredibly dangerous,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This document is a detailed guide for how a second Trump administration will dismantle our democracy, and it is critical that the American people understand exactly how Trump intends to do it. I am proud to be joined by so many of my colleagues and policy leaders to expose this radical plan to reshape American society as we know it.”

    Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint said, “Project 2025 is a far-right plan by Trump allies to impose Christian nationalist values onto every American. It goes completely against our American values to promote a strong, resilient democracy; in fact this plan aims to erode our democratic institutions by gutting checks and balances and seizing power for the presidency. Project 2025 is nothing short of an anti-freedom and anti-equality agenda: it further attacks reproductive rights and disproportionately harms communities of color and our LGBTQI+ community. Project 2025 would increase gun violence rather than protect our communities. And its plan to abolish the Department of Education would hurt millions of families whose kids go to public schools, teachers who are already underpaid, and students. It’s dangerous and we must take it extremely seriously. I’m proud to be a part of this series to help Americans understand the threat it poses to our values and democratic norms.”

    Pre-K and Child Care Caucus Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici said, “Project 2025 is a blueprint for MAGA extremists to undermine government and destroy programs and policies that support working families. It’s the product of people who held top positions in the previous administration and special interest groups that hold significant influence over the GOP’s agenda. I’m working with my colleagues to counter this extremist plan and to educate Americans about its potentially devastating effects.”

    Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair Judy Chu said, “Trump and his allies’ Project 2025 is a 900 page comprehensive plan for MAGA Republicans to grab power for themselves, enrich their allies, and shatter our already fragile democracy. Project 2025 touches on every agency in the federal government and is January 6th extremism crafted into a governing ideology: fire tens of thousands of civil servants to replace them with partisan loyalists, abolish checks and balances, chip away at church-state separation, and impose a far-right agenda that rips away our freedoms and takes money out of pockets. It’s so critical for House Democrats to work together to shine a light on as many details of this plan as possible so we can equip ourselves and the American people with the information we need to fight back and make certain we put systems into place to protect us from these extreme policies.”

    Freshman Leadership Representative Jasmine Crockett said, “Let me make it plain: Project 2025 is the GOP’s attack plan against the American constitution. It doesn’t just undermine the progress made in this country forwomen, people of color, and LGBTQIA folks over the past century; it undermines the very principles of self-government that our country was founded on. If our Founding Fathers were to read Project 2025, they would have thought it was sent over by King George himself. It’s a blueprint for authoritarianism, a blueprint for monarchy, and a blueprint for a right-wing dictatorship in America that will end our democratic experiment for good. If the majority of Americans were to read and understand this plan – a plan authored by hundreds of members of former President Trump’s administration – they would reject it as un-American and dangerous. Thank you to Congressman Goldman for bringing us together to break down Project 2025 from every angle – no matter how engaged you are, you can still learn something from this series.”

    Committee on Natural Resources Vice Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove said, “Project 2025 poses a grave threat, not just to our democracy but to our planet, too. This hostile takeover of the federal government would depose dedicated public servants and install Trump loyalists and climate denialists at the EPA, enabling Republicans to slash environmental protections at the behest of Big Oil. But Project 2025 doesn’t stop at encouraging the world’s worst polluters—this agenda also seeks to discontinue air quality, clean energy, and decarbonization programs by overturning the Inflation Reduction Act, harming the health of our communities and the environment, eliminating clean energy jobs, and exacerbating the climate crisis. With Project 2025, Republicans have shown that they will continue to put polluters over people—this plan must be stopped.”

    Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Ranking Member Seth Magaziner said, “Donald Trump’s Project 2025 will hand a future Trump administration nearly unlimited power to ban abortion, take away healthcare for people with preexisting conditions, and rip away the freedoms that Americans have fought hard for. Trump’s Project 2025 is dangerous, cruel, and out-of-touch with the needs of the American people. We will not let Trump and Congressional Republicans take us back.”

    House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Co-Chair Kathy Manning said, “Project 2025 is simply a more detailed blueprint of Donald Trump’s extreme MAGA agenda that promises to roll back Americans’ basic rights and freedoms. Because of Donald Trump and the three extreme MAGA Justices he appointed to the Supreme Court to overturn Roe. v. Wade, one in three women of reproductive age lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban. Now, his extreme Project 2025 plans will attack reproductive freedoms even further by targeting abortion pills and contraception coverage, and threatening IVF treatments. Project 2025 would also ban the mailing of abortion medications, equipment, or materials, effectively creating a nationwide, backdoor abortion ban — without the approval of Congress.”

    Labor Caucus Co-Founder Donald Norcross said, “Project 2025 is a 920-page manifesto designed to tell every American how to live their life. If enacted into law, Project 2025 would destroy the 250-year-old system of checks and balances that make up our democracy and completely dismantle almost every labor standard that protects workers. As a union electrician and co-chair of the Labor Caucus, it pains me to see a document that would strip away worker protections and fair labor practices that working families have been fighting for decades. I’m proud to join Rep. Goldman in this video series to help explain the threat Project 2025 poses to American values, ideals, and freedoms.”

    Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett said, “Project 2025 is the playbook for Donald Trump’s second term, which will ensure that the few have power over the many and that the rule of law as we know it, is gone. It is a plan to ensure that the federal government no longer acts as a check on the greed and desire for absolute power that Trump and his cohort of friends share. In every way, Project 2025 will make Americans less safe and less free. Republicans know that these ideas are not popular with the people of America and that’s why they hide from the facts, obfuscate the truth and distract the public’s attention with wild claims to vilify minorities and keep us divided. It is imperative that we all do our part to ensure that Donald Trump is not allowed to enforce the clear and present danger that the Project 2025 master plan represents to American democracy.”

    American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said, Project 2025 is about institutionalizing Trumpism. It’s about going after educational opportunity, economic opportunity and equal opportunity. It’s about going after the legitimacy of elections. This is the stuff of demagogues and dictators, not democracies. This is not the promise of America. We can and must do better than this—for the sake of our families and the future of our republic.”

    Accountable.US President Caroline Ciccone said, “Project 2025 isn’t about serving the people; it’s about ensuring that political loyalty becomes the guiding rule. They want to replace our government’s independent watchdogs with partisan loyalists, dismantling checks and balances to consolidate power in the executive branch. With a captured Supreme Court and a weaponized Department of Justice, the next conservative administration would have all the tools they needed to drive America closer and closer to their idealized far-right dystopia, at the cost of our personal freedoms.”

    A third of all U.S adults say they regularly get their news from Facebook or YouTube, and nearly 20% report preferring to receive their news from social media. As more Americans turn to non-traditional platforms such as social media, YouTube, and online searches to stay informed Congressman Goldman is focused on ensuring that important information reaches all Americans in this rapidly transforming media landscape.

    Featured in the videos are Representatives: Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint (VT-AL), Pre-K and Child Care Caucus Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair Judy Chu (CA-28), Freshman Leadership Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Lois Frankel (FL-22), Dads Caucus Founder and Chair Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Committee on Natural Resources Vice Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Ranking Member Seth Magaziner (RI-02), House Bipartisan Task Force forCombating Antisemitism Co-Chair Kathy Manning (NC-06), Labor Caucus Co-Founder Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government Ranking Member Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), and Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Co-Chair Paul Tonko (NY-20). 

    Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan for the next conservative president to swiftly enact the most anti-democratic and archconservative agenda in the history of this country. It lays the groundwork for Donald Trump to seize power, gut checks and balances, and enact a radical agenda. It touches on every department and agency within the federal government.

    The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank funded by shady dark money interests, has been plotting Project 2025, an unprecedented scheme to help the next conservative president quickly enact the most radical agenda in the history of the country. The plan is laying the groundwork for a new president to seize power and enact broad changes that are deeply unpopular with the American people. This includes vastly expanding the ability of the president to purge civil servants who are not sufficiently loyal to this extreme right-wing agenda.

