NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Statement on Passage of the Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    Published: 09.25.2024

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, today issued the following statement after Congress passed a continuing resolution that will keep the government funded through December 20:
    “On behalf of Granite Staters and all Americans, I’m glad we came to a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open, ensure service members and federal workers get their paychecks and continue providing access to critical services for families across the country. While it’s a relief the government will remain funded, stop-gap funding bills create inefficiencies within government that only serve to waste American taxpayer dollars and sow uncertainty in the economy. It’s my hope that we can work together to pass robust, bipartisan funding bills that will enhance our national security, continue to provide the services millions rely on and keep our economy strong.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSF partners with the U.S. Department of Education to improve outcomes in elementary science education

    Source: US Government research organizations

    The U.S. National Science Foundation is providing half of $15 million in funding to establish the new Center for Advancing Elementary Science through Assessment, Research, and Technology (CAESART) to address the nationwide availability of high-quality science instruction and assessment for elementary school students. The U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides the remaining funding.

    “By partnering with IES to support CAESART, the NSF Directorate for STEM Education is able to not only leverage its human and financial resources but also expand its investments in critical research and assessment methods that will transform early science education at its foundation for our youngest learners,” said NSF Assistant Director for STEM Education James L. Moore III. “It will allow researchers, in collaboration with science educators and students, to develop innovative curricula, tools and approaches that will improve science instruction while ensuring that students across the nation have access to high-quality learning experiences. We are looking forward to seeing the immediate and long-term impact the center will have in early science education across the nation and beyond.”

    CAESART will connect networks of science researchers, leaders and practitioners at state, district and school levels to engage in research and assessment of curricular interventions.

    “This new partnership with NSF goes beyond building much-needed evidence about science assessment and learning,” said IES acting director Matthew Soldner. “It reflects our shared commitment to improving student achievement in STEM, leveraging NSF’s unique role in supporting the development of high-quality programs and products and IES’s expertise in identifying what works, for whom, and under what conditions.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Introduces Sweeping Court Reforms to Restore Public Trust as Supreme Court Faces Legitimacy Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    September 26, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today announced the introduction of new legislation to restore balance among the three branches of government, increase transparency to improve public trust in America’s courts, and modernize the courts to ensure greater access to justice for more Americans.

    In the wake of recent rulings upending decades of precedent and evidence of unethical behavior, Wyden’s Judicial Modernization and Transparency Act would modernize the courts by expanding the Supreme Court to 15 justices over three presidential terms, prevent political inaction from bottling up nominations to the Supreme Court, and restore appropriate deference to the legislative branch by requiring a supermajority to overturn acts of Congress, among other modernizing provisions to improve access to justice. 

    The bill would also implement much-needed reforms to bring more accountability to the Supreme Court recusal process and improve transparency around potential financial conflicts and other unethical behavior.

    “The Supreme Court is in crisis and bold solutions are necessary to restore the public trust,” Wyden said. “More transparency, more accountability and more checks on a power hungry Supreme Court are just what the American people are asking for.”

    The bill modernizes the federal judiciary by:

    • Expanding the Supreme Court to 15 justices.

    • Establishing a new supermajority threshold to overturn acts of Congress on a constitutional basis at both the Supreme Court and Circuit Court level.

    • Requiring that relief granted by lower courts in cases seeking to invalidate an act of Congress expire upon the issuing date of an opinion by the Supreme Court.

    • Establishing a new process for Supreme Court nominations that are not reported out of committee within 180 calendar days to be automatically placed on the Senate calendar.

    • Expanding the number of circuit courts to 15 and returning to the practice of assigning one Supreme Court justice to oversee each circuit.

    • Expanding the number of circuits by splitting the Ninth Circuit and establishing a new Southwestern Circuit.

    • Expanding the number of Circuit Court and District Court judgeships to improve access to justice.

    The bill increases transparency to improve public trust by:

    • Requiring all justices to consider recusal motions and make their written opinions publically available. Any justice would be recused from a case upon the affirmative vote of the justices.

    • Requiring the public disclosure of how each justice voted for any case within the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

    • Requiring the IRS to initiate an audit of each justice’s income tax return (and any amended return) as quickly as practicable after it is filed. Within 90 days of filing, the IRS would be required to publicly release the returns and provide an update on the status of the audit. Every 180 days thereafter, the IRS must update the public on the status of the audit. It will also release the ultimate findings of the audit.

    • Requiring those nominated to the Court to include their most recent three years of tax returns in their publicly-available financial disclosure filings. In the case that a nominee does not disclose the tax returns within 15 days after nomination, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts would be instructed to obtain the tax returns from the Secretary of the Treasury and make them public. The Secretary of the Treasury is instructed to redact certain personal identity information.

    A one-pager summarizing the bill is here.

    A section-by-section of the legislative text is here.

    The legislative text is here.

    In July, as part of his ongoing efforts to reform and restore fairness to our country’s judicial system, Wyden introduced legislation to restore much-needed checks on Donald Trump’s radical right-wing Supreme Court by providing Congress with new authority to overturn judicial decisions that clearly undermine the congressional intent of laws following the Loper Bright decision. He also also introduced legislation to bring an end to the controversial practice of “judge shopping,” in which plaintiffs cherry-pick judges they know will hand down favorable rulings, leading to sweeping rulings that wield undue power over millions of Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Criticizes Banking Regulators’ Inaction on NYCB’s “Systemic Failings” and Threats to Banking and Financial Stability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    September 26, 2024
    Questions Heads of OCC, Federal Reserve on “Dereliction of Duty” Amid Pattern of Oversight Failures 
    “Given the ongoing threats from regional bank failures, I am deeply troubled by your …failure to answer our previous questions—and your inability or unwillingness to rein in unruly banks …If the OCC has indeed identified ‘systemic failings’ at NYCB, the agency must impose stronger controls on the bank.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent letters to Michael Hsu, Acting Comptroller of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve (Fed), with renewed concern that the OCC and the Fed could allow New York Community Bank (NYCB) to escape regulatory oversight despite identifying “systemic failings” in the bank’s operation and management. She also calls for the OCC to consider implementing an Individual Minimum Capital Ratio (IMCR) given NYCB’s history and the risks it poses to the U.S. financial system.
    “Allowing NYCB to evade penalties under these circumstances would be a dereliction of duty and would represent a failure by the OCC and the Fed to ensure the safety and soundness of the banking system,” wrote Senator Warren. 
    The OCC’s record of failure with NYCB is now over three years old. The current threats to NYCB’s viability reflect a pattern of oversight failures by the OCC, which rubber-stamped  two risky mergers with Flagstar Bank and Signature Bank in a six month period. Following those mergers, NYCB teetered near failure as the OCC neglected to address the risks associated with the bank’s rapid growth until it was too late.
    “The OCC, as NYCB’s regulator, is tasked with overseeing NYCB’s risk management and yet did not raise flags related to NYCB’s internal struggles,” Senator Warren wrote. “On the brink of failure, NYCB accepted a capital infusion from private equity firms spearheaded by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who tapped fellow Trump-era financial regulator Joseph Otting as NYCB’s new CEO.” 
    Steven Mnuchin and Joseph Otting worked together for years, at OneWest bank, where they ran an operation that was deemed a “foreclosure machine,” which repossessed the homes of tens of thousands of American families between 2009 and 2015 and intensified the economic pain of the Great Recession. Under Mr. Mnuchin and Mr. Otting’s leadership, OneWest employed illegal tactics like “robo-signing”—falsifying key documents—to kick more than 36,000 families out of their homes. When they took the helm ofNYCB, the Fed and OCC were required to review Mr. Otting’s and Mr. Mnuchin’s character and fitness, which would have included their behavior at OneWest.
    The OCC and the Fed failures to appropriately supervise NYCB are becoming more clear with the new reports of “systemic failings” at the bank. 
    “Given the ongoing threats from regional bank failures, I am deeply troubled by your … inability or unwillingness to rein in unruly banks,” wrote Senator Warren. “If the OCC has indeed identified ‘systemic failings’ at NYCB, the agency must impose stronger controls on the bank.”
    Senator Warren is calling on the OCC to use its existing authority under Title 12, which allows the OCC to establish a higher minimum capital requirement for banks under its jurisdiction that present heightened risks to the financial system, by considering an Individual Minimum Capital Ratio for NYCB. 
    Senator Warren has led the fight to hold banking regulators accountable to establishing and enforcing guardrails around the banking industry and preventing harmful bank mergers to protect the financial system, economy, and consumers: 
    In April 2024, Senators Warren and Blumenthal probed the OCC for its regulatory failures amid NYCB’s financial spiral. 
    In March 2024, a year after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Senator Warren sent a letter to three key banking regulators: Michael Barr, Vice Chair for Supervision of the Federal Reserve, Martin Gruenberg, Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Acting Comptroller Hsu, seeking an update on their progress in delivering on their public commitments to strengthen regulatory standards for banks with assets of $100 billion or more. 
    In February 2024, Senator Warren led 12 lawmakers urging the OCC and the Federal Reserve to block Capital One’s plan to acquire Discover Financial Services. Their letter also expressed concerns with the OCC’s proposed policy statement regarding merger approvals as essentially codifying a permissive approach.
    In December 2023, Senator Warren led 6 senators in a letter to Acting Comptroller Hsu, calling on OCC to allow states to move forward with their efforts to protect consumers from harmful bank practices. The senators criticized the OCC for overstepping its preemption authority under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which it used to block tough, state-level consumer protections.
    In August 2023, chairing a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Economic Policy, Senator Warren highlighted the need for regulators to implement the strongest version of bank merger review guidelines in order to ensure stability in the financial system. 
    In June 2023, Senator Warren sent a letter to Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, Federal Deposit Investment Corporation Chairman Gruenberg, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Hsu, Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging regulators to promote greater competition in the banking sector by toughening their stances on bank mergers and strengthening bank merger review guidelines.
    In May 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Warren questioned Acting Comptroller Hsu on his decision to approve JPMorgan Chase’s purchase of First Republic Bank after its collapse. This merger allowed a large, poorly supervised bank to be swallowed by America’s largest bank, making it $200 billion larger than it was before.
    In May 2023, Senator Warren sent a letter to Acting Comptroller Hsu and FDIC Chair Gruenberg, questioning the terms of the sale of First Republic Bank to JP Morgan Chase and the rationale behind the OCC and FDIC’s approval of the deal. 
    In December 2022, Senators Warren and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) sent letters to three key banking regulators: the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and the OCC, raising concerns about the ties between the banking industry and crypto firms following FTX’s bankruptcy. The senators asked each regulator how they assessed the banking system’s exposure to crypto risks. 
    In December 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) sent a letter to the heads of all U.S. banking regulators, including Acting Comptroller Hsu, calling on them to improve banking access for immigrant communities and communities of color.  
    In August 2022, Senators Warren, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Whitehouse, and Sanders sent a letter to the OCC, calling on it to rescind the previously issued cryptocurrency guidance and replace it with more comprehensive guidance, in coordination with other prudential regulators. 
    In September 2021, Senator Warren and Representative Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Bank Merger Review Modernization Act, which would restrict harmful consolidation in the banking industry and protect consumers and the financial system from “Too Big to Fail” institutions, like those that caused the 2008 financial crisis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Give Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs $50,000 Tax Break

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced legislation to provide tax relief to entrepreneurs looking to start a small business and reduce barriers for startups. The Tax Relief for New Businesses Act would increase the startup tax deduction from $5,000 to $50,000 and allow businesses to write off more expenses to compensate for the increasing cost of starting a business. Currently, small business owners can only deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs in the first year, yet a recent survey found that they spend an average of $40,000 to get their businesses off the ground.
    “On Main Streets across Wisconsin, small businesses are creating jobs and contributing to our local economies. For too many entrepreneurs, starting a business can be out of reach and it’s our job to break down the barriers in their way so more Americans can pursue their dreams,” said Senator Baldwin. “This legislation is a commonsense step that will unlock opportunities for Wisconsin’s next generation of small businesses and help ensure they have the capacity to grow, innovate, and shape the future of the Badger state.”
    “If the US Senate passes this legislation it would help provide capital to reinvest in small business staff and get them to a stable, profitable bottom line much quicker. This would encourage existing and expanding businesses to invest and grow by improving cash flow in the early years of starting and growing the businesses. As a small business owner I strongly endorse this effort,” said TJ Semanchin, owner of Wonderstate Coffee in Viroqua, WI.
     “The Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is a game changer for entrepreneurs, offering substantial financial relief when it’s needed most,” said Scott Resnick, Wisconsin startup advocate. “By significantly increasing the deduction and allowing more flexibility for growing startups, this policy reduces the financial burden of launching a business and paves the way for greater innovation and job creation across the Wisconsin economy.”
    “TitletownTech supports policy that reduces early-stage financial pressure on entrepreneurs and increases likelihood of startup success,” said Jill Enos, Managing Partner of Titletown Tech in Green Bay.
    “Starting a business is a vote of confidence in the future,” said Richard Trent, Executive Director of Main Street Alliance. “Men and women all across the country start businesses that help our communities thrive. Small businesses are connected to their communities, sponsoring little league teams, providing employment and creating a robust culture and economy. But one of the most difficult parts of starting a business is having the capital to do so. A lack of generational wealth, unfair lending practices and discrimination make this difficult for too many. The Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is a huge step in the right direction to level the playing field and jump start Main Streets all across America.”
    “Repeated research has demonstrated that new businesses – ‘startups’ – are a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, and opportunity expansion,” said John Dearie, President of Center for American Entrepreneurship. “But launching a new business costs money. And because startup costs are incurred long before the first dollar of revenue, those costs can be a major obstacle to new business formation. That’s why the Tax Relief for New Businesses Act is so important. The Act would increase the tax deduction of startup costs from $5,000 to $50,000, expand the types of expenses eligible for the deduction, and stretch the phase-out threshold of the credit from $50,000 to $150,000, allowing entrepreneurs to write-off more of the costs required to launch their business once they become profitable. The legislation is powerfully pro-entrepreneurship, pro-growth, and pro-job creation. CAE thanks Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) for their leadership and looks forward to working with them to ensure swift passage of the legislation.”
    This legislation is also led by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and endorsed by the Main Street Alliance and Center for American Entrepreneurship.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Underscores Need to Pass His Bipartisan Child Care Legislation Following Century Foundation Report

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reiterated the need to pass his bipartisan legislation to address the child care crisis following a new report released by The Century Foundation. The report found that child care costs in Virginia have increased by 11% since 2019, while child care employment levels fell by 18 percent from 2019 to 2023. In Virginia, the average cost for an infant in a center is $16,397 per year, and the annual cost for two children in a center is 73% more than the average rent payment and 24% more than the average mortgage payment.
    “This report underscores what I hear around Virginia—that child care is unaffordable for many families, and that providers are struggling to retain staff and keep their doors open. This crisis isn’t going to go away on its own, and it’s negatively impacting our economy as many parents aren’t able to enter the workforce. Congress must act to make it easier for parents to access quality, affordable care for their kids. This is an issue that transcends parties and state lines, and I will keep working with my colleagues to garner support for my bipartisan legislation with Senator Britt,” said Kaine.
    The full report can be found here.
    Kaine has long been pushing to expand access to child care. In July 2024, he introduced the bipartisan Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act—two pieces of legislation to make child care more affordable and accessible. Last fall, he introduced the Child Care Stabilization Act to expand vital child care funding to help providers keep their doors open. He has also introduced the Child Care for Working Families Act to expand access to child care, raise wages for providers, and lower costs for families by ensuring no family pays more than 7% of their income on child care. He has introduced bipartisan legislation to develop, administer, and evaluate early childhood education apprenticeships.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We curated a podcast playlist for you: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Vinita Srivastava, Senior Editor, Culture + Society / Host + Exec. Producer, Don’t Call Me Resilient

    On Sept. 30, Canada will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, the now federal statutory day honours generations of Indigenous survivors, families and communities impacted by Canada’s residential school system and remembers the children who never returned home. It’s also a good time to honour the “Truth” in Truth and Reconciliation and check in on Canada’s progress on the 94 Calls to Action that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

    Here at Don’t Call Me Resilient, we’ve curated a playlist of episodes for you that explore the historical and current issues of Indigenous communities. Through the voices of experts, the playlist features discussions related to Indigenous history, justice, rights and resistance. In each episode, Indigenous scholars and experts present their research and ideas to help explain the issues. They dive deep into conversations about the importance of preserving and protecting Indigenous land, life and identity.

    As a collection, these episodes invite listeners to engage in a process of learning and unlearning; to acknowledge the tragic legacies of residential schools in Canada and to move beyond a single day of remembrance. Individually, the conversations are thoughtful and informative explorations of Indigenous scholarship, living history and the future of reconciliation in Canada.

    Indigenous Land Defenders

    In this episode, two Indigenous land defenders from different nations as well as generations: Ellen Gabriel, a human rights activist and artist well known for her role during the 1990 Oka crisis, and Anne Spice, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, discuss the importance and urgency of defending land. They explain why they work to protect the land against invasive development and why their work is necessary for everyone’s survival. Also, check out Gabriel’s forthcoming book with Sean Carleton: When the Pine Needles Fall.
    (first aired: March, 2021)

    How stories about alternate worlds can help us imagine a better future

    Stories are a powerful tool to resist oppressive situations. They give writers from marginalized communities a way to imagine alternate realities, and to critique the one we live in. In this episode, Vinita speaks to two storytellers who offer up wonderous “otherworlds” for Indigenous and Black people. Selwyn Seyfu Hinds is an L.A-based screenwriter and the producer of Esi Edugyan’s Washington Black. Daniel Heath Justice is professor in Indigenous literature at the University of British Columbia and author of Why Indigenous Literatures Matter.

    Stolen Identities: What does it mean to be Indigenous?

    Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of high-profile figures accused of falsely claiming Indigenous identity, of being “Pretendians.” These cases have become big news stories, but they have big real-life consequences, too. Misidentifying as Indigenous can have financial and social consequences, with the misdirection of funds, jobs or grants meant for Indigenous peoples. Vinita delves into it all with two researchers who look at identity and belonging in Indigenous communities: Veldon Coburn and Celeste Pedri-Spade from McGill University.
    (first aired: October, 2021)

    Why pollution is as much about colonialism as chemicals

    The state of our environment keeps getting scarier and scarier: and we have yet to find a way forward. Two Indigenous scholars who run labs to address the climate crisis say bringing an Indigenous understanding to environmental justice could help us get unstuck. A big part of that is seeing pollution through a new lens — one that acknowledges it is as much about racism and colonialism as it is toxic chemicals. Vinita talks to Michelle Murphy at the University of Toronto, and Max Liboiron, author of Pollution is Colonialism, and associate professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
    (first aired: November, 2021)

    Making our food fairer

    Over 17 per cent of households in Canada are food insecure. For racialized Canadians, that number is higher — two to three times the national average. In this episode, Vinita asks what is happening with our food systems, and what we can do to make them fairer with two women who have been tackling this issue for years. Melana Roberts is Chair of Food Secure Canada and one of the leaders behind Canada’s first Black food sovereignty plan. Also joining the conversation is Tabitha Robin Martens, assistant professor at UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Martens researches Indigenous food sovereignty and works with Cree communities to bolster traditional land uses.
    (first aired: November, 2021)

    Unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children were found in Kamloops a year ago: What’s happened since?

    In this episode, we take a look at what has happened since the unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children were found in Kamloops, B.C. in May 2021. Vinita speaks to Veldon Coburn, associate professor and faculty chair of the Indigenous Relations Initiative at McGill University about what happened, the widespread grief and outcry and the immediate political response, but also, how none of that lasted despite communities continuing to find bodies. Joining Vinita on the episode is Haley Lewis, then-Don’t Call Me Resilient producer and culture and society editor for The Conversation Canada. Lewis is mixed Kanyen’keha:ká from Tyendinaga and led our coverage of the findings.
    (first aired: May, 2022)

    Diamond mines are not a girl’s best friend

    Since diamond mining started in Canada in 1998, Canada has become the third-largest producer of diamonds in the world. In 2019, the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls linked resource extraction to spikes in violence against women. In this episode, we hear from two women who talk about how diamond mines in the Northwest Territories have negatively impacted and perpetuated gender violence, particularly among Indigenous women. Vinita chats with Rebecca Hall, assistant professor of global development studies at Queen’s University and the author of Refracted Economies: Diamond Mining and Social Reproduction in the North, and Della Green, former victim services co-ordinator, at the Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories.
    (first aired: June, 2022)

    Has the meaning behind the Canadian flag changed?

    After weeks of the so-called Freedom Convoy in 2022, many of us took a hard look at the symbolism of the Canadian flag and the attempt to associate it with white supremacy. Some felt a new fear or anger at what they feel the flag represents. But other communities say they have always felt this way about the Canadian flag. Both our guests on this episode have studied multiculturalism, citizenship and belonging. Daniel McNeil looks at history and culture and the complexities of global Black communities. He is a professor and Queen’s National Scholar Chair in Black Studies at Queen’s University. Lucy El-Sherif is an assistant professor of global peace and social justice at McMaster University. They help us unpack the meaning and symbolism of the Canadian flag.
    (first aired: June, 2022)

    How to decolonize journalism

    For decades, Canadian media have covered Indigenous communities with a heavy reliance on stereotypes — casting Indigenous Peoples as victims or warriors. This deep-seated bias in the news can have unsettling consequences for both how a community perceives itself as well as how others perceive them. Award-winning Anishinaabe journalist and former CBC reporter Duncan McCue is trying to change that both in the classroom and in the newsroom. He joins Vinita to talk about what Canadian media could be doing better.
    (first aired: November, 2022)

    About the Queen, the Crown’s crimes and how to talk about the unmourned

    When the Queen died, there was a tremendous outpouring of love and grief for her and the monarchy she represented. But not everyone wanted to take a moment of silence — and there are a lot of reasons why. For example, the head of the Assembly of First Nations, RoseAnne Archibald told CTV News that the Royal Family should apologize for the failures of the Crown… “particularly for the destructiveness of colonization on First Nations people.” To explore these ideas further, we reached out to two scholars, Veldon Coburn, associate professor and faculty chair of the Indigenous Relations Initiative at McGill University and Cheryl Thompson, an associate professor of media and culture at Toronto Metropolitan University. Both say that the Queen’s death could be a uniting moment of dissent for people from current and former colonies.
    (first aired: September, 2022)

    The Vatican just renounced a 500-year-old doctrine that justified colonial land theft… Now what?

    In 2023, the Vatican repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery, a 500-year-old decree used to justify settler colonialism. In this episode, political and Indigenous studies scholar Veldon Coburn explains why the Vatican’s repudiation of the Doctrine is a huge symbolic victory. We also examine what this repudiation may mean for members of Indigenous Nations, what prompted this renouncement, and what still needs to happen.
    (first aired: April, 2023)

    Digging into the colonial roots of gardening

    In this episode, we explore how the practice of gardening is deeply tied to colonialism that affects what we plant and also, who gets to garden. But there is also a growing understanding that centuries-old Indigenous land-based knowledge and practices can foster a more resilient landscape. We speak to community activist Carolynne Crawley — a woman with Mi’kmaw, Black and Irish ancestry who leads workshops and walks that integrate Indigenous teachings into practice — and Jacqueline L. Scott — a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education whose research focuses on the wilderness and making it a welcoming space for Black people. We discuss a new way forward, discussing practical gardening tips with an eye to Indigenous knowledge.
    (first aired: May, 2023)

    Botanical classification; 227 figures of plant anatomical segments with descriptive text.
    CC BY

    Why preserving Indigenous languages is so critical to culture

    This episode tackles why the revitalization of Indigenous languages is so critical. Guest host Veldon Coburn speaks with Frank Deer, professor of education at the University of Manitoba, to tackle the issue of disappearing Indigenous languages. They delve into how language reflects philosophies that guide political, cultural and ecological relationships — and discuss what more needs to be done to revitalize them.
    (first aired: June, 2023)

    Inside the search for the unmarked graves of children lost to Indian Residential Schools

    In this episode, we take you inside the ongoing quest to document the children who died in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools system. Vinita speaks to Terri Cardinal, associate vice president of Indigenous initiatives and engagement at MacEwan University, about the search she led to uncover the unmarked graves of those who perished at the Blue Quills Residential School in Alberta. It’s deeply personal and emotional work for Cardinal, whose own father is a survivor of the school. Cardinal talks about what she found, how she felt, and what she hopes will come of it. She says the number of unmarked graves across the country is much higher than many of us could have imagined. And she says it’s important to keep shining a light on the rising numbers, especially with so many Canadians in denial about what really happened at these schools.
    (first aired: September, 2023)

    Students at Blue Quills Residential School.
    Provincial Archives of Alberta, CC BY

    How journalists tell Buffy Sainte-Marie’s story matters – explained by a ‘60s Scoop survivor

    Musician Buffy Sainte-Marie in 1970.
    CMA/wikicommons, CC BY

    Lori Campbell, a ‘60s Scoop survivor and associate vice president of Indigenous engagement at the University of Regina, challenges the CBC’s motives in releasing an investigation that questioned the Indigenous roots of legendary singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie in this episode. Campbell asks: was the story in service of truth and reconciliation or a sensationalist headline? She also highlights the turmoil the story is causing, especially among Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, home to the Piapot Nation that embraced Sainte-Marie.
    (first aired: November, 2023)

    Colonialists used starvation as a tool of oppression

    Plains Cree Chief Mistahimaskwa resisted signing a treaty with the ‘Crown,’ until starvation of his people propelled him to sign Treaty 6.
    (Library and Archives Canada), CC BY

    Vinita speaks to two famine scholars about the use of starvation as a tool in the colonizer’s playbook through two historic examples — the attempted decimation of Indigenous populations in the Plains, North America and the 1943 famine in Bengal, India. Our guests James Daschuk from the University of Regina and Janam Mukherjee at Toronto Metropolitan University discuss how colonial forces inflicted famine upon Indigenous populations to control them, their land, and their resources.
    (first aired: March, 2024)

    From stereotypes to sovereignty: How Indigenous media makers assert narrative control

    Reservation Dogs: Sarah Podemski and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.
    Shane Brown/FX

    Indigenous media in North America have rapidly expanded over the last 30 years, with Indigenous media makers gaining greater control of their own narratives, including the ability to subvert colonial representations. Karrmen Crey, who is Stó:lō from Cheam First Nation, is an associate professor in the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, and the author of “Producing Sovereignty: The Rise of Indigenous Media in Canada.” In this special episode, recorded on-site with an audience in Vancouver at Iron Dog books, Crey speaks with Vinita about the ways Indigenous creators are using humour along with a sharp critique of pop culture to show just how different the world looks when decision-making power over how stories get told shifts and Indigenous media makers take control.
    (first aired: April, 2024)