    • Within the first 180 days of taking office, the plan calls for attacks on reproductive rights, the rule of law, and the expansion of the cruel and inhumane immigration policies from the Trump administration. Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan that would touch every department of the federal government and fundamentally reshape the lives of the American people. The Project’s four-pronged strategy that includes:

      • A laundry list of extreme policies to be enacted across the federal government;

      • A blueprint for how to use existing authority – or expand the power of the presidency – to implement right-wing policy proposals;

      • A database of right-wing ideologues who wholeheartedly endorse this power grab and far-right policies;

      • Training for staff so they can more efficiently enact this extreme agenda.

    While Project 2025 is being run out of the Heritage Foundation, its advisors include former Trump White House aides like Stephen Miller, and more than half the groups supporting the effort have received $21.5 million in funding from Leonard Leo’s dark money network.

    Congressman Dan Goldman is a member of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Convenes Small Business Workshop with Pace Small Business Development Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Goldman Joined by Andrew Flamm, Director of the Pace University Small Business Development Center

    Goldman, Flamm Highlighted Resources Provides to Help Boost Small Business Owners Boost Their Businesses

    Photos from the Event Can Be Found Here

    Brooklyn, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) yesterday convened a townhall workshop with Councilmember Alexa Avilés, Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director Andrew Flamm, and partnering organizations to inform small business owners of the resources available to support them in New York City. The small business workshop connected the primarily minority-owned small businesses in Sunset Park to resources available to help boost their businesses.

    The small business workshop follows Congressman Goldman’s discussions in April with small business owners, where they relayed the difficulty they experience while trying to scale and market their business in New York City.

    “With 200,000 small businesses in New York City alone, ensuring small business owners have the resources they need to grow and expand is paramount for the health of our economy and our communities,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I was thrilled to join Pace University’s Small Business Development Center in Sunset Park today to discuss the invaluable resources they offer to small business owners. From financial modeling to access to financial markets and business strategy discussions, Pace’s Small Business Development Center is a crucial resource for our city. Small businesses are the foundation of Sunset Park and I will continue to provide as many tools as possibly to small business owners to expand their businesses and achieve the American dream.”

    Following a presentation from Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director Andrew Flamm on resources provided by the Pace SBDC, Flamm and other local organizations held a resource fair to provide additional information and targeted resources to business owners.

    Also in attendance were the Sunset Park Business Improvement District, the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and the Sunset Park Lions Club.

    Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to supporting small businesses across NY-10.

    Earlier this year, Goldman toured small businesses in New York City’s East Village to discuss the issues that they face and presented New York’s Small Businessperson of the Year, Chef Aneesa Waheed, with a Congressional Proclamation in recognition of her selection as the 2024 New York Small Businessperson of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration.

    In May, Goldman cosponsored the bipartisan ‘Employee Equity Investment Act’ (EEIA), which would incentivize employee business ownership by reducing the cost barriers that small business owners currently face when transferring ownership to their employees and empower owners to preserve family legacies and community jobs.

    Additionally, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Child Care Small Business Insight and Improvement Act’ to increase U.S. Small Business Administration support for childcare small businesses. This bill would expand the U.S. Small Business Administration’s role in supporting for-profit childcare small businesses across the country.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Mike Hodges Statement on Sapelo Island Incident

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (October 21, 2024) – Today, Sen. Mike Hodges (R–Brunswick) released the following statement regarding the dock incident that took place on Sapelo Island on Saturday:

    “Dana and I are deeply saddened by the tragic event at Sapelo Island during the Cultural Day celebration. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the seven individuals who lost their lives and to all those injured in this incident. The Sapelo Island community, especially the Gullah Geechee, holds a rich cultural heritage, and this celebration was meant to honor that legacy. Instead, it has become a time of great sorrow.

    We commend the swift response of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, local, state, and federal agencies, and all the first responders who have worked tirelessly in the rescue and recovery efforts. We deeply appreciate their dedication during such a difficult time. As the investigation continues, we remain committed to ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to support the community and those affected by this tragedy.

    I ask that we keep the victims, their families and the Sapelo Island community in our thoughts and prayers. In the days ahead, we will work together to provide support to heal from this profound loss.”

    For the latest news on the Sapelo Island incident, click here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Mike Hodges represents the 3rd Senate District which includes McIntosh, Glynn, Camden, Brantley, Charlton, and portions of Ware County. He may be reached via email at Mike.Hodges@senate.ga.gov

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pierce 카운티 사업주는 현지 주유소 소유주들에 대한 사기 혐의로 36만 달러의 벌금을 지불해야 합니다.

    Source: Washington State News

    Kevin Wilkerson과 그가 운영하는 회사들은 지하 연료 누출의 위험을 높이는 부실한 작업을 해놓고 수만 달러를 불법적으로 청구했습니다.

    TACOMA — 금요일, Pierce 카운티 판사는 지하 연료 저장 탱크에 대한 작업을 완료하지 않았거나, 불필요하거나 부실한 작업을 해놓고 주유소 소유주들에게 불법적으로 비용을 청구한 현지 사업주에게 36만 달러가 넘는 벌금과 배상금을 지불하라고 명령했습니다. 해당 명령은 법무장관 Bob Ferguson의 Wing Luke Civil Rights Division(민권담당과)이 제기한 소비자 보호 소송의 결과로 내려지게 되었습니다.

    해당 판결에는 Kevin Wilkerson과 그가 운영하는 회사인 Northwest Environmental Services 및 Core Environmental Group으로부터 사기를 당한 주유소 소유주 9명(한 명을 제외하고는 모두 한국인 또는 남아시아인으로 확인됨)에게 전액 배상(이자 포함)을 하라는 명령도 포함되었습니다. Wilkerson은 본인이 수행하지 않았거나 부실하게 진행한 작업에 대해 해당 주유소들로부터 돈을 받았으며, 이 주유소들은 결국 제대로 작업을 마무리하기 위해 다른 사업체에 추가적으로 비용을 지불해야 했습니다. 대다수의 경우, Wilkerson은 주유소 소유주들의 연락에 응대를 하지 않았고, 해당 소유주들이 지불한 금액에 대한 환불 또한 거부했습니다.

    Ferguson 장관은 “법무장관실은 규칙을 준수하고 경제에 이바지하는 워싱턴의 소규모 사업체들을 대변합니다. 그들의 신뢰를 저버리고 생계를 위험에 빠뜨리는 것은 수치스러운 일입니다. 우리는 열심히 일하는 워싱턴의 소규모 사업주들을 상대로 사기 행위를 저지르는 사람에 대해 엄격한 조치를 취할 것입니다.”라고 강조했습니다.

    40년 전 미국으로 이민 온 Olympia 주유소 소유주는 Attorney General’s Office(법무장관실)에 다음과 같이 토로했습니다. “(Wilkerson)은 제 돈을 받은 이후로 제대로 된 응답은 하지도 않고 그저 변명만 했습니다. 저는 그를 믿었습니다. 그가 관련 분야의 전문가라고 생각했습니다. 그가 자신이 하는 일을 제대로 알고 있을 거라고 생각했습니다. 그가 어떤 작업이 필요하다고 말하면, 저는 그 작업을 해달라고 요청했습니다. 전적으로 그의 말을 믿었기 때문입니다. 그런데 (Wilkerson)과 NES는 수행 자격도 없는 작업을 한다고 했고, 그 과정에서 수천 달러의 비용이 소모되었습니다.”

    Wilkerson의 불법 행위로 Pierce, King, Snohomish, Thurston, Grays Harbor, Lewis 카운티의 소규모 사업체들이 피해를 입었습니다.