    – ref. We curated a podcast playlist for you: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – https://theconversation.com/we-curated-a-podcast-playlist-for-you-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-239669

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bennet, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Employer Child Care Tax Credit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), members of the Senate Committee on Finance, introduced the bipartisan Child Care for American Families Act to strengthen the employer-provided child care credit and expand support for small and rural businesses. 
    “Child care costs are rising nationwide, and countless families lack access to affordable, high-quality child care. This makes things that much harder for working parents, strains families’ budgets, and adds undue stress for families with young children,” said Bennet. “The Child Care for American Families Act will help increase our country’s child care supply and reduce the number of Americans in child care deserts.”
    “Many families across Tennessee and America are struggling to find reliable and affordable child care, and we need to incentivize businesses to invest in child-care services for their employees,” said Blackburn. “Our Child Care for American Families Act would help alleviate the financial burden of child-care costs by expanding and modernizing the Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit.”
    This legislation expands the employer-provided child care credit and increases the existing credit to:
    60 percent for businesses in eligible rural and low-income areas, for a maximum total credit of $1.2 million annually;
    50 percent for small businesses, for a maximum total credit of $1 million annually; and
    40 percent of the first $2 million in qualified child care expenses for a maximum total credit of $800,000 annually.
    The legislation also directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue guidance on multi-employer facilities. 
    In 2018, the Center for American Progress found that more than half—an estimated 51 percent—of the U.S. population lived in a childcare desert, with disproportionate impacts felt by low-income communities, Hispanic communities, and other communities of color. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, 31.7 percent of children below the age of six with working parents do not have access to child care, while in rural communities, that number rises to 35.1 percent. According to the Center on Poverty and Social Policy at Columbia University and the National Women’s Law Center, increased investment in affordable child care would increase the number of women working full-time by 17 percent; this number jumps to 31 percent for women without a college degree. 
    Bennet has continuously worked to expand the Child Tax Credit to help families afford the rising cost of raising kids. Last year, Bennet joined House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) to call on the Internal Revenue Service to improve outreach promoting awareness of the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit. In 2021, Bennet also introduced the Military Childcare Expansion Act to expand access to child care for servicemembers and their families.
    The legislation is endorsed by Save the Children, Colorado Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), Kindercare, and Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC). 
    The text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Statement by Minister Guilbeault following the Canada-Norway Ministerial Meeting on Plastic Pollution held on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued the following statement as Canada and Norway concluded the Ministerial Consultation on the Plastic Pollution Treaty, which took place on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly and ahead of the fifth and final negotiating session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) scheduled to take place in the Republic of Korea later this year.

    September 26, 2024 – Gatineau, Quebec The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued the following statement as Canada and Norway concluded the Ministerial Consultation on the Plastic Pollution Treaty, which took place on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly and ahead of the fifth and final negotiating session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) scheduled to take place in the Republic of Korea later this year.

    “Plastics are being produced and consumed at an increasing rate, travelling across national borders, posing a risk to wildlife and damaging ecosystems. Millions of metric tonnes of plastic pollution enter our oceans each year, leaving a legacy of environmental impacts for future generations. Canada is taking ambitious action to reduce plastic pollution and help Canadians transition to a circular economy by following a comprehensive, evidence-based plan that covers the entire plastics lifecycle to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. But we can’t just act at home – plastic pollution is a global problem that is only getting worse. “Two years ago, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) unanimously adopted a historic and ambitious resolution to develop a new legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. Since then, Canada has been actively engaged in the development of this global agreement, including through the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) in April 2024, which brought together over 3,000 participants from around the world.

    “To build on this momentum, the governments of Canada and Norway co-hosted a ministerial consultation on the Plastic Pollution Treaty this week in New York, which helped identify areas of convergence ahead of INC-5. This is a critical element of the negotiations, and Canada calls on all Member States and Ministers to step up their efforts to chart a path toward an ambitious and effective global agreement to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. Canada looks forward to working with other Member States, Indigenous Peoples, intergovernmental partners and stakeholders to reach a final negotiated agreement to end plastic pollution at the final scheduled negotiation session (INC-5), to be held in the Republic of Korea this November.”

    Oliver AndersonDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change819-230-1557Oliver.Anderson@ec.gc.ca

    Media RelationsEnvironment and Climate Change Canada819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)media@ec.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: REPRESENTATIVES MORELLE, FITZPATRICK AND SENATOR KING LEAD EFFORT TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS CARING FOR SENIORS AND VULNERABLE AMERICANS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)

    Close Hunger Action Month by introducing bipartisan legislation to help charitable organizations reach more individuals in need

    (Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Representative Joe Morelle (D, NY-25), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01), and Senator Angus King (I-ME) announced the introduction of the Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursements (DELIVER) Act. This legislation supports volunteers in programs like Meals on Wheels that deliver food to older, more vulnerable Americans.

    “Thousands of volunteers dedicate their time and energy to ensuring seniors in our community have access to nutritious meals, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This bipartisan legislation would reduce the financial burden on our gracious volunteers and help them reach more people in their time of need. I’m proud to sponsor this common-sense legislation, and I will continue working across the aisle to see that it signed into law.”

    “Our bipartisan DELIVER Act will support the remarkable volunteers nationwide who selflessly deliver meals to our seniors and vulnerable citizens,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “By modernizing the outdated tax code and increasing mileage deductions, we’re not only easing the financial burden on these dedicated individuals but ensuring that more people in my community and across the nation have access to the nutritious meals and vital resources they deserve. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan initiative with Rep. Morelle, which reflects our shared commitment to uplifting our communities and fighting hunger together.”

    “Home-delivered meals can a be a lifeline for Maine seniors, allowing them to live independently and comfortably in their homes and communities,” said Senator Angus King (I-ME). “Meal delivery services not only provide a fresh, healthy meal, but they also provide connection and peace of mind for loved ones. These services are vital for so many Maine people. The bipartisan DELIVER Act would make a small adjustment to our tax code to help ensure delivery programs remain strong and decrease the financial burden felt by those who generously volunteer their time.”

    “Volunteers are at the heart of Meals on Wheels. Their dedication ensures older adults have access to the nutrition, safety checks and social connection they need, oftentimes as the only person a senior living alone sees all week,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “At a time when programs are struggling with rising costs, volunteer shortages and growing waitlists, this legislation is more critical than ever. We must do all we can to remove financial burdens on our volunteers so they can continue their life-saving work.” 

    Currently, the tax deduction for the charitable use of a passenger automobile to deliver meals to homebound individuals is 14 cents per mile—a rate that has remained unchanged for nearly two decades.

    This legislation seeks to raise that deduction to the standard business rate, which is currently 67 cents per mile, bringing equity to the millions of Americans who volunteer their time and resources to deliver meals to our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

    There are over 4.8 million people in New York State over the age of 60, and roughly one-quarter of them—about 1.23 million—live alone. Additionally, over about 655,000 New York seniors have uncertain access to food, and 630,000 New York seniors are living in or near poverty. Across the state, Meals on Wheels programs serve over 18 million meals to almost 167,000 seniors through home-delivery and congregate nutrition services. Not only do they deliver healthy meals, Meals on Wheels volunteers also provide important social interaction for seniors living alone, improving their quality of life. This legislation would ease the burden on their many volunteers and allow them to serve more seniors in New York and across the country.

    This legislation is also sponsored in the Senate by Senator Cornyn (R-TX).

    To learn more about the DELIVER Act, read the full text of the bill here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE LEADS EFFORT TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS CARING FOR SENIORS AND VULNERABLE AMERICANS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)

    Closes Hunger Action Month by introducing bipartisan legislation to help charitable organizations reach more individuals in need

    (Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the introduction of the Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursements (DELIVER) Act. Authored by Morelle, this legislation supports volunteers in programs like Meals on Wheels that deliver food to older, more vulnerable Americans.

    “Thousands of volunteers dedicate their time and energy to ensuring seniors in our community have access to nutritious meals, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This bipartisan legislation would reduce the financial burden on our gracious volunteers and help them reach more people in their time of need. I’m proud to sponsor this common-sense legislation, and I will continue working across the aisle to see that it signed into law.”

    “Volunteers are at the heart of Meals on Wheels. Their dedication ensures older adults have access to the nutrition, safety checks and social connection they need, oftentimes as the only person a senior living alone sees all week,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “At a time when programs are struggling with rising costs, volunteer shortages and growing waitlists, this legislation is more critical than ever. We must do all we can to remove financial burdens on our volunteers so they can continue their life-saving work.” 

    Currently, the tax deduction for the charitable use of a passenger automobile to deliver meals to homebound individuals is 14 cents per mile—a rate that has remained unchanged for nearly two decades.

    This legislation seeks to raise that deduction to the standard business rate, which is currently 67 cents per mile, bringing equity to the millions of Americans who volunteer their time and resources to deliver meals to our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

    There are over 4.8 million people in New York State over the age of 60, and roughly one-quarter of them—about 1.23 million—live alone. Additionally, over about 655,000 New York seniors have uncertain access to food, and 630,000 New York seniors are living in or near poverty. Across the state, Meals on Wheels programs serve over 18 million meals to almost 167,000 seniors through home-delivery and congregate nutrition services. Not only do they deliver healthy meals, Meals on Wheels volunteers also provide important social interaction for seniors living alone, improving their quality of life. This legislation would ease the burden on their many volunteers and allow them to serve more seniors in New York and across the country.

    This legislation is also sponsored in the House by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01) and in the Senate by Senators King (I-ME) and Cornyn (R-TX).

    To learn more about the DELIVER Act, read the full text of the bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Statement from National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard on GDP  Growth

    Source: The White House

    We learned this morning that the economy has grown by 3.2% per year during Biden-Harris Administration—even stronger than previously estimated—and better than the first three years of the previous administration. This strong economic growth and unemployment that is the lowest of any administration in 50 years is coming at a time when inflation has come back down and interest rates are declining. While we have more to do to lower costs for families, this progress is thanks to the President’s work to support families and small businesses—a stark contrast with Congressional Republicans’ failed approach of tax cuts for the wealthy and higher costs for middle class families.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Healthcare costs at a post-pandemic high, US employers prioritize affordability and wellbeing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cost of healthcare in the U.S. rises to a record high since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of employers expect healthcare costs will exceed budget projections this year. In response, employers are embracing different approaches to safeguard program affordability for their companies as well as for their employees. While focusing on more competitive, cost-effective plan designs to control costs, they are seeking to maintain employee wellbeing, according to a new survey by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.

    WTW’s 2024 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey found that U.S. employers project their healthcare costs will increase by 7.7% in 2025, compared with 6.9% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2023. As a result of this uptick in costs, employers are reaching beyond traditional cost-shifting strategies to improve healthcare affordability and employee health. More than half of employers (52%) plan to implement programs that will reduce total costs, and just as many (51%) intend to adopt plan design and network strategies that steer to lower-cost, higher-quality providers and sites of care. Only 34% expect to shift costs to employees through premium contributions, and just 20% will promote account-based health plans or high-deductible health plans.

    “The cost of healthcare has been rising steadily for years. With cost increases reaching a post-pandemic high, companies are concerned about the burden it’s putting on their workforces, especially since it affects decisions about insurance coverage and care,” said Tim Stawicki, chief actuary, Health & Benefits, WTW. “To tackle high prices and other causes driving increased spending, companies are pursuing initiatives that are beyond cost-shifting.”

    These initiatives are focused within the prescription drug space as well, with strong interest in alternative drug channels and pricing. According to the survey, 21% of employers are planning for or considering promoting drug discount cards or direct-to-consumer prescription delivery to lower out-of-pocket costs in the next two years; 18% expect to allow members to purchase drugs through a retail or “cost plus” outlet, and 17% expect to have an acquisition cost pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contract structure.

    Other proactive efforts to control costs over the next two years include taking vendor/health plans out to bid (43%), evaluating employee assistance programs/mental health programs (38%), and exploring narrow networks (30%) and centers of excellence (25%). Additionally, employers continue to explore new technology-enabled solutions for managing costs, with 54% exploring navigation or technology that shares provider price and quality information with members.

    To support affordability and employee wellbeing, employers’ top focus areas are obesity and weight management (40%), cancer and oncology (34%), cardiovascular health (28%) and women’s health (27%).

    Employers are still contending with the continued demand for high-cost weight loss medications. While most employers are maintaining coverage for obesity medications with some restrictions, those not offering coverage today state cost and safety as the biggest barriers. Employers are eager to consider safe and effective lower-cost alternatives; 48% of employers expressed interest in compounded GLP-1 medications available through certain vendors at much lower costs.

    “To navigate the current healthcare environment, companies need to proactively address cost challenges and implement effective risk management strategies,” said Courtney Stubblefield, managing director, Health & Benefits, WTW. “By doing so, they can mitigate financial risks, support the wellbeing of their workforce and achieve long-term sustainability.”

    Other survey findings:

    • Employers report the greatest opportunities for artificial intelligence in supporting health and benefits are navigation solutions (64%) and communication (58%).
    • More than two-thirds (67%) of employers provide coverage for fertility services beyond diagnosis of infertility, including in vitro fertilization and medications.
    • To lower costs, 73% of employers plan to carve out pharmacy benefits over the next few years, and 27% would consider a smaller PBM that offers alternate pricing models.

    About the survey

    A total of 417 employers participated in the 2024 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey, which was conducted in June and July 2024. Respondents employ 6 million employees.

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Media contacts:

    Ileana Feoli
    ileana.feoli@wtwco.com

    Stacy Bronstein
    stacy.bronstein@wtwco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. McGarvey Introduces Bill to Invest in Entrepreneurship, Reduce Recidivism

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan McGarvey (Kentucky-03)

    September 26, 2024

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 26, 2024) – This week, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) and Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) introduced H.R. 9841, the Prison to Proprietorship for the Formerly Incarcerated Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide in-depth entrepreneurship training to formerly- incarcerated individuals looking to start a business or enter the workforce. 

    “Nearly all incarcerated people will complete their sentence and return to their community—we have to make sure that we’re laying a strong foundation for success post-incarceration,” said Rep. McGarvey. “By providing a path to entrepreneurship for formerly-incarcerated Americans, my bill not only works to reduce recidivism, but also gives returning citizens the tools they need to start a business and achieve their American dream.”

    The Prison to Proprietorship for the Formerly Incarcerated Act would direct SCORE—a program within the Small Business Administration that offers free or low-cost mentorship and training to entrepreneurs—to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and online instruction specifically tailored to their unique needs.

    “Around 95% of incarcerated people get released and end up back on the streets,” said Rep. Burchett. “We need to make sure they’re prepared to rejoin their communities, and teaching them entrepreneurial skills helps them get a fresh start.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Despite steps to reform and improve our criminal justice system, returning citizens face significant barriers to reentering the workforce, and studies have shown that recidivism rates tend to be higher for those individuals who lack employment. As reported by the Council for State Governments, states spent an estimated $8 billion on reincarceration costs for people who exited prison in 2022, and The Department of Justice estimates that 82 percent of individuals released from state prisons were rearrested at least once during the 10 years following release. 

    Programs that teach formerly incarcerated individuals leadership skills, financial literacy, networking, and how to develop a business plan reduce recidivism and create more opportunities for returning citizens. As the flagship agency tasked with supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, the Small Business Administration has the expertise and experience to teach those skills.

    View text of the bill here.

    A one pager for the bill is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Moran, Duckworth, Boozman, Klobuchar Launch Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) recently launched the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to promote the longevity of the aviation industry and the renewable fuels industry.

    “As the aviation industry strives for lower emissions and cleaner energy sources, the development and utilization of sustainable aviation fuel will be a critical element,” said Sen. Moran. “To help spur development, I am launching the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus. The caucus will work together to find ways to promote technologically innovative solutions to create a sustainable aviation industry and increase our nation’s competitiveness in the domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel.”

    “As we continue our work to reduce emissions and foster energy independence, one of the most important things we can do is make aviation more sustainable by increasing the use and supply of American-grown, American-made sustainable aviation fuel,” said Sen. Duckworth. “To help us do just that, I’m proud to join Senators Moran, Klobuchar and Boozman in launching the Senate’s first-ever Sustainable Aviation Caucus. With this new caucus, I look forward to continuing our work to protect and grow American SAF production for use around the world, while also reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our domestic farmers and economy.”

    “I’m pleased to join this initiative to promote education and policies that support sustainable industry practices,” said Sen. Boozman. “I look forward to working with leaders of the caucus and stakeholders to advance measures that continue to advance aviation in an environmentally sound manner.”

    “Airlines across the country are committed to developing technologies to reduce carbon emissions from air travel,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “The expanded use of sustainable aviation fuel will create jobs in rural areas, bolster our national security, and slash carbon emissions. This caucus aims to promote data, research, and innovation in sustainable aviation to ensure that the U.S. maintains its leadership in this field.”

    “The SAF Coalition is grateful to Senator Jerry Moran and his colleagues Senators Tammy Duckworth, John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar for their leadership in launching the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus,” said Alison Graab, Executive Director of The SAF Coalition. “The formation of the caucus is a positive step towards strengthening national energy security, driving economic growth, and generating quality jobs across the country through the development and deployment of SAF. We look forward to working with the caucus and other SAF advocates to enhance incentives that expand SAF production and support our nation’s energy needs.”

    “GAMA applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Moran, Duckworth, Boozman and Klobuchar for launching the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “General aviation has been at the forefront of advancing technological and operational improvements that mitigate the industry’s impact on the environment. The Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus will assist in fostering key partnerships between government and other stakeholders to further advance the industry’s sustainability commitments. We look forward to working with the caucus to highlight policies, initiatives and industry developments that will advance a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.”

    “Delta Air Lines applauds the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus leadership and founding members for placing a spotlight on the importance of sustainable aviation policies and solutions, such as enabling the market for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” said Cherie Wilson, Vice President, Government Affairs – Sustainability, Delta Air Lines. “As on-road transportation increasingly electrifies, aviation demand for SAF will continue to grow exponentially. SAF is the most important lever we have to decarbonize aviation and ensure a more energy secure America, all while providing economic benefits for farmers and other agricultural value chain players across the SAF ecosystem. We look forward to working with the caucus on enabling policy solutions,”

    “We applaud Senators Moran, Klobuchar, Boozman and Duckworth for their bipartisan leadership advancing discussion in Congress to accelerate policy and dialogue around sustainable aviation solutions. The domestic adoption of cost competitive SAF is the most promising, in-production and scalable lever we have today to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions in aviation,” said Nick Boeyink, States Director, Americans for Clean Aviation Fuels. “Growing America’s clean aviation fuels market is a tremendous economic opportunity that will drive the creation of hundreds of thousands of American jobs while making our nation more energy secure. We look forward to working with members in both parties to build momentum for policies that will make American aviation more sustainable.”

    “Business aviation is leading in sustainability with a mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, through new technologies, including more efficient aircraft, electric aviation and sustainable aviation fuel,” said Ed Bolen, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO. “We commend Senators Moran, Duckworth, Boozman and Klobuchar for founding the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to help innovate toward a net-zero future, on the ground and in the air. Sustainable aviation technologies will strengthen the American economy by creating good-paying jobs in manufacturing, feedstock production and energy generation, as well as reducing America’s dependence on foreign energy sources and improving our national security.”

    “Gevo appreciates Senators Jerry Moran, Tammy Duckworth, John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar leading the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus, which will provide a timely forum to bring more awareness to SAF and other sustainable aviation solutions,” said Lindsay Fitzgerald, Sr. Vice President of Public Affairs for Gevo. “Both co-chairs understand the key role farmers have when it comes to scaling SAF production, as well as the economic and energy security benefits that come from producing new energy resources for airlines and their customers. We look forward to working with the Caucus to advance our shared policy and sustainability goals and growing U.S. SAF.”

    “I recently joined Senator Moran?to break ground on an exciting new SAF project led by two Growth Energy members, and he understands why this industry is vital to our rural communities, our environment, and America’s ability to compete in a low-carbon economy,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “This new caucus will bring together some of the bioeconomy’s most important champions, organized around the shared goal of decarbonizing aviation with American-made biofuels. We’re grateful to Senator Moran for leading this bipartisan, bicameral?effort.”

    Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) also created the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus for members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ketamine: what you need to know about the UK’s growing drug problem

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ian Hamilton, Honorary Fellow, Department of Health Sciences, University of York

    There is growing awareness of the problems caused by the use of a fast-acting drug called ketamine. Often referred to as K or ket, it was made a class B drug in the UK in 2014 and is illegal to buy or sell. Possessing the drug can lead to a maximum five-year prison sentence and supplying the drug up to 14 years in prison.

    Ketamine is an effective anaesthetic and plays an important part in battlefield and emergency medicine. It is used to treat pain in end-of-life care and could treat some forms of depression. However, it is its non-medical use that is causing concern among some doctors and specialist drug-treatment providers.

    On the illicit market, ketamine is cheaper than cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy), costing about £20 a gram. Police forces report large seizures of the drug, but global rates of production are high, and the wholesale price of a kilogram of ketamine is believed to have fallen from £8,000 to £5,000. This makes it an attractive drug for young people and those with a limited income.

    Ketamine typically takes about 15 minutes to work and induces euphoria, relaxation and a slight sense of detachment. However, with higher doses it can also cause dissociation. This can be confusing and can cause panic attacks and memory loss. It can increase blood pressure and affect breathing and heart function.

    Effects can also be fatal. The Friends actor Matthew Perry died in 2023 as a result of using the drug.

    Some urologists have also expressed concern about an increase in bladder problems (so-called “ketamine bladder”) as a result of prolonged and heavy use of the drug. Although national data about the number of people with ketamine bladder is not available, there are other sources about the use of ketamine.

    Ketamine first became popular as a recreational drug in the early 1990s. Use among people aged 16-24 in England and Wales rose from 0.9% in 2006-07 to 3.8% in 2022-23 – which is about 220,000 people.

    There has been an increase in young people attending specialist treatment services with problems related to ketamine use: 512 during 2021-22 rising to 719 in 2022-23.

    The increase is concerning as few services and interventions are available that specifically address ketamine use. An increase in people seeking treatment has not been helped by historic cuts to drug-treatment funding, which is only beginning to be addressed, and a lack of meaningful drug education and early intervention responses.

    This increase in young people seeking treatment is also seen in adults. Rising from 1,551 in 2021-22 to 2,211 during 2022-23. There has been a fivefold increase in adult treatment since 2014.

    Self-medicating

    There is a suggestion from experts that part of the increase in the use of ketamine is due to some people who have mental health problems that are unable to access treatment because of long waiting lists.

    Rather than wait for specialist treatment some people turn to drugs like ketamine that offer some reprieve from their symptoms. Ketamine can create a sense of detachment in users, this will be a desirable state for those who are seeking to escape invasive mental health symptoms of troubling thoughts and feelings.

    In effect, they are finding their own solutions by self-medicating with the drug. Given that ketamine is easily available, relatively cheap and fast-acting it is easy to see why this drug is appealing, particularly as there are no long waiting lists or invasive assessments to undergo.

    Ketamine doesn’t induce the same type of hangover that alcohol and other drugs do. This makes it appealing to those who need to be at work the day after using it. Likewise, it is appealing to those on zero-hour contracts who are asked to work at short notice.

    However, many people will use other substances alongside ketamine – typically alcohol. Mixing alcohol and ketamine can cause significant harm, ranging from slowed breathing to coma and even fatal overdose.

    Paradoxically ketamine is being investigated as a treatment for those who are dependent on alcohol, including those who haven’t responded to more traditional forms of therapy.

    As with the promise that other drugs, such as psychedelics, might help treat mental health problems, current evidence suggests that these drugs are only effective when given alongside therapy.

    It’s not clear whether the UK has reached peak ketamine use. Most drugs fall in and out of fashion. It is clear that originally banning the drug in 2005, and increasing punishments in 2014 has failed to halt its rising popularity. What could have helped was investment into prevention, education and harm reduction services, but this didn’t happen and we are seeing some of the consequences now.

    Preventing the use of ketamine is the only way to be sure that it won’t cause harm. But if we accept that young people and adults will continue to use it then we should be aiming to reduce the potential for harm. There are useful resources already available, but reducing drug-related harm requires a more active response – one that doesn’t rely on people visiting websites or reading a leaflet.

    We should put effort and resources into providing public health messaging that reaches those who are at the most risk from harm due to ketamine. At the same time, investing in and providing timely mental health support would reduce the need for those who are self-medicating with the drug.

    With a new government in the UK, commanding a sizeable majority in parliament, could this Labour government adopt a policy shift that could reduce suffering and save lives?

    Harry Sumnall receives funding from public grant awarding bodies for alcohol and other drugs research, and fees from (international) not-for-profit organisations and government departments for consultation work. He is an unpaid steering group member of the Anti-Stigma Network, an unpaid member of the Scientific Advisory Group of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), an unpaid member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Mind Foundation, an unpaid advisor to the UK Drug Education Forum, and an unpaid co-opted member of UK Government Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) Working Groups on cocaine, and prevention.

    Ian Hamilton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Ketamine: what you need to know about the UK’s growing drug problem – https://theconversation.com/ketamine-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-uks-growing-drug-problem-239412

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The boomer generation hit the economic jackpot. Young people will inherit their massive debts

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Renaud Foucart, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University

    GoodIdeas/Shutterstock

    Young people in Britain could be forgiven for despairing at the financial pressures they face – and feeling that previous generations enjoyed a much fairer economic environment. Then just to add to their worries about home ownership and a precarious jobs market, along comes the gloomy announcement that the UK’s public debt is now 100% of GDP.

    That debt burden will have to be carried by tax-payers for decades to come. Paying the interest – just the interest – of the country’s debt currently accounts for around 7.3% of public spending. That’s more than what is spent on defence (4.8%) or transport (3.8%).

    And while some of what’s left will go to towards essential future public services, it will also go towards fixing problems caused by a historic lack of public investment (less money being spent by previous generations) in water, railways and other crucial infrastructure.

    In fact, in the 1980s much of that infrastructure was used by the UK government to help finance itself, with assets including British Gas sold off at a bargain price. Those baby boomers and older generations who could afford to buy shares often made a decent profit.

    There are other kinds of costs that today’s younger generations have had to bear too. During COVID lockdowns, universities and schools were closed as the young were forced to stay at home, predominantly to protect the elderly. They have lost the freedom to live and work in the EU after 60% of retired people voted for Brexit, while most young people voted against. Leaving Europe has also made the UK less well-off.

    But not everyone is poorer. In the last 20 years, the average income of pensioners has increased on average by more than 50%, while that of working-age adults has risen by less than 10%. The median income of pensioner households is now higher after housing costs than that of households with children.