    Wilkerson의 불법 행위는 주 Consumer Protection Act(소비자 보호법) 위반입니다. 금요일, Pierce 카운티 고등법원 판사 Clarence Henderson, Jr.는 Wilkerson의 법률 위반 사실을 파악하고 Wilkerson에게 워싱턴 주에서 특정 개인에게 출신 국가를 근거로 피해를 입힌 건들에 대해 강화된 민사 벌금 195,000달러를 포함하여 총 360,741달러를 지불하라고 명령했습니다. Wilkerson은 주유소 소유주 9명에게 배상금 전액과 이자를 합쳐 총 165,741달러를 지불해야 합니다.

    또한, Wilkerson과 그가 운영하는 회사들은 모든 불법 행위를 중단해야 하며, 그렇지 않을 경우 법원으로부터 추가적인 처벌을 받게 될 것입니다.

    Wilkerson이 운영하는 회사들은 워싱턴 전역의 주유소에서 연료 저장에 사용되는 지하 저장 탱크에 대한 유지보수 서비스를 제공한다고 광고하고 있습니다. 주 전역에 걸쳐 3,400여 곳에 약 8,700개의 지하 저장 탱크가 있습니다. 주로 독립적으로 소유 및 운영되는 주유소는 지하 저장 탱크를 정기적으로 검사하고 유지보수 및 정비해야 할 책임이 있습니다. 이러한 유지보수 작업을 담당하는 서비스 제공자는 인증을 받아야 하고, 주 규정을 준수해야 하며, 지하 저장 탱크에 대한 규정을 시행하는 주 Department of Ecology(생태부)에 수행한 서비스에 대해 신고해야 합니다. Wilkerson과 그가 운영하는 회사들은 “최고 수준의 성과를 보장하는 숙련되고 인증된 사내 팀”을 갖추고 있다는 광고를 했음에도 불구하고, 적어도 2015년부터 소규모 사업주들을 속여 왔습니다. 몇 가지 사례를 꼽자면 다음과 같습니다.

    • 완료되지 않았거나 부분적으로만 완료된 서비스에 대한 지불금을 받음
    • 규정을 위반하고 고객이 환경 피해에 대한 책임을 물어야 하는 방식으로 서비스를 완료함
    • 고객에게 인증에 대한 잘못된 사실을 전달함
    • 주유소 소유주들에게 불필요한 장비를 구매 및 설치하도록 하고 불필요하고 비용이 많이 드는 수리 작업을 하도록 설득함
    • 주유소 소유주들에게 Ecology에 필요한 서류를 제출했다고 말했으나, 실제로는 제출하지 않음

    한 사례에서, Toledo의 한 인도인 주유소 소유주는 그가 운영하는 주유소에 새로운 지하 연료 저장 탱크를 설치하기 위해 Wilkerson에게 5만 달러의 보증금을 지불했습니다. 6개월 후, 그는 Wilkerson이 관련 허가를 신청하지 않았다는 사실을 알게 되었고, 결과적으로 적시에 설치 작업을 시작할 수 없게 되었습니다. 그는 이미 각각 25,000갤런의 연료를 담을 수 있는 두 개의 새로운 지하 탱크를 구입한 상황이었습니다. 이 탱크들을 설치할 곳이 마땅치 않아 주유소 뒤편의 지상에 설치하기 위해 추가로 7,000달러를 지불해야 했습니다. 그는 다른 계약업체를 고용하여 설치 작업을 완료했지만, 해당 작업은 2025년 여름이나 되야 끝날 예정입니다. 결과적으로 그가 운영하는 주유소는 그때까지 월 매출에 있어 상당 부분 손실을 겪게 될 것입니다.

    또 한 가지 사례에서, Olympia의 한 한국인 주유소 소유주는 지하 연료 누출을 방지하기 위해 지하 저장 탱크가 부식되지 않도록 보호하는 음극 방식 보호 시스템을 업그레이드하기 위해 Wilkerson에게 약 9,000달러를 지불했습니다. Wilkerson은 적합한 인증을 받지 않은 상태에서 해당 작업을 수행했고, 이 시스템이 제대로 작동하는지 확인하는 데 필요한 검사를 실시해야 하는 데 그러지 않았습니다. 해당 주유소 소유주는 다른 서비스 제공업체에 비용을 지불하고 필요한 검사를 진행하려 했지만, 시스템이 고장이 나버렸습니다. 그제서야 Wilkerson이 잘못된 부품을 사용했다는 사실을 발견했고 모든 작업을 다시 진행할 수 밖에 없어 해당 비용을 추가로 지출하게 되었습니다. 그러나 이에 대해 Wilkerson은 아무런 응답도 하지 않았고, 부실한 작업에 대해 받은 돈도 환불해 주지 않았습니다.

    금요일 배상 판결은 법원에 피해 사실에 대해 진술서를 제출한 9명의 사업주에게만 해당되는 것이지만, Attorney General’s Office에서는 Wilkerson의 행동으로 인해 더 많은 사업체가 피해를 입었을 것으로 생각합니다. Wilkerson이나 그가 운영하는 회사에게 입은 피해를 신고하고자 하는 사업주들은 Attorney General’s Office로 이메일 civilrights@atg.wa.gov 또는 무료 전화 1-833-660-4877번(옵션 1 선택)으로 연락하시기 바랍니다.

    법무차관보 Emily C. Nelson과 Alyssa P. Au, 조사관 Rebecca Pawul, 준법률가 Logan Young이 워싱턴의 해당 사건을 처리했습니다.

    Ecology는 법무장관에게 Wilkerson의 반복적인 위반 행위에 대한 조사를 촉구합니다.

    Attorney General’s Office는 주 Department of Ecology(생태부)가 법무장관실의 개입을 요청한 후 지난 3월에 Wilkerson을 상대로 소송을 제기했습니다. Wilkerson은 수년간 주 규정을 반복적으로 위반했고 Ecology의 처벌을 무시해 왔습니다.   

    Ecology는 수년간 주유소 소유주와 운영자로부터 Wilkerson과 관련된 불만을 여러 건 접수해 왔습니다. 그에 대해 지하 연료 누출 등 환경 피해의 위험을 높이는 부실한 작업에 대한 여러 건의 민원이 접수되었습니다.

    처벌에도 불구하고 Wilkerson은 시정할 생각이 없어 보입니다. Ecology에는 Wilkerson이 저지른 유사 행위에 대한 새로운 민원이 계속해서 접수되고 있습니다.

    Ecology의 지하 저장 탱크 프로그램에 대한 민원을 제기하려면, 이메일 tanks@ecy.wa.gov 또는 UST 핫라인 전화 800-826-7716번으로 연락해 주시기 바랍니다.

    불공정하거나 사기적 사업 관행으로 인해 피해를 입었다고 생각되는 분들은 Attorney General’s Office(https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint)에 민원을 제기해 주십시오.