    Most of the country’s wealth is now in the hands of older people. In 2018, one in four people aged over 65 was living in a household with a total wealth of over a £1 million pounds. Poverty rates of pensioners are now lower than for the rest of the population.

    Yet pensioners receive all sorts of unconditional discounts and benefits, such as free or discounted public transport. Their income is exempt from national insurance contributions, and there is a triple-lock on state pensions, which is guaranteed to grow faster than work income.

    Until recently, the winter fuel allowance meant that anyone born in 1944 or before received £300 (reduced to £200 for younger pensioners).

    Boomer and bust?

    While there is mild popular support for limiting the fuel allowance to poorer pensioners, the question of recouping money from older people remains highly sensitive. (Back in 2017, the then prime minister Theresa May had to quickly U-turn when she suggested using pensioners’ wealth to finance the rising cost of care.)

    One reason for this reluctance to prise money from older people may be that while most pensioners are doing better (compared to the working population) this is not true of the poorest ones. Also, some pensioners do not claim the benefits they are entitled to, and the last thing a civilised society wants is to let its older people freeze.

    ‘Loser has to pay off the national debt.’
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    But the apparent economic divide raises a broader question about inter-generational justice. What does one generation owe the generations that follow?

    And it’s not just about money. Global warming is another thing older people have not spent most of their lives having to pay for, with the burden for repairing environmental damage again falling mostly on the young.

    Perhaps a fair philosophical approach would be that it’s OK to leave certain costs to be paid in the future if the next generation can generally expect to live longer and in better health, with more consumer choice and comfort, and an improved quality of life.

    But this does not seem to be the expectation right now. Incomes have stalled, and so has life expectancy, while housing prices have not been so expensive relative to earnings since the 19th century.

    In that sense, many people, however old they are, would probably sympathise with young people today. And they may even argue that it’s time for the government to focus on policies that explicitly benefit the young – like house building, different forms of taxation or subjecting pension income to national insurance.

    There could also be a change in fiscal rules to allow for more investment in national infrastructure, higher taxes on fossil fuels to pay for the energy transition, or sharing the cost of funding higher education more evenly among all graduates, regardless of when they got their degree.

    Such changes would provide a dramatic shift towards an economic system which seeks to redistribute wealth not just among citizens – but between the generations.

    Renaud Foucart does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The boomer generation hit the economic jackpot. Young people will inherit their massive debts – https://theconversation.com/the-boomer-generation-hit-the-economic-jackpot-young-people-will-inherit-their-massive-debts-238908

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London meets with NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum about major basketball opportunities in the capital

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Sadiq met NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum to discuss their shared ambition to expand basketball in London
    • Mayor has committed to establishing a first-of-its-kind taskforce to grow the game and wants London to host more NBA games and activities
    • New research shows that 62 per cent of Londoners feel proud of living in London when major sporting events are hosted

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today pledged to build on the growing success of basketball in the capital, as he announced his desire to bring more NBA games and activities to the capital.

    The Mayor met NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum to discuss their shared ambition to expand the sport’s reach and influence in the capital, including through live NBA games. A taskforce will be created to grow the game in London.

    Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and is the country’s second most popular team sport with more than 1.5m playing on a weekly basis.*

    Sadiq has pledged to create a first-of-its-kind basketball taskforce to develop and grow the game, boost access to basketball, attract new events to London, including the return of NBA games, and create positive opportunities for young people. The taskforce will bring together leaders in sport, business, national governing bodies and professional basketball teams and players, and the Mayor has invited senior figures from the NBA to participate.

    The Mayor has previously backed the London Coaches Program, a collaboration between the NBA and Basketball England to train hundreds of coaches across the city and boost basketball participation.

    London has a proud history of hosting high profile North American sporting events and this year hosted the USA Basketball Men’s and Women’s National Teams at the USA Basketball Showcase. The capital also welcomed two Major League Baseball matches between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. In July, Sadiq also held talks with Paul “Triple H” Levesque to discuss the possibility of bringing WrestleMania to London.

    Today’s meeting came as new research showed that Londoners are passionate about major sporting events taking place in the capital**. Polling from YouGov found that 62 per cent of Londoners feel proud of living in London when major sporting events are hosted, with 72 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds feeling proud. More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Londoners think that hosting major sporting events impacts positively on London’s economy.

    An estimated six million people attended sporting events across the capital this summer including the UEFA Champions League Final and European Professional Club Rugby Finals, cementing London’s position as the undisputed sporting capital of the world*** and significantly boosting the capital’s economy.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It was great to meet with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum today to discuss the possibility of bringing more NBA games and activities to London and how we can further expand the game in the capital. Basketball continues to go from strength-to-strength and by creating a new taskforce I want to help it grow even further, enabling more young people to access and enjoy the sport.

    “London has provided the stage for so many unforgettable sporting moments and I’m committed to making sure we further cement our position as the sporting capital of the world. I look forward to working closely with the NBA and other global sports to extend their activities in London and ensure we continue to have a packed calendar of world-class sporting events.

    NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, said: “The NBA has a long history of playing games in London, and we are committed to further growing the game in the city and across the UK. Through grassroots programs for youth and coaches, weekly games that air in primetime on TNT Sports, the beautiful new NBA Store on Oxford Street and more, there has never been a better time to be an NBA fan in London.  We look forward to working more closely with Mayor Khan and his administration to build on these efforts in the years to come.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Guilbeault issues statement following Canada–Norway ministerial on plastic pollution on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued the following statement as Canada and Norway conclude the ministerial consultation on the plastic pollution treaty on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and ahead of the fifth and final negotiations of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in the Republic of Korea later this year.

    September 26, 2024 – Gatineau, Quebec
     
    The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued the following statement as Canada and Norway conclude the ministerial consultation on the plastic pollution treaty on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and ahead of the fifth and final negotiations of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in the Republic of Korea later this year.

    “Plastics are being produced and consumed at a growing rate, travelling beyond national borders, posing a risk to wildlife, and damaging ecosystems. Millions of metric tons of plastic pollution are entering our oceans every year, which is leaving a legacy of environmental impacts for future generations. Canada is taking ambitious action to reduce plastic pollution and help Canadians move toward a circular economy through an evidence-based and comprehensive plan. This plan addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics and keeps plastic in the economy and out of the environment. But we can’t just take action at home—plastic pollution is a global problem that is only getting worse.
     
    “Two years ago, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) unanimously adopted a historic and ambitious resolution to develop a new, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. Canada has been actively involved in the development of this global agreement since then, which included hosting the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) in April 2024 with over 3,000 participants from around the world.

    “To continue the momentum, the Governments of Canada and Norway co-hosted a ministerial consultation on the plastic pollution treaty this week in New York that helped identify areas of convergence ahead of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5).  It is a critical point in negotiations, and Canada invites all member states and ministers to intensify their efforts to chart the path toward an ambitious and effective global deal to protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution. Canada looks forward to working with other member states, Indigenous peoples, intergovernmental partners, and stakeholders to reach a final negotiated agreement to end plastic pollution at the last scheduled negotiation session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in the Republic of Korea this November.”

    Oliver Anderson
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    819-962-0686
    Oliver.Anderson@ec.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Environment and Climate Change Canada
    819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
    media@ec.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alford, Hinson, Miller, Kiggans Lead Republican Conference in Letter Urging House Leadership to Prioritize Farm Bill This Year

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, as first reported by Punchbowl News, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Mary Miller (IL-15), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) led a majority of the House Republican Conference in a letter to House GOP Leadership reaffirming their commitment to advancing a farm bill that meets the needs of production agriculture and rural America.

    The letter, which was signed by 140 Members, emphasized the importance of the Farm Bill and noted that farmers, ranchers, and producers are still living under outdated policies from the 2018 Farm Bill.

    “Farmes and ranchers do not have the luxury of waiting until next Congress for the enactment of an effective farm bill,” said the Members. “Inflation has driven production costs to the highest on record. Meanwhile, commodity prices across the board have fallen precipitously, creating a severe margin squeeze on farm and ranch families … Farm debt, $540 billion, is the highest ever, both nominally and wen adjusted for inflation. These factors show no signs of abating for all major commodities.”

    “The 118th Congress has an opportunity to do right by producers, other agriculture stakeholders, rural communities, and taxpayers by putting more ‘farm’ back in the farm bill and by making responsible reforms and investments across all 12 titles, and the bipartisan H.R. 8467—The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, which was advanced by the House Committee on Agriculture on May 24th of this year, does just that,” the Members continued.

    The Members highlighted the negative impacts of failing to act, noting that the consequences will extend beyond the farm gate — hitting Main Street businesses, rural communities, and the national economy. 

    “We respectfully urge that the enactment of H.R. 8467, or similar legislation that makes meaningful investments in farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, is among the top priorities of the Republican Conference and that this be considered a ‘must-pass’ item in the lame duck session of the 118th Congress,” the Members concluded.

    “We are honored to stand alongside 139 of my colleagues to lead a letter that shows House leadership that Republicans are committed to passing a Farm Bill that supports our nation’s constituents, farmers, ranchers, and rural communities,” said Congressman Alford. “We passed H.R. 8467 out of committee, and now it is time to give it to America. The stakes are high; production costs are up, and farm income is declining. We don’t need an extension, and we don’t need this next year–we need this Farm Bill now. Our producers are worthy of certainty and support for their tireless work in feeding, fueling, and clothing the world.”

    “I led 139 of my colleagues – the majority of the House Republican Conference – in calling for Republican House leadership to bring the Farm Bill up for a vote as soon as possible. This bill passed out of committee with bipartisan support, and I believe would receive bipartisan support on the House Floor from Members who understand that food security is national security. Our farmers don’t have time for games, they need Congress to do the work and come through for them, just like they come through for us each day. I will continue advocating for passage of a strong Farm Bill to ensure Iowa farmers can continue feeding and fueling the world,” said Congresswoman Hinson.

    Click here to read text of the letter.

    In addition to Representatives Alford, Hinson, Miller, and Kiggans, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt, Rick Allen, Mark Amodei, Kelly Armstrong, Jodey Arrington, Brian Babin, Don Bacon, James Baird, Troy Balderson, Jim Banks, Andy Barr, Cliff Bentz, Jack Bergman, Stephanie Bice, Gus Bilirakis, Dan Bishop, Lauren Boebert, Mike Bost, Larry Bucshon, Ken Calvert, Kat Cammack, Mike Carey, Jerry Carl, Earl Carter, John Carter, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Juan Ciscomani, Ben Cline, Tom Cole, Mike Collins, James Comer, Eric Crawford, Dan Crenshaw, Monica De la Cruz, Scott DesJarlais, John Duarte, Neal Dunn, Chuck Edwards, Jake Ellzey, Ron Estes, Mike Ezell, Pat Fallon, Randy Feenstra, A. Ferguson, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, Scott Fitzgerald, Charles Fleischmann, Mike Flood, Vince Fong, Scott Franklin, Carlos Gimenez, Tony Gonzales, Lance Gooden, Kay Granger, Garret Graves, Sam Graves, Michael Guest, Clay Higgins, J. Hill, Erin Houchin, Bill Huizenga, Ronny Jackson, Dusty Johnson, David Joyce, John Joyce, Mike Kelly, Trent Kelly, Young Kim, David Kustoff, Darin LaHood, Nick LaLota, Doug LaMalfa, Doug Lamborn, Nicholas Langworthy, Robert Latta, Jake LaTurner, Michael Lawler, Julia Letlow, Greg Lopez, Barry Loudermilk, Frank Lucas, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Morgan Luttrell, Nicole Malliotakis, Tracey Mann, Michael McCaul, Richard McCormick, Daniel Meuser, Carol Miller, Max Miller, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Marcus Molinaro, John Moolenaar, Barry Moore, Nathaniel Moran, James Moylan, Gregory Murphy, Dan Newhouse, Zachary Nunn, Greg Pence, August Pfluger, Harold Rogers, Mike Rogers, John Rose, David Rouzer, Michael Rulli, John Rutherford, Maria Salazar, Austin Scott, Keith Self, Pete Sessions, Michael Simpson, Adrian Smith, Lloyd Smucker, Pete Stauber, Bryan Steil, Dale Strong, Claudia Tenney, Glenn Thompson, Michael Turner, David Valadao, Jefferson Van Drew, Derrick Van Orden, Ann Wagner, Tim Walberg, Michael Waltz, Randy Weber, Brad Wenstrup, Bruce Westerman, Brandon Williams, Joe Wilson, Robert Wittman, Steve Womack, Rudy Yakym, and Ryan Zinke.

    Background:

    The Farm Bill is omnibus legislation that establishes policies affecting all sectors of the agriculture industry for a five-year period. The most recent legislation, which was passed in 2018 and extended in 2023, expires this year.

    On May 24, 2024, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 to reauthorize the Farm Bill. The legislation supports producers and puts more “farm” back in the farm bill and makes responsible reforms and investments across all 12 titles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mrvan Announces Department of Education Grant for Calumet College of St. Joseph

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN)

    Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced a federal grant award for Calumet College of St. Joseph under the Department of Education’s Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) program.  

    Calumet College of St. Joseph will receive $3 million over five years to implement Camino al Éxito: A GPS for Hispanic Student Success, a program that aims to expand opportunities for Hispanic and low-income students in graduate programs and connect students to postgraduate opportunities by coordinating preparation, enrollment, and support initiatives.  According to the Department of Education, the PPOHA program provides grants to expand educational opportunities for and improve the academic attainment of Hispanic students. 

    Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to all the leaders of Calumet College of St. Joseph for successfully securing this vital federal funding to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students in our region.  I look forward to building on this initiative to continue to ensure that everyone in Northwest Indiana has the opportunity to obtain the education that they seek in order to thrive in our regional economy.” 

    Dr. Amy McCormack, President of Calumet College of St. Joseph, stated, “Calumet College of St. Joseph has offered graduate programs for more than two decades, so it is with great enthusiasm that we are able to take our post-baccalaureate programs and services to the next level.  With support from the Department of Education, we can offer additional services to ensure our graduate students get individualized support to succeed.  We are also very excited to launch new programs and to pursue the feasibility of our first doctorate program.  Expanding the reach of CCSJ and serving the region has never been more important.”

    For more information on the PPOHA grant program, click here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Proactis SA – announcement January 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

        Proactis SA announces results for
    the 18 months period ended 31 January 2024

    Paris – 26thSeptember 2024 – Proactis SA (Euronext: PROAC), a leading provider of comprehensive spend management and business process collaboration solutions, today announced financial information for the year ended 31 January 2024, in accordance with the “European Transparency Obligations Directive” financial disclosure requirements.

    It should be noted at the outset that publication of the results for the year ended January 31, 2024, was originally scheduled for May 31, 2024. Unfortunately, Proactis SA was unable to keep to this timetable, as its statutory auditors were unwilling to issue their reports on the accounts for the period just ended before the completion of the audit of the accounts of Proactis SA’s parent company by the group’s UK auditors.

    Period ended 31 January 2024 – Key Results:

    The Proactis SA Board of Directors approved the accounts for the 18 months period ended 31 January 2024 on 10th September 2024, which have been formally certified by the auditors.  

    € Million   Period ended 31 January 2024 -18 Months   Year ended 31 July 2022 – 12 Months
       
    Revenue   17.9   14.4
       
    EBITDA (*)   2.0   2.8
       
    EBITDA as a % of revenue   11%   19%
    Net Earnings   (16.6)   0.3
       
    Operating Cashflow   3.2   2.3
       
    Cash   0.6   0.9
       
     
    (*) EBITDA: Operating result before depreciation and non-recurring items.    

    Presentation is done on 18 months due to the year-end date change to align with the Proactis Topco Limited Group year-end date change.

    Revenues

    Although the turnover of the Group looks greater due to the change in year-end; it is below the level of the prior period. This is mainly due to the non-renewal of 3rd party solution contracts at the end of contract, or non-renewal of contract in specific non-core product areas. Revenue as presented includes revenue from the Group management fees and split is as follow:

    € Million   Period ended
    31 January 2024    		   Year ended
    31 July 2022
       
             
    Revenue   17.9   14.4
             
    Operating revenue   11.3   9.8
    Management fees   6.6   4.6

    Goodwill Impairment

    Based on the value in use calculations established for the Proactis SA Group, it has been necessary to recognise an impairment. The value in use calculation reflects pipeline conversion delay and the slowdown in volume-related activities during the period under review. The recoverable amount was estimated based on their value in use of €3.3M. An impairment of €3.5M has therefore been recorded.

    Other operating expenses

    Proactis SA Group has recorded a depreciation of 10.9 million euros on the receivables it owns against the current accounts with sister entities. This write-down was recorded at the request of Proactis SA’s statutory auditors. These current accounts result from intra-group transfer pricing billing and are not likely to be repaid in the short term.

    Profitability

    The Company recorded an EBITDA for the period ended 31 January 2024 of €2.0M (€2.8M for the year ended 2022).

    Net Earnings were € (16.6)M versus year ended 31 July 2022: € 0.3M.

    Cashflow

    In the period ended 31 January 2024, the Group‘s operating cash-flow was €3.2M. Capital investment remained strong, at €3.0M, and was focused on the Company’s strategic solution suite; The Business Network. The Group had positive cash balances of €0.6M on 31 January 2024 (31 July 2022: €0.9M).

    * * * *

    About Proactis SA (https://www.proactis.com/proactis-sa), a Proactis Company

    Proactis SA connects companies by providing business spend management and collaborative business process automation solutions for both goods and services, through The Business Network. Our solutions integrate with any ERP or procurement system, providing our customers with an easy-to-use solution which drives adoption, compliance and savings.

    Proactis SA has operations in France, Germany, USA and Manila.

    Listed in Compartment C on the Euronext Paris Eurolist.

    ISIN: FR0004052561, Euronext: PROAC, Reuters: HBWO.LN, Bloomberg: HBW.FP

    Contacts
    Tel: +33 (0)1 53 25 55 00
    E-mail: investorContact@proactis.com

    * * * *

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Bank Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, N.J., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Bank (Nasdaq Global Market: FRBA) invites participation in a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial and operating performance during its third quarter ending on September 30, 2024.

    Event: Earnings Conference Call – Third Quarter 2024
         
    When: Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time
         
    Access: Conference Call Dial-In: (800) 715-9871 (toll free) 
         
      Conference Call Access Code: 1578641
         

    Patrick L. Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew L. Hibshman, Chief Financial Officer, Peter J. Cahill, Chief Lending Officer, and Darleen Gillespie, Chief Retail Banking Officer will provide an overview of third quarter 2024 results. The management presentation typically lasts approximately fifteen to thirty minutes, followed by investor questions and discussion. The Company’s third quarter results will be released after the market closes on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 and will also be available in the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website. Conference replay information is also available on the Company’s website, http://www.firstbanknj.com.

    About First Bank
    First Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered bank with 26 full-service branches in Cinnaminson, Delanco, Denville, Ewing, Fairfield, Flemington (2), Hamilton, Lawrence, Monroe, Pennington, Randolph, Somerset, Williamstown, and Morristown, New Jersey, Doylestown, Trevose, Warminster, West Chester, Paoli, Malvern, Coventry, Devon, Lionville, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, and Palm Beach, Florida. With $3.62 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024, First Bank offers a traditional range of deposit and loan products to individuals and businesses mainly throughout the New York City to Philadelphia corridor. First Bank’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market exchange under the symbol “FRBA”.

    Contact
    Andrew L. Hibshman, Executive Vice President and CFO
    (609) 643-0058, andrew.hibshman@firstbanknj.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project to Create $5.9 Billion Impact

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 26, 2024

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan released the Economic Analysis for the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project (WIRP), the first part of the overall Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Projects. 

    The analysis was done by KPMG LLP and shows an increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $5.9 billion while generating over 30,000 jobs (person years of employment) and 9,500 jobs during the construction phase. A conservative estimate of tax revenues to governments is projected to be upwards of $770 million with value added processing. 

    “Our government believes in supporting the economy by making sound investments to create a stronger Saskatchewan,” Minster Responsible for the Water Security Agency David Marit said. “This is only the start of what could be done, we have a truly remarkable opportunity in front of us to create a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people for generations to come.”

    The overall GDP impact will increase significantly when factoring in the potential value-added benefits over a 50-year period. As seen in other jurisdictions, there is a direct connection to expanding irrigated acres and value-added processing investments.

    “The Government of Saskatchewan continues to discuss the project with the federal government,” Marit said. “We are hopeful they will come as a funding partner as this project is a major economic benefit to the Canadian economy and our country’s food security.”

    The work done by KPMG assessed the influence of increased crop production expenditures on GDP, employment, and taxes, using the 90,000-acre Westside Rehabilitation Irrigation Project.

    As announced in the spring of 2024, the engineering and design of the WIRP is moving forward with the engineering firms of MPE and Stantec as the joint venture Prairie Engineering Partners.   

    The Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Projects are made up of three distinct projects: the Westside Rehabilitation, Westside Expansion, and the Qu’Appelle South Water Conveyance Project. 

    The current focus is on the WIRP as it expands and modernizes infrastructure constructed nearly 40 years ago to irrigate up to 90,000 acres of land. 

    For project updates and to view the report, visit: https://diefenbakerirrigation.ca/.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Successful operation against fraudsters targeting cities and municipalities

    Source: Eurojust

    German and Italian authorities worked together with Eurojust and Europol to stop a fraudulent scheme. The suspects targeted public institutions, cities, and municipalities, and were able to cause damages of several million euros. On 24 September, an operation took place where technology and assets were seized and search warrants against five suspects were executed.

    For over a year, suspects ran a fraudulent scheme in Germany that made them millions. Several public institutions, companies, cities, and municipalities were affected by the scheme. By using phishing techniques, the suspects gained access to real invoices that were addressed to public institutions and companies. The fraudsters manipulated them with their own financial information. The manipulated invoices were then sent to victims, who paid them to the fraudsters instead of their business partners.

    Investigations into the scheme identified five suspects with Italian and German citizenship. As authorities needed to search properties in Germany and Italy, a cross-border case was opened at Eurojust. Coordination through Eurojust defined the strategy of the investigation between the German and Italian authorities. Authorities decided to execute simultaneous searches in the two countries to gather evidence of the fraud and seize assets that were gained through the fraudulent scheme. Europol provided continuous intelligence development to map out the different targets and their criminal activity.

    On 24 September, search warrants against five suspects were executed in Germany and Italy and ten propereties were searched. During the operation, Europol activated a Virtual Command Post to provide support from its headquarters to the investigators on the field as they carried out their enforcement actions. Assets were provisionally secured, and cell phones, computers, and data storage devices were seized. Special Forces will now investigate the seized technology as the investigation continues.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Germany: Public Prosecution Office Leipzig – Central Cybercrime Office, Leipzig Criminal Investigation Department – Commissariat 33 (Cybercrime)
    • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office Naples; Economic and Financial Police Units of the Guardia di Finanza Naples, Verona, Treviso and Bolzano

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the ‘New Right’ in Latin America differs from other emerging far-right movements

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Juan Manuel Morales, PhD Candidate, Political Science, Université de Montréal

    Following the end of the progressive wave of the 2000s and 2010s in Latin America, the right has reinvented itself and regained political space.

    There is the self-styled libertarianism of Javier Milei in Argentina, the protests against leftist president Gustavo Petro in Colombia and the increasingly authoritarian government of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador.

    There’s also a plethora of influencers and media personalities that vociferously defend conservative positions in the region.

    “New Right” candidates are running in municipal elections in Chile and general elections in Uruguay in October.

    What is the New Right?

    Research defines the New Right as “a diverse set of individuals and organizations aiming to maintain societal hierarchies that are perceived as traditional or natural.”

    Whereas the traditional right often showed no interest in democracy and was more concerned with economic issues and fighting communism, the new right uses the tools of democracy to obtain power and govern, and focuses more on cultural issues.

    Chief among these issues is the control of sexuality and gender, which differentiates the new Latin American right from its western counterparts, which are prioritizing the issue of migration.



    Read more:
    Why the ideology of the ‘New Right’ is so dangerous

    The issues

    Researchers have observed the focus on sexuality in the new Latin American right. While conducting field work last year in Colombia with right-wing activists, it became clear to me that groups as diverse as economic libertarians, evangelical anti-abortionists and security hardliners with military backgrounds shared a desire to control the sexuality of others.

    Earlier this year, El Salvador’s Bukele ordered gender-related content removed from the public education system. Argentina’s Milei routinely attacks women’s reproductive rights, and the Peruvian government defined transgender identities as a “mental health problem.”

    These varied efforts seek to maintain heterosexual and binary gender models at the top of the social hierarchy, while people with diverse identities are marginalized. These authoritarian tendencies are aligned with another of the new right’s favourite issues: a tough-on-crime approach to security.

    Bukele has become an inspiration on this matter.



    Read more:
    ‘Bukelism,’ El Salvador’s flawed approach to gang violence, is no silver bullet for Ecuador

    The Argentine and Ecuadorian governments have expressed an interest in building Bukele-style mega-prisons to curb crime.

    Likewise, politicians in different countries market themselves as the local Bukele to win votes.

    Sexuality, crime

    Except for a few countries, migration is not a particularly relevant issue for adherents of the New Right in Latin America.

    This is not due to a lack of migration. More than six million Venezuelans have migrated to other countries in the region as of 2023; several Latin American countries are transit points for migrants trying to reach the United States; internal migration and forced displacement are an ongoing issue for some countries.

    Nevertheless, anti-migrant and nativist views are not commonplace. There is, however, an effort by the New Right to preserve white and white/mixed-race populations as well as western Christian values at the top of the social hierarchy — to the detriment of Latin America’s Indigenous and Black communities.

    The strategies

    The traditional right in Latin America resorted to coups d’état and military dictatorships as part of its repertoire of action. This happened in particular before the 1990s, but it’s also occurred in the last three decades.

    Conversely, the New Right prefers to leverage the tools of democracy to erode the democratic system from within and prolong its grip on power.

    New Right figures now become leaders by winning elections. But once in office, they often try to concentrate power in the executive branch by undermining the separation of powers.

    Bukele, for example, controls the legislative and judicial branches in El Salvador. Jair Bolsonaro took a similar path in Brazil but was ultimately thwarted by the victory of leftist Lula da Silva in 2022.

    The New Right has also become adept at using judicial activism to advance its agenda and curtail the rights of marginalized citizens.

    Grassroots organizing and social activism — tactics traditionally associated with the left — are now part of the New Right’s playbook in Latin America. Social movements were instrumental in the fall of Brazil’s Dilma Roussef and the subsequent 2018 victory of Bolsonaro.

    Right-wing social movement entities have systematically taken to the streets in Colombia to protest the leftist government.