    자막: Ecology는 Wilkerson을 고용한 주유소 중 한 곳에서 그가 수행한 부실한 작업 중 몇 건에 대해 조사한 결과, 그가 해당 수리 작업에 판지와 덕트 테이프를 사용했다는 사실을 발견했습니다.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ਸਥਾਨਕ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਧੋਖਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਲਈ Pierce ਕਾਉਂਟੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ $360K ਦਾ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਪਵੇਗਾ

    Source: Washington State News

    ਇਸ ਘਟੀਆ ਜਿਹੇ ਕੰਮ ਨਾਲ ਜ਼ਮੀਨ ਹੇਠਾਂ ਤੇਲ ਲੀਕ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਖਤਰਾ ਵਧ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। Kevin Wilkerson ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਇਸ ਕੰਮ ਲਈ ਹਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਡਾਲਰ ਗੈਰ-ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਵਸੂਲ ਕੀਤੇ ਹਨ।

    TACOMA — ਸ਼ੁੱਕਰਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ, Pierce ਕਾਉਂਟੀ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਜੱਜ ਨੇ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਤੇਲ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਟੈਂਕਾਂ ਲਈ ਕੀਤੇ ਅਧੂਰੇ, ਬੇਲੋੜੇ ਜਾਂ ਘਟੀਆ ਕੰਮ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਕੋਲੋਂ ਗੈਰ-ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਲੈਣ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ $360,000 ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਦਾ ਜੁਰਮਾਨਾ ਲਗਾਇਆ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਵਾਪਸ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਹੁਕਮ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਜਨਰਲ Bob Ferguson ਦੇ ਵਿੰਗ ਲਿਊਕ ਸਿਵਲ ਰਾਈਟਸ ਡਿਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਦਾਇਰ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਖਪਤਕਾਰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਮੁਕੱਦਮੇ ਦੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ ਜਾਰੀ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ।

    ਇਸ ਫੈਸਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ 9 ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਆਜ ਸਮੇਤ ਪੂਰਾ ਮੁਆਵਜ਼ਾ ਦੇਣ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੈ — ਇਹਨਾਂ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਨੂੰ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਕੋਰੀਆਈ ਜਾਂ ਦੱਖਣੀ ਏਸ਼ੀਆਈ ਹਨ — ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਨਾਲ Kevin Wilkerson ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ, Northwest Environmental Services ਅਤੇ Core Environmental Group ਨੇ ਧੋਖਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ। Wilkerson ਨੇ ਛੋਟੇ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਉਸ ਕੰਮ ਲਈ ਪੈਸੇ ਲਏ ਹਨ ਜੋ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਇੰਨਾ ਮਾੜਾ ਕੰਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਉਹੀ ਕੰਮ ਦੁਬਾਰਾ ਖਰਚਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਦੂਜੀਆਂ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਕਰਵਾਉਣਾ ਪਿਆ ਹੈ। ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਮਾਮਲਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਜਦੋਂ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਨੇ Wilkerson ਨਾਲ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕੀਤੀ ਤਾਂ ਉਸਨੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜਵਾਬ ਦੇਣਾ ਹੀ ਬੰਦ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਅਦਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਰਕਮ ਵਾਪਸ ਕਰਨ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਇਨਕਾਰ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਸੀ।

    Ferguson ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ “ਮੇਰਾ ਆਫ਼ਿਸ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਛੋਟੇ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਹੱਕ ਵਿੱਚ ਖੜ੍ਹਾ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਨਿਯਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਪਾਲਣਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਸਾਡੀ ਅਰਥ-ਵਿਵਸਥਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਯੋਗਦਾਨ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਭਰੋਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਤੋੜਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਰੋਜ਼ੀ-ਰੋਟੀ ਨੂੰ ਜੋਖਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਉਣਾ ਮੰਦਭਾਗਾ ਹੈ। ਅਸੀਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਸਾਰਿਆਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਖਿਲਾਫ਼ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਕਰਾਂਗੇ ਜੋ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਦੇ ਮਿਹਨਤੀ ਛੋਟੇ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਧੋਖਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ।”

    Olympia ਦੇ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ, ਜੋ 40 ਸਾਲ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਜ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਆਕੇ ਵੱਸ ਗਏ ਸਨ, ਨੇ Attorney General’s Office (ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਜਨਰਲ ਦੇ ਆਫ਼ਿਸ) ਨੂੰ ਦੱਸਿਆ: “(Wilkerson) ਨੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਤੋਂ ਪੈਸੇ ਲੈ ਲਏ ਅਤੇ ਫਿਰ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ ਜਵਾਬ ਨਹੀਂ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਬਹਾਨੇ ਬਣਾਉਣੇ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੇ। ਮੈਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਭਰੋਸਾ ਕੀਤਾ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਾਹਰ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਸੀ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪਤਾ ਹੋਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਕੀ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਜੇ ਉਹ ਕਹਿੰਦਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਮੈਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਗੱਲ ਸੁਣਦਾ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਉਹ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕਹਿੰਦਾ ਸੀ, ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਭਰੋਸਾ ਸੀ। ਪਰ, (Wilkerson) ਅਤੇ NES ਨੇ ਉਹ ਕੰਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਿਸਨੂੰ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕਾਬਲੀਅਤ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕੋਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਹਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਡਾਲਰ ਖਰਚਣੇ ਪਏ।

    Wilkerson ਦੇ ਇਸ ਗੈਰ-ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਵਿਵਹਾਰ ਨੇ Pierce, King, Snohomish, Thurston, Grays Harbor ਅਤੇ Lewis ਕਾਉਂਟੀ ਦੇ ਛੋਟੇ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰਾਂ ਉੱਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਮਾੜਾ ਅਸਰ ਪਾਇਆ ਹੈ।

    Wilkerson ਦੇ ਇਸ ਗੈਰ-ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਵਿਵਹਾਰ ਨੇ ਰਾਜ ਦੇ Consumer Protection Act (ਖਪਤਕਾਰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਐਕਟ) ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ। ਸ਼ੁੱਕਰਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ, Pierce ਕਾਉਂਟੀ ਦੇ ਸੁਪੀਰੀਅਰ ਕੋਰਟ ਦੇ ਜੱਜ Clarence Henderson, Jr. ਅੱਗੇ ਸਾਬਤ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ ਕਿ Wilkerson ਨੇ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ Wilkerson ਨੂੰ ਕੁੱਲ $360,741 ਦਾ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮ ਜਾਰੀ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਮੂਲ ਦੇ ਅਧਾਰ ‘ਤੇ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਣ ਲਈ $195,000 ਦਾ ਵਾਧੂ ਸਿਵਲ ਜੁਰਮਾਨਾ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੈ। Wilkerson ਨੂੰ 9 ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕੁੱਲ $165,741 ਦਾ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁਆਵਜ਼ੇ ਦੀ ਪੂਰੀ ਰਕਮ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਆਜ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੈ।

    ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ, Wilkerson ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਾਰੇ ਗੈਰ-ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਕੰਮ ਬੰਦ ਕਰਨੇ ਪੈਣਗੇ, ਨਹੀਂ ਤਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਦਾਲਤ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਹੋਰ ਜ਼ੁਰਮਾਨੇ ਵੀ ਲਗਾਏ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ।

    Wilkerson ਦੀਆਂ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਟੈਂਕ ਦੇ ਰੱਖ-ਰਖਾਅ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਦਾ ਇਸ਼ਤਿਹਾਰ ਦਿੰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਇਹ ਟੈਂਕ ਪੂਰੇ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨਾਂ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਤੇਲ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਲਈ ਵਰਤੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਪੂਰੇ ਰਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ 3,400 ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਸਥਾਨਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਲਗਭਗ 8,700 ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਟੈਂਕ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਹਨ। ਜਿਹੜੇ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਮੁੱਖ ਤੌਰ ‘ਤੇ ਸੁਤੰਤਰ ਮਲਕੀਅਤ ਵਾਲੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਸੰਚਾਲਿਤ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਸਮੇਂ-ਸਮੇਂ ‘ਤੇ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਟੈਂਕ ਦੀ ਜਾਂਚ, ਰੱਖ-ਰਖਾਅ ਅਤੇ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਵਾਉਣ। ਇਹ ਰੱਖ-ਰਖਾਅ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਪ੍ਰੋਵਾਈਡਰ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣਿਤ ਹੋਣੇ ਚਾਹੀਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰਾਜ ਦੇ ਨਿਯਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਪਾਲਣਾ ਕਰਨੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਟੈਂਕ ਲਈ ਨਿਯਮਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਲਾਗੂ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਰਾਜ ਦੇ Department of Ecology (ਡਿਪਾਰਟਮੈਂਟ ਆਫ਼ ਈਕੋਲੋਜੀ) ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ ਸਰਵਿਸਾਂ ਦੀ ਰਿਪੋਰਟ ਦੇਣੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ਼ਤਿਹਾਰ ਵਿੱਚ “ਹੁਨਰਮੰਦ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਣਿਤ ਇਨ-ਹਾਊਸ ਟੀਮ” ਜੋ “ਅੱਵਲ ਦਰਜੇ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ” ਦਾ ਦਾਅਵਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਬਾਵਜੂਦ”, Wilkerson ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਲਗਭਗ 2015 ਤੋਂ ਛੋਟੇ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਦਾ ਫਾਇਦਾ ਚੱਕ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਹ ਚੀਜ਼ਾਂ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹਨ:

    • ਅਜਿਹੀਆਂ ਸਰਵਿਸਾਂ ਲਈ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਲੈਣਾ ਜੋ ਮੁਕੰਮਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਈਆਂ ਸਨ ਜਾਂ ਅਧੂਰੀਆਂ ਸਨ;
    • ਅਜਿਹੀ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਨਿਯਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਗਾਹਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵਾਤਾਵਰਣ ਦੇ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਦਾ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰ ਬਣਾਉਂਦੀ ਹੈ;
    • ਗਾਹਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਰਟੀਫਿਕੇਟਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਗਲਤ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਦੇਣਾ;
    • ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬੇਲੋੜੇ ਉਪਕਰਣ ਖਰੀਦਣ ਅਤੇ ਇੰਸਟਾਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਪਰੇਸ਼ਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਬੇਲੋੜੀ, ਮਹਿੰਗੀ ਮੁਰੰਮਤ ਕਰਨਾ; ਅਤੇ
    • ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੱਸਣਾ ਕਿ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਲੋੜੀਂਦੇ ਦਸਤਾਵੇਜ਼ Ecology ਕੋਲ ਜਮ੍ਹਾ ਕਰਵਾ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਗਏ ਹਨ, ਪਰ ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਮ੍ਹਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਹਨ।

    ਇੱਕ ਮਾਮਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ, Toledo ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ‘ਤੇ ਨਵਾਂ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਤੇਲ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਟੈਂਕ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਲਈ Wilkerson ਨੂੰ $50,000 ਦਾ ਡਿਪਾਜ਼ਿਟ ਅਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ। 6 ਮਹੀਨਿਆਂ ਬਾਅਦ, ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ ਪਤਾ ਲੱਗਿਆ ਕਿ Wilkerson ਨੇ ਹਾਲੇ ਤੱਕ ਪਰਮਿਟ ਲਈ ਅਰਜ਼ੀ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ, ਕੰਮ ਸਮੇਂ ਸਿਰ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋ ਸਕਿਆ। ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੇ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੀ ਦੋ ਨਵੇਂ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਟੈਂਕ ਖਰੀਦ ਲਏ ਸਨ, ਹਰੇਕ ਵਿੱਚ 25,000 ਗੈਲਨ ਤੇਲ ਰੱਖਣ ਦੀ ਸਮਰੱਥਾ ਸੀ। ਪਰ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇੰਸਟਾਲ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕੋਈ ਥਾਂ ਨਾ ਹੋਣ ਕਾਰਨ, ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ ਉਹ ਦੋ ਟੈਂਕ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਜ਼ਮੀਨ ‘ਤੇ ਰੱਖਣ ਲਈ ਵਾਧੂ $7,000 ਦਾ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਪਿਆ। ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਕੰਮ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਵੱਖਰੇ ਕੌਨਟਰੈਕਟਰ ਨੂੰ ਲਗਾਉਣਾ ਪਿਆ। ਹੁਣ ਇਹ ਕੰਮ 2025 ਦੀਆਂ ਗਰਮੀਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਪੂਰਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ। ਇਸ ਦੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ ਉਦੋਂ ਤੱਕ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਹਰ ਮਹੀਨੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਵਿਕਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਘਾਟੇ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਮਣਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਪਵੇਗਾ।

    ਇੱਕ ਹੋਰ ਮਾਮਲੇ ਵਿੱਚ, Olympia ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਕੋਰੀਆਈ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੇ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਕੈਥੋਡਿਕ ਪ੍ਰੋਟੈਕਸ਼ਨ ਸਿਸਟਮ ਨੂੰ ਅੱਪਗਰੇਡ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ Wilkerson ਨੂੰ $9,000 ਦਾ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ। ਇਹ ਸਿਸਟਮ ਜ਼ਮੀਨ ਦੇ ਹੇਠਾਂ ਤੇਲ ਨੂੰ ਲੀਕ ਹੋਣ ਤੋਂ ਰੋਕਣ ਲਈ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਟੈਂਕ ਨੂੰ ਖੋਰ ਤੋਂ ਬਚਾਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ। Wilkerson ਨੇ ਢੁਕਵੇਂ ਸਰਟੀਫਿਕੇਟ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਕੰਮ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਸਿਸਟਮ ਸਹੀ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਕੰਮ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਇਹ ਜਾਂਚ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਲੋੜੀਂਦੇ ਟੈਸਟ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਉਹ ਕਦੇ ਵਾਪਸ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਏ ਸਨ। ਜਦੋਂ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੇ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਕਰਕੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਪ੍ਰੋਵਾਈਡਰ ਤੋਂ ਲੋੜੀਂਦੇ ਟੈਸਟ ਕਰਵਾਏ ਤਾਂ ਸਿਸਟਮ ਫੇਲ੍ਹ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ। ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ ਪਤਾ ਲੱਗਾ ਕਿ Wilkerson ਨੇ ਗਲਤ ਪੁਰਜ਼ਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਾਰਾ ਕੰਮ ਦੁਬਾਰਾ ਕਰਵਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਦੁਬਾਰਾ ਖਰਚਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਪਿਆ। Wilkerson ਨੇ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ ਨੂੰ ਜਵਾਬ ਦੇਣਾ ਬੰਦ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਘਟੀਆ ਜਿਹੇ ਕੰਮ ਲਈ ਪੈਸੇ ਵਾਪਸ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤੇ।

    ਭਾਵੇਂ ਅਦਾਲਤ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸ਼ੁੱਕਰਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਮੁਆਵਜ਼ਾ ਸਿਰਫ਼ 9 ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰੀ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਤੱਕ ਸੀਮਿਤ ਹੈ ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਅਦਾਲਤ ਨੂੰ ਘੋਸ਼ਣਾ ਪੱਤਰ ਸੌਂਪੇ ਸਨ, Attorney General’s Office ਦਾ ਮੰਨਣਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ Wilkerson ਦੇ ਇਸ ਵਿਵਹਾਰ ਕਾਰਨ ਹੋਰ ਕਈ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਪਹੁੰਚਿਆ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕ, ਜੋ Wilkerson ਜਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਕੰਪਨੀਆਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਹੋਏ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਦੀ ਰਿਪੋਰਟ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ civilrights@atg.wa.gov ‘ਤੇ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਜਾਂ ਟੋਲ-ਫਰੀ ਨੰਬਰ 1-833-660-4877 ‘ਤੇ ਕਾਲ ਕਰਕੇ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਕਲਪ ਨੰਬਰ 1 ਚੁਣ ਕੇ Attorney General’s Office ਨਾਲ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।