    Evangelical churches have also taken on a more visible role within the New Right, disputing the traditional leadership of the Catholic Church among conservatives. While evangelicals have long been an important electoral force in places like Brazil, they have had more mixed results in other countries.

    Future implications

    The New Right continues to influence the public debate and society at large in Latin America through street and social media activism, as well as institutional politics.

    In 2025, the New Right could make further electoral gains in countries like Chile and Ecuador.

    Because many existing New Right governments regularly undermine democracy and the rights of marginalized communities, it’s important to better understand their strategies and priorities — particularly in a region marred by exclusion and inequality.

    Juan Manuel Morales does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How the ‘New Right’ in Latin America differs from other emerging far-right movements – https://theconversation.com/how-the-new-right-in-latin-america-differs-from-other-emerging-far-right-movements-239267

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: ABC arbitrage Release of the interim financial report as of June 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABC arbitrage announces that as of today its financial report for the first half of 2024 has been publicly released and filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF).

    This document includes the following parts:

    • The half-year activity report
    • The consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2024
    • The statutory auditors’ report
    • Statement by the person responsible for the financial report

    The annual financial report can be consulted on the Group website at: abc-arbitrage.com, in the “Shareholders” page, heading Financial information / Financial reports.

    Contacts : abc-arbitrage.com
    Relations actionnaires : actionnaires@abc-arbitrage.com
    Relations presse: VERBATEE / v.sabineu@verbatee.com    		 EURONEXT Paris – Compartiment B
    ISIN : FR0004040608
    Reuters  BITI.PA / Bloomberg ABCA FP

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Laurie Stewart Named One of American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women to Watch”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Banker names Laurie Stewart, President and CEO of Sound Community Bank, as one of The Most Powerful Women to Watch in 2024.

    Now celebrating its 22nd anniversary, American Banker’s The Most Powerful Women in Banking™ program recognizes individuals and teams for demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, strong business performance, and a commitment to driving real outcomes for diversity, equity, and inclusion in financial services. As part of this program, the Most Powerful Women to Watch rankings highlight influential leaders from top banks and financial institutions.  

    “Keep your eyes on these women in the years ahead,” said Chana Schoenberger, Editor-in-Chief of American Banker. ”They exemplify modern leadership, with significant contributions to both their businesses and the industry at large. It hasn’t been an easy year for bank and financial institutions, but progress continues – not by chance, but through the determined efforts of these women.”

    The honorees will be recognized at THE MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BANKING Gala, scheduled for October 24, 2024, at The Glasshouse in New York City.

    Stewart recently celebrated 34 years with Sound Community Bank. In this span, Stewart led the organization’s conversion from a $38 million dollar credit union to a $1 billion publicly traded commercial bank. Active in the industry, Stewart was one of 14 bankers selected to serve on the inaugural FDIC Community Bank Advisory Board. She is active in trade associations, having served two terms as Chair of the WBA and as Chair of the ABA’s flagship Governmental Affairs Committee. Stewart ascended to Chairperson of the American Bankers Association Board of Directors, becoming only the third woman to hold this role in nearly 150 years. She served two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and is currently serving on the 12th District Head Office Board. She also served as Chair of the National Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors and is a former Chair of the Woodland Park Zoo. Ms. Stewart is the current Secretary/Treasurer of the Jamestown/S’Klallam CDFI. She is the only non-tribal member of the CDFI Board.

    About Sound Community Bank
    Established in 1953, Sound Community Bank is a full-service bank providing personal and business banking services in communities across the greater Puget Sound region. The Seattle-based company operates banking offices in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Jefferson, and Clallam Counties and on the web at http://www.soundcb.com. Sound Community Bank is a subsidiary of Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFBC). On June 30, 2024, Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. reported total assets of $1.1 billion.  

    For Media inquiries, please contact:
    Deena Rataezyk
    Vice President, Director of Marketing & Communications
    deena.rataezyk@soundcb.com
    (206) 204-8169

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cegedim: Revenue and EBITDA both increased in the first half of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

         
     

    PRESS RELEASE

    First-half financial information at June 30, 2024
    IFRS – Regulated information – Audited

    Cegedim: Revenue and EBITDA both increased in the first half of 2024

    • Revenue grew 6.0% as reported and 4.6% LFL to €319.0 million
    • EBITDA rose 6.9% to €52.2 million
    • Recurring operating income(1) (REBIT) fell 3.4% to €10.3 million

    Boulogne-Billancourt, France, September 26, 2024, after the market close

    Cegedim generated consolidated H1 2024 revenues of €319.0 million, a 6.0% year-on-year increase as reported, and EBITDA of €52.2 million, a €3.4 million or 6.9% increase. Recurring operating income fell €0.4 million, or 3.4%, to €10.3 million.

      H1 2024 H1 2023 Change
      in €m (in %) (in €m) (in %) (in €m) in %
    Revenues 319.0 100.0% 301.0 100.00% 18.0 6.0%
    EBITDA(1) 52.2 16.4% 48.8 +16.2% 3.4 6.9%
    Depreciation & amortization -41.9   -38.1   -3.8 -9.8%
    Recurring operating income(1) 10.3 3.2% 10.7 3.6% -0.4 -3.4%
    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1) -2.6   -1.4   -1.2 -88.8%
    Operating income 7.7 2.4% 9.3 3.1% -1.6 -17.1%
    Financial result -5.0   -5.6   0.6 10.8%
    Total tax -2.9   -12.4   9.5 76.8%
    Share of net profit (loss) of equity method companies 0.1   -0.5   0.6 110.3%
    Consolidated net profit -0.1 0.0% -9.2 -3.1% 9.1 99.0%
    Non-controlling interests -0.7   -0.4   -0.3 -69.3%
    Group share 0.6 0.2% -8.8 -2.9% 9.4 107.2%
    Recurring earnings per share(2) (in euros) 0.0 – -0.6 –    
    Earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 – -0.6 –    

    Consolidated revenues rose €18.0 million, or 6.0%, to €319.0 million in H1 2024 compared with €301.0 million in 2023. The positive scope effect of €3.7 million, or 1.2%, was attributable to the first-time consolidation in Cegedim’s accounts of Visiodent starting March 1, 2024. The positive currency impact was €0.5 million, or 0.2%, chiefly owing to appreciation of the pound sterling against the euro. In like-for-like terms(2), revenues rose 4.6% in the first half, in line with the Group’s announced outlook. The performance was attributable to seasonality and the non-recurrence of Ségur public health investments in 2024.

    EBITDA(1) rose €3.4 million between the first half of 2023 and 2024, or 6.9%. The improvement is the result of good management of personnel costs and external costs, in moderate growth as a percentage of revenues even though the amount of R&D capitalization fell and the Group had an additional quarter of start-up costs for its biggest BPO contract.

    ————-
    (1)    Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.
    (2)   At constant scope and exchange rates.

    Depreciation and amortization expenses rose €3.7 million, chiefly due to a €3.1 million increase in R&D amortization (€22.7 million at June 30, 2024 compared with €19.7 million a year earlier) driven by development efforts in recent years.

    Recurring operating income(1) fell €0.4 million to €10.3 million in H1 2024 compared with €10.7 million in 2023.  It amounted to 3.2% of 2024 revenue compared with 3.6% in 2023. The fine EBITDA performance did not drop through to recurring operating income solely because of higher depreciation and amortization. Excluding the impact of Ségur subsidies and at comparable levels of amortization of capitalized R&D, Recurring operating income would have more than doubled.

    Other non-current operating costs(1) amounted to €2.6 million in H1 2024 compared with €1.4 million in the same period in 2023.  The principal items in 2024 were restructuring costs related to the Group’s decision to refocus software for doctors in the UK on Scotland and fees related to the Visiodent acquisition.

    Taking these elements into account, operating income came to €7.7 million at June 30, 2024, compared with €9.3 million a year earlier.

    Financial result was a loss of €5.0 million compared with a €5.6 million loss in H1 2023. Dividend income over the period more than offset the increase in the cost of financial debt.

    Tax was back to normal levels at €2.6 million in H1 2024 compared with €12.4 million in H1 2023. As a reminder, in 2023 the Group made a non-cash adjustment that caused it to record a deferred tax charge corresponding to the downward revision of its estimated remaining deferred tax assets.

    Analysis of business trends by division

    in millions of euros Total Software & Services Flow Data & Marketing BPO Cloud & Support
    Revenue            
    2023 reported

    2023 reclassified (*)

    		 301.0

    301.0

    		 161.5

    150.6

    		 48.2

    46.8

    		 54.9

    54.9

    		 32.8

    32.8

    		 3.5

    15.8
    2024 319.0 152.1 49.5 59.3 39.9 18.1
    Change 6.0% 1.0% 5.8% 8.0% 21.6% 14.5%
                 
    Recurring operating income            
    2023 reported

    2023 reclassified (*)

    		 10.7

    10.7

    		 -2.0

    -2.5

    		 5.6

    5.2

    		 6.6

    6.6

    		 1.4

    1.4

    		 -0.9

    0.0
    2024 10.3 -1.4 5.9 5.3 1.9 -1.3
    Change -3.4% 42.4% 12.8% -19.8% 36.0% na
                 
    Recurring operating margin (as a % of revenues)

    2023 reported

    		  

    3.6%

    		  

    -1.2%

    		  

    11.7%

    		  

    11.9%

    		  

    4.3%

    		  

    -24.7%
    2023 reclassified (*) 3.6% -1.7% 11.1% 11.9% 4.3% 0.3%
    2024 3.2% -1.0% +11.8% 8.9% 4.8% -7.0%
                 

    (*) As of January 1, 2024, our Cegedim Outsourcing and Audiprint subsidiaries—which were previously housed in the Software & Services division—as well as BSV—formerly of the Flow division—have been moved to the Cloud & Support division in order to capitalize on operating synergies between cloud activities and IT solutions integration.

    • Software & Services: H1 2024 revenues posted a €1.5 million increase, and recurring operating income (REBIT)(1) improved by €1.1 million to a loss of €1.4 million, compared with a €2.5 million loss a year earlier.

    ————-
    (1)    Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    Software & Services First half Change

    2024 / 2023
    in millions of euros 2024 2023
    Revenues 152.1 150.6 1.5 1.0%
    Cegedim Santé 38.9 39.8 -1.0 -2.4%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 86.7 84.5 2.3 2.7%
    International businesses 26.5 26.3 0.2 0.6%
    Recurring operating income(1) -1.4 -2.5 1.1 42.4%
    Cegedim Santé -1.6 -1.4 -0.2 -11.8%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 3.4 3.3 0.1 3.5%
    International businesses -3.3 -4.4 1.1 25.6%

    As expected, Cegedim Santé felt the impact of increased R&D amortization (nearly €1 million) and a demanding comparison owing to the non-recurrence of Ségur public health investments (€4.4 million in H1 2023 revenues). The consolidation of Visiodent starting March 1, 2024, only partly offset those two items. Recurring operating income was nearly stable over the first half, but EBITDA increased as expected.

    The other businesses in the division posted REBIT(1) of €1.2 million. A solid performance by HR solutions, which managed to keep costs under control during a phase of strong growth, compensated for slower pharmacy equipment sales post-Ségur. The international businesses got a boost from dynamic sales for doctors in Spain and for insurers in the UK. As we shift our operations, narrowing the focus of our UK doctor’s software business to Scotland continued to generate costs in the first half.

    • Flow: Revenues rose 5.8%, driven by Cegedim e-business (process digitalization and electronic data flows), both of whose businesses made positive contributions; by Invoicing & Procurement, which rebounded in France and is benefiting from the upcoming reform in Germany; and by Healthcare Flow Management, which has dynamic new offerings for hospitals to make their drug purchasing secure. Over the same period, Third-party payer systems posted 3.6% growth. As a result, REBIT(1) rose 12.8%, with Third-party payer systems making the biggest contribution, as Cegedim e-business recorded a large R&D amortization charge.
    • Data & Marketing: Trends differed at this division—Marketing is still going strong, with 20% growth, whereas Data revenues fell 2.8%, particularly abroad. REBIT(1) of €6.6 million was down €1.3 million over the first half owing to high fixed costs in Data and increased depreciation and amortization costs at C-Media (+€1 million) due to heavy investments in updating its digital signage equipment.
    • BPO: Revenue jumped more than 21% over the first half, buoyed notably by a full six months of the contract with Allianz, which started on April 1, 2023, and is expected to generate losses in the early years. But the division reined in those losses so well that REBIT(1) rose €0.5 million in the first half of 2024 to reach €1.9 million, also getting a boost from the HR BPO and digitalization businesses.
    • Cloud & Support: H1 2024 REBIT(1) was a loss of €1.3 million, compared with breakeven a year earlier. The drop was due to surcharges related to the launch of a new cloud offering and recruitment of new offshore teams.

    ———

    (1) Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    Highlights

    Apart from the items cited below, to the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no events or changes during H1 2024 that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    • Acquisition of Visiodent

    On February 15, 2024, Cegedim Santé acquired Visiodent, a leading French publisher of management software for dental practices and health clinics. Visiodent launched the market’s first 100% SaaS solution, Veasy, at a time when it was significantly expanding its organization. Its users now include the country’s largest nation-wide networks of health clinics, both cooperative and privately owned, as well as several thousand dental surgeons in private practice. Visiodent generated revenue of c.€10 million in 2023 and began contributing to Cegedim Group’s consolidation scope on March 1, 2024.