    ਅਸਿਸਟੈਂਟ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਜਨਰਲ Emily C. Nelson ਅਤੇ Alyssa P. Au, ਜਾਂਚਕਰਤਾ Rebecca Pawul, ਅਤੇ Paralegal Logan Young ਨੇ ਵਾਸ਼ਿੰਗਟਨ ਲਈ ਕੇਸ ਦਾ ਸੰਚਾਲਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ।

    Ecology ਨੇ ਅਟਾਰਨੀ ਜਨਰਲ ਨੂੰ Wilkerson ਵੱਲੋਂ ਵਾਰ-ਵਾਰ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ ਜਾ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਉਲੰਘਣਾਵਾਂ ਦੀ ਜਾਂਚ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਕਿਹਾ ਹੈ

    Attorney General’s Office ਨੇ ਮਾਰਚ ਵਿੱਚ Wilkerson ਦੇ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਮੁਕੱਦਮਾ ਦਾਇਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ ਜਦੋਂ ਰਾਜ ਦੇ Department of Ecology (ਡਿਪਾਰਟਮੈਂਟ ਆਫ਼ ਈਕੋਲੋਜੀ) ਨੇ ਆਫ਼ਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਦਖਲ ਦੇਣ ਦੀ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੀ। ਸਾਲਾਂ ਤੋਂ, Wilkerson ਨੇ ਵਾਰ-ਵਾਰ ਰਾਜ ਦੇ ਨਿਯਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਉਲੰਘਣਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਅਤੇ Ecology ਦੁਆਰਾ ਲਗਾਏ ਗਏ ਜੁਰਮਾਨਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਣਡਿੱਠਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਸੀ।

    Ecology ਨੂੰ ਕਈ ਸਾਲਾਂ ਤੋਂ Wilkerson ਬਾਰੇ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੇ ਮਾਲਕਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਓਪਰੇਟਰਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤਾਂ ਮਿਲ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਸਨ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਘਟੀਆ ਕੰਮ ਲਈ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੀਆਂ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤਾਂ ਮਿਲੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਜਿਹਨਾਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਵਾਤਾਵਰਣ ਨੂੰ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਖਤਰਾ ਵਧ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਕਿ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਤੇਲ ਲੀਕ ਹੋਣਾ।

    ਜੁਰਮਾਨਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਬਾਵਜੂਦ, Wilkerson ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਸੁਧਾਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਇਆ। Ecology ਨੂੰ Wilkerson ਦੇ ਉਸੇ ਵਿਵਹਾਰ ਬਾਰੇ ਨਵੀਆਂ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤਾਂ ਮਿਲਣੀਆਂ ਜਾਰੀ ਰਹੀਆਂ।

    Ecology ਦੇ ਅੰਡਰਗਰਾਉਂਡ ਸਟੋਰੇਜ ਟੈਂਕ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ ਕੋਲ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤ ਦਰਜ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ, tanks@ecy.wa.gov ‘ਤੇ ਈਮੇਲ ਕਰੋ ਜਾਂ 800-826-7716 ‘ਤੇ UST ਹੌਟਲਾਈਨ ਨੂੰ ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ।

    ਜੇਕਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਲੱਗਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਅਣਉਚਿਤ ਜਾਂ ਧੋਖੇਬਾਜ਼ ਕਾਰੋਬਾਰੀ ਅਭਿਆਸਾਂ ਦਾ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਰ ਹੋਏ ਹਨ, ਤਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ Attorney General’s Office ਕੋਲ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤ ਦਰਜ ਕਰਨੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ: https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint

    ਕੈਪਸ਼ਨ: Wilkerson ਨੂੰ ਜਿਸ ਗੈਸ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ‘ਤੇ ਸਰਵਿਸ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ, ਉੱਥੇ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਕੀਤੇ ਘਟੀਆ ਜਿਹੇ ਕੰਮ ਦਾ ਨਿਰੀਖਣ ਕਰਨ ‘ਤੇ Ecology ਨੂੰ ਪਤਾ ਲੱਗਿਆ ਕਿ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੇ ਮੁਰੰਮਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੱਤੇ ਅਤੇ ਡਕਟ ਟੇਪ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੀ।

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau have taken the same tepid approach to global affairs

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Adam Chapnick, Professor of Defence Studies, Royal Military College of Canada

    Nine years ago, not long before Stephen Harper’s Conservative government was replaced by Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, retired diplomat Paul Heinbecker penned a brutal takedown of Canadian foreign policy.

    To Heinbecker, Harper’s appointment of five foreign ministers (and two more acting foreign ministers) over nine years indicated his government didn’t take the file seriously. That lack of seriousness helped explain why American presidents only visited three times between 2006 and 2015, leaving Canada “on the margins of global relevance.”

    Heinbecker concluded disparagingly:

    “The Harper government has turned foreign policy outside in. It has treated foreign affairs often as a means to cultivate diaspora communities and constituencies at home…. Foreign posture has replaced foreign policy.”

    Harper, Trudeau similarities

    Nine years later and another former diplomat, David Mulroney, has admonished the Justin Trudeau government’s approach to foreign policy with equal harshness.

    “Canadians show up to lecture, not listen,” he wrote in a National Post op-ed.

    One of Trudeau’s own ministers of global affairs, Marc Garneau, apparently concurs:

    “Unfortunately, Canada’s standing in the world has slipped, in part because our pronouncements are not always matched by a capacity to act or by actions that clearly demonstrate that we mean what we say …. We are losing credibility.”

    Garneau was the fourth of Trudeau’s five foreign ministers. Since 2015, American presidents have visited Canada just twice. And just like the Harper Conservatives failed in their bid to secure a seat for Canada on the United Nations Security Council in 2010, so too did the Trudeau Liberals in 2020.



    Read more:
    UN Security Council: Actually, the world doesn’t need more Canada

    The similarities don’t end there.

    Neither Harper nor Trudeau commissioned a foreign policy review. Neither fully funded the military. Both positioned women and children at the centre of relatively meagre international assistance programs. And, like Harper’s, much of Trudeau’s focus in foreign affairs seems aimed at courting domestic groups.

    ‘Unavoidably reactive’

    Our new history of Canadian foreign policy, Canada First, Not Canada Alone, explains why these similarities are unsurprising.

    Canadian governments have limited flexibility in their conduct of external affairs. As one group of foreign policy experts once said:

    “Especially for the smaller powers, the conduct of foreign policy is to some extent unavoidably reactive. For those that are securely placed and richly endowed, like Canada, the messes they confront are usually not of their own making, and the pressures they face are largely beyond their control.”

    What’s more, the country’s miraculous avoidance of a significant international attack over the last 150 years leaves most Canadians feeling safer than they probably should. In this context, it’s difficult for decision-makers to make foreign policy a strategic priority.

    Laments about the decline of Canada’s contribution to world affairs began in the 1970s, and have continued ever since. These concerns have typically been reasonable, even when Ottawa’s intentions were sincere.



    Read more:
    Canada needs a focused and flexible foreign policy after years of inconsistency

    Harper genuinely wanted to elevate the place of the Armed Forces in Canadian society, only to discover that success in Afghanistan was impossible and supporting our military was incredibly expensive.