    Cegedim S.A. has been subject to two tax audits since 2018, which have resulted in reassessments relating to the use of tax-loss carryforwards contested by the tax authorities. Cegedim, in consultation with its lawyers, believes that the reassessments are unfounded in light of the applicable tax law and jurisprudence. The Company has therefore taken, and continues to take, all possible avenues of contestation.

    As these appeals are not suspensive, Cegedim has paid the amounts reassessed over time (a total of 23 million euros already paid, including 10.9 million euros disbursed in February 2024). The remaining risk of future disbursements in respect of this dispute thus amounts to only 5 million euros at June 30, 2024.

    However, these disbursements have never given rise to the recognition of a tax charge in the P&L, since the Company considers that these sums will be recoverable at the end of the proceedings (they are recognized as advances paid on the assets side of the balance sheet). Should the outcome be unfavorable, a charge of 28 million euros (of which 23 million has already been paid) would have to be recorded in the consolidated income statement.

    In addition, the consolidated balance sheet must show the future tax savings still realizable in respect of tax loss carryforwards. This “deferred tax asset” amounted to 6.9 million euros at June 30, 2024.
    Should the outcome be unfavorable, the probability of realizing these future savings would become nil, and an adjustment of 6.9 million euros would have to be recorded in the consolidated income statement (with no cash impact, since these gains have never yet been realized).

    Consequently, the risk associated with this dispute is not (or very little) in terms of cash, but rather in terms of a possible adjustment to the consolidated income. The maximum P&L adjustment risk is known: it amounts to 34.9 million euros and will remain unchanged. Only its breakdown varies at each closing: the amount of disputed tax savings (28 million to date) will continue to increase, and that of remaining future savings (6.9 million to date) will decrease accordingly until exhausted.

    In the last quarter of 2023, the Company referred this dispute to the administrative court, which is likely to continue for several years.

    Significant transactions and events post June 30, 2024

    Apart from the items cited below, to the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no post-closing events or changes after June 30, 2024, that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    • New financing arrangement

    On July 31, 2024, Cegedim announced that it had secured a new financing arrangement consisting of a €230 million syndicated loan. The arrangement is split into €180 million of lines drawn upon closing to refinance the Group’s existing debt (RCF and Euro PP, which were to mature in October 2024 and October 2025 respectively) and an additional, undrawn revolving credit facility (RCF) of €50 million. This new financing arrangement will bolster the Group’s liquidity and extend the maturity of its debt to, respectively, 5 years (€30 million, payments every six months); 6 years (€60 million, repayable upon maturity); and 7 years (€90 million, repayable upon maturity).

    Outlook

    Based on the currently available information, the Group expects 2024 like-for-like(2) revenue growth to be in the range of 5-8% relative to 2023. Recurring operating income should continue to improve, following a similar trajectory as in 2023.  

    Recurring operating income(1) is expected to grow, notably thanks to the initial returns on investments made in Cegedim Santé and refocusing international activities.

    These targets may need to be revised in the event of unexpected developments (pandemic, etc.) and/or a significant worsening of geopolitical and macroeconomic risks. The Group reiterates that it has no activities or exposed assets in Russia or Ukraine.

    —————

    The Audit Committee met on September 25, 2024. The Board of Directors, chaired by Jean-Claude Labrune, met on September 26, 2024, and approved the consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2024, of which the statutory auditors have conducted a limited review. The Interim Financial Report will be available in a few days’ time, in French and in English, on our website.

    2024 financial calendar

    2024 October 24 after the close Q3 2024 revenues

    Financial calendar: https://www.cegedim.fr/finance/agenda/Pages/default.aspx

    Disclaimer
    This press release is available in French and in English. In the event of any difference between the two versions, the original French version takes precedence. This press release may contain inside information. It was sent to Cegedim’s authorized distributor on September 26, 2024, no earlier than 5:45 pm Paris time.
    The figures cited in this press release include guidance on Cegedim’s future financial performance targets. This forward-looking information is based on the opinions and assumptions of the Group’s senior management at the time this press release is issued and naturally entails risks and uncertainty. For more information on the risks facing Cegedim, please refer to Chapter 7, “Risk management”, section 7.2, “Risk factors and insurance”, and Chapter 3, “Overview of the financial year”, section 3.6, “Outlook”, of the 2023 Universal Registration Document filled with the AMF on April 3, 2024, under number D.24-0233.

    About Cegedim:
    Founded in 1969, Cegedim is an innovative technology and services group in the field of digital data flow management for healthcare ecosystems and B2B, and a business software publisher for healthcare and insurance professionals. Cegedim employs more than 6,500 people in more than 10 countries and generated revenue of €616 million in 2023.

    Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM).
    To learn more please visit: http://www.cegedim.fr
    And follow Cegedim on X: @CegedimGroup, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    Aude Balleydier
    Cegedim
    Media Relations
    and Communications Manager

    Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09 68 81
    aude.balleydier@cegedim.fr

    		 Damien Buffet
    Cegedim
    Head of Financial Communication

    Tel.: +33 (0)7 64 63 55 73
    damien.buffet@cegedim.com

    		 Céline Pardo
    Becoming RP Agency
    Media Relations Consultant

    Tel.:        +33 (0)6 52 08 13 66
    cegedim@becoming-group.com

    		  

    ———

    (1) Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.
    (2) At constant scope and exchange rates.

    Annexes

    Consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2024

    • Assets au 30 juin 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Goodwill 234,955 199,787
    Development costs 29,706 1,562
    Other intangible fixed assets 177,834 192,616
    Intangible non-current assets 207,541 194,178
    Land 594 544
    Buildings 1,556 1,660
    Other property, plant, and equipment 53,006 45,829
    Advances and non-current assets in progress 901 831
    Rights of use 86,092 89,718
    Tangible fixed assets 142,149 138,582
    Equity investments 0 0
    Loans 16,332 15,332
    Other long-term investments 7,120 5,230
    Long-term investments – excluding equity shares in equity method companies 23,452 20,563
    Equity shares in equity method companies 19,086 22,065
    Deferred tax assets 18,209 19,747
    Prepaid expenses: long-term portion 0 0
    Non-current assets 645,390 594,922
    Goods 6,072 5,498
    Advances and deposits received on orders 1,396 3,703
    Accounts receivables: short-term portion 182,907 175,199
    Other receivables: short-term portion 59,070 59,563
    Current tax credits 27,262 16,495
    Cash equivalents 0 0
    Cash 35,414 46,606
    Prepaid expenses: short-term portion 26,138 22,082
    Current assets 338,260 329,146
    Total assets 983,651 924,068
    • Liabilities et shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Share capital 13,432 13,337
    Consolidated retained earnings 276,449 282,521
    Group exchange gains/losses -11,848 -12,275
    Group earnings 630 -7,407
    Shareholders’ equity, Group share 278,663 276,175
    Minority interest 17,550 18,381
    Shareholders’ equity 296,213 294,556
    Non-current financial liabilities 187,714 188,546
    Non-current lease liabilities 76,267 78,761
    Deferred tax liabilities 5,949 5,600
    Post-employment benefit obligations 30,632 31,007
    Non-current provisions 2,147 2,521
    Non-current liabilities 302,710 306,435
    Current financial liabilities 61,570 3,006
    Current lease liabilities 14,661 14,789
    Trade payables and related accounts 57,225 61,734
    Current tax liabilities 192 235
    Tax and social security liabilities 113,884 121,371
    Non-current provisions 1,660 1,730
    Other current liabilities 135,538 120,212
    Current liabilities 384,728 323,077
    Total liabilities 983,651 924,068
    • Income statement at June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 6/30/2023
    Revenues 318,995 301,011
    Purchases used -14,045 -14,739
    External expenses -72,687 -66,371
    Taxes -3,961 -4,291
    Payroll costs -173,240 -163,623
    Impairment of trade receivables and other receivables and on contract assets -872 -2,041
    Allowances to and reversals of provisions -2,440 -1,830
    Other operating expenses -690 108
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates on the income statement 1,146 603
    EBITDA (1) 52,207 48,827
    Depreciation expenses other than right-of-use assets -33,140 -29,030
    Depreciation expenses of right-of-use assets -8,733 -9,097
    Recurring operating income(1) 10,334 10,700
    Non-recurring operating income and expenses -2,616 -1,385
    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1) -2,616 -1,385
    Operating income 7,718 9,315
    Income from cash and cash equivalents 326 180
    Cost of gross financial debt -7,121 -5,633
    Other financial income and expenses 1,813 -136
    Net financial income (expense) -4,983 -5,589
    Income taxes -1,226 -1,841
    Deferred income taxes -1,652 -10,588
    Tax -2,878 -12,429
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates 53 -515
    Consolidated net profit -90 -9,219
    Group share 630 -8,793
    Income from equity-accounted affiliates -721 -426
    Average number of shares excluding treasury stock 13,695,317 13,658,348
    Recurring earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 -0.6
    Earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 -0.6
    • Cash flow statement as of June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 6/30/2023
    Consolidated net profit -90 -9,219
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates -1,199 -88
    Depreciation and amortization expenses and provisions 40,531 37,972
    Capital gains or losses on disposals of operating assets -52 -798
    Cash flow after cost of net financial debt and taxes 39,190 27,867
    Cost of net financial debt 4,983 5,589
    Tax expenses 2,878 12,429
    Cash flow from operating activities before tax and interest 47,051 45,885
    Tax paid -11,634 -378
    Impact of change in working capital requirements -13,206 -18,032
    Cash flow generated from operating activities after tax paid and change in

    working capital requirements

    		 22,211 27,476
    Acquisitions of intangible fixed assets -29,879 -29,550
    Acquisitions of tangible fixed assets -15,935 -11,759
    Acquisitions of long-term investments 0 -36
    Disposals of property, plant, and equipment and of intangible assets 553 2,575
    Disposals of long-term investments 934 805
    Change in deposits received or paid -860 -156
    Impact of changes in consolidation scope -35,454 -2,172
    Dividends received from outside the Group 4,073 30
    Net cash from (used in) investing activities -76,568 -40,264
    Capital increase 985 –
    Dividends paid to minority shareholders of consolidated cos. 0 –
    Dividends paid to shareholders of the parent company -1 –
    Debt issuance 55,000 –
    Debt repayments -219 -193
    Employee profit sharing 145 129
    Repayment of lease liabilities -8,152 -11,353
    Interest paid on loans -972 -117
    Other financial income received 718 596
    Other financial expenses paid -3,612 -3,492
    Net cash flow used in financing activities 43,892 -14,430
    Change in net cash excluding currency impact -10,465 -27,218
    Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates -728 -456
    Change in net cash -11,194 -27,674
    Opening cash 46,606 55,553
    Closing cash 35,412 27,879
    • Financial covenants

    The Group complied with all its covenants as of June 30, 2024.

    (1) Alternative performance indicator

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flow Traders Q3 2024 Pre-close Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Flow Traders Q3 2024 Pre-close Call

    Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Flow Traders Ltd. (Euronext: FLOW) publishes the Q3 2024 pre-close call script to be used with analysts post the market close on 26 September 2024.

    Flow Traders will conduct a pre-close call with the analyst community post the European market close today, prior to the start of the silent period on 1 October 2024. The script to be used can be found on our website.

    https://www.flowtraders.com/investors/results-centre

    Contact Details

    Flow Traders Ltd.

    Investors
    Eric Pan
    Phone:         +31 20 7996799
    Email:        investor.relations@flowtraders.com

    Media
    Laura Peijs
    Phone:         +31 20 7996799
    Email:        press@flowtraders.com

    About Flow Traders

    Flow Traders is a leading global financial technology-enabled liquidity provider in financial products, historically specialized in Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), now expanding into other asset classes. Flow Traders ensures the provision of liquidity to support the uninterrupted functioning of financial markets. This allows investors to continue to buy or sell ETPs or other financial instruments under all market circumstances. We continuously grow our organization, ensuring that our trading desks in Europe, the Americas and Asia can provide liquidity across all major exchanges, globally, 24 hours a day. Founded in 2004, we continue to cultivate the entrepreneurial, innovative and team-oriented culture that has been with us since the beginning. Please visit http://www.flowtraders.com for more information.

    Important Legal Information

    This publication is prepared by Flow Traders Ltd. and is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and you must not rely on the content of this document when making any investment decisions. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice and is not to be regarded as investor marketing or marketing of any security or financial instrument, or as an offer to buy or sell, or as a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, securities or financial instruments.

    The information and materials contained in this publication are provided ‘as is’ and Flow Traders Ltd. or any of its affiliates (“Flow Traders”) do not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and materials and expressly disclaim liability for any errors or omissions. This publication is not intended to be, and shall not constitute in any way a binding or legal agreement, or impose any legal obligation on Flow Traders. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, are those of their respective owners. All rights reserved. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Flow Traders. No part of it may be redistributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of Flow Traders.

    Flow Traders expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any statements contained in this publication to reflect any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based. Unless the source is otherwise stated, the market, economic and industry data in this publication constitute the estimates of our management, using underlying data from independent third parties. We have obtained market data and certain industry forecasts used in this publication from internal surveys, reports and studies, where appropriate, as well as market research, publicly available information and industry publications. The third party sources we have used generally state that the information they contain has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed and that the projections they contain are based on a number of assumptions.

    By accepting this publication you agree to the terms set out above. If you do not agree with the terms set out above please notify legal.amsterdam@nl.flowtraders.com immediately and delete or destroy this publication.

    Market Abuse Regulation

    This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

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    The MIL Network –