    Trudeau’s pledge to restore Canada’s peacekeeping tradition when he became prime minister was real; he only abandoned it upon realizing that peacekeeping in the contemporary operating environment risked a significant loss of Canadian lives.

    To date, such reversals have had limited consequences. Long protected by three oceans and a friendly giant to the south, successive governments in Ottawa have been able to ignore problems that bedevil less geographically fortunate countries.

    Pivoting in a changing world

    But more recent global challenges — brutal wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, climate change, supply chain disruptions, election interference, American political polarization — serve as stark reminders that the world is changing in ways that necessitate a more active Canadian global posture.

    That new approach requires co-operation with allies and international organizations, not to mention a significant economic investment.

    The recipe for Canada First policies — those that keep the state and its people secure within a stable international system, economically prosperous, politically autonomous and united at home — is easier to articulate than it is to implement.

    It requires not just a functioning, productive relationship with our critical ally to the south, but also a commitment to a rules-based international order and multilateral approaches to conflict resolution.



    Read more:
    How minority governments can influence foreign policy

    Engaging in diplomacy

    Foreign policy practitioners negotiate and compromise, doing what is necessary to maintain credibility at home and overseas. They act without the benefit of hindsight, frequently under political pressure and short time frames.

    When they fail, the consequences of their actions are obvious. Their successes can be harder to measure, leading some to view the practice of diplomacy as elitist, exclusive and ineffective.

    At times that may be true, but that doesn’t detract from diplomacy’s key role in Canada’s viability as an independent, prosperous country. A willingness to engage in diplomacy in defence of Canadian interests must also be matched by investments in the capacity to act globally.

    The future of Canada depends on decision-makers with the humility to recognize that standing alone on the world stage is no way to protect and promote the national interest.

    Adam Chapnick and Asa McKercher received funding for this project from the Canadian Defence Academic Research Program.

    .

    – ref. Why Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau have taken the same tepid approach to global affairs – https://theconversation.com/why-stephen-harper-and-justin-trudeau-have-taken-the-same-tepid-approach-to-global-affairs-241339

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Releases Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Day:

     “We must honor and celebrate Indigenous peoples and our sovereign Tribal Nations here in New Mexico – and all across the world – today and every day, ” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “New Mexico’s Tribes and Pueblos have stewarded the lands and waters of our state since time immemorial, and their cultures, traditions, and languages are woven deeply into the fabric of our heritage and ways of life. 

    “On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize and celebrate the contributions Indigenous people have made in the state and across the U.S.: from the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II to Miguel Trujillo, a champion of Native voting rights, to our own Secretary Deb Haaland, who is blazing the way forward as our country’s first Indigenous Cabinet Secretary.  

    “Today is also a day to reflect on the history and resilience of our Indigenous nations, especially in the face of an often painful past. We must ensure we confront this history head-on, redoubling our commitment to building a more just and powerful world celebrating our Indigenous communities.” 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Joins Labor Caucus Backing Biden-Harris Administration Investigation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) signed a letter led by Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Steven Horsford (D-NV), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Caucus members Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jared Golden (D-ME), Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Val Hoyle (D-OR), supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to protect American workers from China’s unfair practices in the shipbuilding industry. 

    “I am deeply concerned about the ongoing unfair trade practices employed by China in the shipbuilding industry,” said Rep. Stansbury (NM-01). “These practices not only undermine our domestic shipbuilders but also threaten our national security and economic stability. Which is why I signed a letter with 70 of my colleagues urging the Biden Administration to swiftly conclude its investigation into these practices and to implement remedies that are commensurate to the harms caused by China.   

    “The shipbuilding sector is vital to our economy, providing thousands of good-paying, union jobs and supporting critical infrastructure. We must level the playing field for those competing against state-subsidized Chinese companies that do not adhere to fair trade policies and principles.   

    “The time for action is now. We must ensure that our trade policies reflect fairness and equity, protecting American jobs while promoting a robust industry.” 

    “China’s industry is insulated from market forces, utilizes state-owned enterprises to provide cheap inputs and cut yard production costs, and strengthens the People’s Liberation Army’s Navy with expansive shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance capacities. Meanwhile, U.S. shipyards have been shuttered or forced to compete for a handful of remaining contracts. While the U.S. produces fewer than 10 ocean-going vessels annually, Chinese yards churned out over a thousand,” the members wrote to President Biden.   

    “To meet the immense challenge of rebuilding U.S. maritime capabilities, we need a robust, highly-trained workforce. Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost as shipyards have closed and experienced workers have been forced out of the industrial base,” the co-chairs added. “We strongly urge you to swiftly conclude this investigation and to implement resolute measures to remedy decades of unfair and discriminatory policies by the CCP that have harmed our members and the economic and national security of the United States. The remedies must be commensurate in scope and magnitude to the large-scale harm caused to U.S. industry over the past several decades.” 

    On March 12, 2024, five labor unions filed a petition urging USTR to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the acts, policies, and practices of China relating to competition in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. In April, Rep. Courtney led a letter with 37 other Member of Congress in support of the petition, and USTR subsequently announced that it would accept the petition. In May, Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Dingell and Norcross testified in support of American workers and the domestic shipbuilding industry as part of USTR’s investigation 

    A full copy of the letter can be found here.   

    The letter was signed by 70 Members of Congress, including: Reps. Brendan Boyle; Julia Brownley; Nikki Budzinski; André Carson; Troy Carter; Judy Chu; Yvette Clarke; Joe Courtney; Danny Davis; Donald Davis; Rosa DeLauro; Christopher Deluzio; Mark DeSaulnier; Debbie Dingell; Lloyd Doggett; Dwight Evans; Lois Frankel; John Garamendi; Robert Garcia; Jared Golden; Daniel Goldman; Josh Gottheimer; Steven Horsford; Val Hoyle; Jonathan Jackson; Marcy Kaptur; Ro Khanna; Daniel Kildee; Raja Krishnamoorthi; Greg Landsman; Stephen Lynch; Seth Magaziner; Grace Meng; James Moylan; Frank Mrvan; Kevin Mullin; Grace Napolitano; Donald Norcross; Eleanor Norton; Frank Pallone; Chris Pappas; Mary Peltola; Scott Peters; Mark Pocan; Katie Porter; Raul Ruiz; Patrick Ryan; Andrea Salinas; Linda Sánchez; Mary Scanlon; Janice Schakowsky; Adam Schiff; Hillary Scholten; David Scott; Robert Scott; Brad Sherman; Elissa Slotkin; Eric Sorensen; Melanie Stansbury; Haley Stevens; Thomas Suozzi; Eric Swalwell; Shri Thanedar; Dina Titus; Lori Trahan; David Trone; Maxine Waters; Susan Wild; Nikema Williams; Frederica Wilson. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Recapture of inmate from the Stan Daniels Healing Centre – Section 81 facility

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    At approximately 10:55 pm on October 19, 2024, inmate William Mackinaw was apprehended by the Red Deer Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

    October 21, 2024 – Edmonton, Alberta – Correctional Service Canada

    At approximately 10:55 pm on October 19, 2024, inmate William Mackinaw was apprehended by the Red Deer Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

    This inmate had been unlawfully at large from the Stan Daniels Healing Centre, a Section 81 facility operated by the Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA), since January 4, 2024.

    NCSA and the Correctional Service of Canada are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Ensuring the safety and security of institutions, staff, and public remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

    Jeff Campbell
    Regional Communications Manager
    Regional Headquarters – Prairies
    (306) 222-2258

    Follow the Correctional Service of Canada on X and Facebook.
    For more information, please visit our website.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Colleagues Issue Statement Expressing Concern About the Escalation of Violence in Lebanon

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), senior members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following joint statement regarding the deteriorating situation in Lebanon: 

    “Over the past few weeks, there has been a concerning escalation of violence in Lebanon, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, the displacement of over one million civilians and unacceptable attacks on United Nations peacekeepers. 

    “There is no question that Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorism on its northern border and that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization whose actions have led to Lebanese, American and Israeli deaths. By preventing the formation of a functioning government, Hezbollah has exacerbated an economic crisis and perpetuated the suffering of everyday Lebanese citizens. We also assert firmly that Iran must be stopped from supplying Hezbollah with resources and weapons, which is essential to securing peace on the border and ensuring that Israelis in the north can return safely to their homes. 

    “At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces have an obligation to conduct their operations in a way that limits civilian harm and does not impede humanitarian access. We also strongly condemn the attacks against United Nations peacekeepers who operate in Lebanon under UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 2749. Peacekeepers must be allowed to fulfill their mission of ensuring peace along the Blue Line.  

    “We must work towards de-escalation and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in Lebanon while also urging all parties involved to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal. We must do all we can to prevent further civilian casualties, dangerous destabilization and expansion of this conflict into a full-out war.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Accepting Applications for Spring 2025 Internships

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the spring of 2025. The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, federal policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.

    Washington, D.C. Office: In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help manage correspondence on various issues. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain a stronger understanding of the lawmaking process, while also improving their communication and customer service skills.

    South Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolinians each day.

    Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also gain course credit for completing the internship program. Interested students can apply through Senator Scott’s website at https://www.scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/internships. For additional questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott.senate.gov or (202) 224-6121. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Team Maryland Announces More Than $38 Million for Critical Transportation & Port Infrastructure Projects in Baltimore

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Governor Wes Moore (all D-Md.), and Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld today announced $38,406,076 in U.S. Department of Transportation awards to rehabilitate the Dundalk Marine Terminal and the Curtis Creek Drawbridge. This investment will improve vital infrastructure at and around the Port of Baltimore, which is critical to Maryland’s economy.
    “With these grants, the federal government is recognizing that Baltimore is home to nationally significant supply chain infrastructure that is overdue for investment and improvement. We are seeing once again how the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is delivering for Maryland, and we will continue to push for federal commitments to our infrastructure, including the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” said Senator Cardin. 
    “Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we continue to deliver historic resources to upgrade everything from our transportation network to the Port of Baltimore. With these major federal investments, we are priming the Port for future growth – while sustaining the thousands of jobs it already supports – and modernizing an essential bridge for commuting and commerce. These efforts will help drive Baltimore’s economic success and create more good paying jobs for Marylanders,” said Senator Van Hollen.
    “This monumental federal investment is a transformative display of the continued unity among us in Team Maryland to deliver for all of those who have been personally affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and continue to navigate the recovery alongside us. After speaking with so many of those impacted, I was and remain inspired by their grit, fierceness, and commitment to getting through this disaster together,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.
    “These two projects reinforce the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to making Maryland more competitive by investing in our critical infrastructure, including our world-class Port of Baltimore,” said Governor Moore. “We are grateful for the partnership from the Biden-Harris Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and our Congressional delegation in supporting projects that will serve all Marylanders and help expand our growing economy.”
    “Together, these federal grants will support increased economic growth at the Port of Baltimore and the greater Baltimore region,” said Secretary Wiedefeld. “The funding will support critical rehabilitation efforts at the Dundalk Martine Terminal, the largest publicly owned terminal in the Port, and the Curtis Creek Drawbridge on I-695.  Thank you to our federal delegation and partners for their continued commitment in rebuilding Baltimore’s infrastructure better than before.”
    “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris administration is carrying out ambitious, complex transportation projects that will shape our country’s infrastructure for generations to come,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With this latest round of awards, dozens of major and much-needed projects – projects that are often difficult to fund through other means – are getting the long-awaited investment they need to move forward.”
    The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program (INFRA), which has administered historic levels of federal investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
    $30,906,076, Dundalk Marine Terminal: Awarded to the Maryland Port Administrationto reconstruct Berth 11, consisting of the rehabilitation and replacement of 597 linear feet of wharf deck including pilings, substructure, storm water drainage, utilities, and installation of new mooring bollards, cleats, pneumatic fenders, flood barriers, and tidal gates.
    $7,500,000, Curtis Creek Drawbridge Rehabilitation: Awarded to the Maryland Transportation Authority to rehabilitate parallel drawbridges over Curtis Creek on I-695. The project will replace portions of the reinforced concrete deck, perform repairs to the exposed steel superstructure and existing catwalks, remove and replace bridge parapets, traffic lights, and low-level lights, and install new electrical service systems, drainage systems, and pavement markings.
    The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program provides funding for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $4 Million for 11 Louisiana Infrastructure, Transportation, Economic Development Projects from His Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $4,084,100.00 from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Louisiana communities and residents thanks to his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
    “This is great news for Louisiana and an investment in our economy and workforce,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, which I helped negotiate, we can expect to see even more dollars coming our way.” 
    The 11 new investment projects will improve water and sewer systems, update transportation infrastructure, and bolster electrical reliability for 18,000 residents in communities across Louisiana. 
    Funding for these projects is provided by the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), which provides direct investment into community-based and regional projects to support basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce training and education, and small businesses development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), which targets physical infrastructure projects that help build safer, more resilient communities in the Delta region. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Louisiana and its local development districts for program funding implementation.
    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description
    $509,000.00
    City of West Monroe
    This grant will provide federal funding to update and improve 770 feet of sewer infrastructure in Downtown West Monroe to help bolster the city’s growth, development and economic sustainability. 
    $509,000.00
    Town of Maurice
    This grant will provide federal funding to make water system improvements to service the town’s rapidly increasing population, remedy existing public health concerns and violations, and improve residents’ quality of life.
    $509,000.00
    North Desoto Water System
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a new drinking water booster station to serve the Town of Stonewall, and other surrounding areas, to improve water storage and pumping capacity for the purposes of alleviating pressure on existing undersized stations, ensuring reliable water supply, and supporting new residential and economic developments.
    $509,000.00
    City of Minden
    This grant will provide federal funding for a water main replacement project to guarantee that the city’s distribution system continues to receive sufficient water and to improve the overall reliability, sustainability and fire protection of the system.
    $454,000.00
    Town of Marion
    This grant will provide federal funding to repair, rehabilitate and improve a 64-year-old sewer lift station to address poor conditions and health-code violations linked to the existing station and to provide and maintain adequate sewer service for residents.
    $418,100.00
    City of Kaplan
    This grant will provide federal funding to support a sewer system improvement project, which involves a comprehensive rehabilitation of the system to improve the resiliency and functionality of the city’s sewer collection system.
    $375,000.00
    Ouachita Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for an emergency operations center renovation project, a critical infrastructure project that will play a vital role in ensuring effective emergency management and response capabilities in the region. 
    $304,000.00
    Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center
    This grant will provide federal funding to install a new electrical distribution system to improve the center’s electrical infrastructure, resulting in increased electrical reliability and capacity and expansion of community services. 
    $218,000.00
    Village of Plaucheville
    This grant will provide federal funding to construct a new water main, which will reduce service disruptions and improve the water system for the entire village.
    $199,000.00
    Town of Lockport
    This grant will provide federal funding to make critical improvements to the sewer and wastewater treatment systems that are foundational to the town’s ability to sustain its rich Cajun cultural heritage, a livable community, and the increasingly important tourism economy.
    $80,000.00
    Town of Waterproof
    This grant will provide federal funding for a sewer improvement project that will replace the backup pumps inside of five sewer lift stations, providing additional capacity to meet usage demands from the town’s residents, businesses and detention center while also addressing regulations set by the Department of Environmental Quality.

    MIL OSI USA News –