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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt not addressing health workforce crisis

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure.

    “Since National came into government, we’ve had secrecy around cuts, hiring freezes and voluntary redundancies,” Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

    “National campaigned on a workforce crisis and Shane Reti said he would deliver a workforce plan – where is it?

    “In Government, Labour published a comprehensive assessment of gaps and actions to address needs across the health sector. In contrast, National has not been upfront about the nature and extent of the needs, nor how they will address staff shortages.

    “Labour’s plan for financial year 2023-2024 led to hiring more than 4000 staff and was upfront about where further training and investment was needed,” Ayesha Verrall said.

    Mental health spokesperson Ingrid Leary said we welcome the training of extra mental health workers.

    “However the Mental Health Workforce plan is scant and underwhelming in its failure to address recruitment incentives, retention, career pathways and immigration settings,” Ingrid Leary said.

    “It also does nothing to address mental health workforce in rural areas, the far north and southern areas where the need is most critical.

    “We have a mental health workforce crisis including a brain drain to Australia, and the government isn’t addressing the current hiring freeze, burn out and low morale,” said Ingrid Leary.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Data shows school attendance is on the rise

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says data released today shows increased school attendance in Term 2 of 2024 with 53.2 per cent of students regularly attending, an increase of 6.1 percentage points compared to the same term last year.

    Regular attendance across primary students increased by 7 percentage points, to 56.8 per cent, and by 4.5 percentage points for secondary students to 46.7 per cent. Rates also rose across all ethnicity groups, year levels, and school equity index groups.

    “Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive education outcomes. Positive education outcomes can lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves,” says Mr Seymour.

    “Every single education region showed increases in regular attendance, with South and South-West Auckland, and Tai Tokerau demonstrating the largest increases compared to Term 2 2023, with increases of 10.3 and 9.4 percentage points respectively.”

    Students are regularly attending school when they are present for more than 90 per cent of the term. The Government target for student attendance is 80 per cent of students present for more than 90 per cent of the term by 2030.

    “Missing a week or more of school in a term may not seem like a lot but actually equates to missing one year of schooling by the time the student is 16. Regular attendance is so important for giving students the best opportunities and setting them up for success,” says Mr Seymour.

    “Winter illnesses played a significant role and attendance numbers are still behind the same period in 2019, when almost 58 per cent of students were regularly attending school. Although school attendance is on the rise, the government is working hard to raise it further.

    “Today I am announcing new initiatives that form Phase 2 of the Attendance Action Plan to ensure that schools, the Ministry of Education, wider government, family, and caregivers are doing everything they can to get students back to school.

    “If the truancy crisis isn’t addressed there will be an 80-year long shadow of people who missed out on education when they were young, are less able to work, less able to participate in society, more likely to be on benefits. That’s how serious this is.”

    Note to editors: Attendance data can be found here Attendance | Education Counts

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Haiti Caucus and Tri-Caucus Statement on False and Dangerous Rhetoric About Haitian Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), along with Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Steven Horsford (NV-04), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Judy Chu (CA-28), issued the following statement condemning the false and dangerous lies about Haitian, Latino, and Asian immigrants.

    “We, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, stand united in condemning the false, hateful, and dangerous rhetoric directed at Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. These disgraceful lies, perpetuated by Donald Trump, Senator J.D. Vance, and Republicans, are not only rooted in xenophobia, racism, and anti-Blackness, but are also the latest attempt by Republicans to sow division and fear within our communities and distract from their deeply unpopular agenda.

    “These lies target some of the most vulnerable among us — individuals and families fleeing violence, instability, and humanitarian crises in search of a better life. Our Haitian neighbors, including our Latino and Asian families, who have come to the United States, seek safety and opportunity, and the contributions they make to our cultural and economic fabric are endless. To demonize and dehumanize them with baseless accusations puts their lives at risk and is an affront to everything we stand for as a nation.

    “To be clear: these lies have had very real consequences. Haitian families in Springfield and across the country are living in fear, facing harassment, and facing bomb threats. Children lie awake at night not knowing if they’ll be safe come morning, and parents are consumed with worry for their babies’ safety. We’ve seen this tired playbook before, and we will not stand for it.

    “If you come for one of us, you come for all of us. As leaders of the Haiti Caucus, CBC, CHC, and CAPAC, we stand in solidarity with Haitian immigrants and all of our families who have been unjustly targeted. We urge our colleagues to reject this vile rhetoric and instead advance policies that affirm the dignity and humanity of all people, starting with our most vulnerable.”

    As Representative for the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District, Congresswoman Pressley serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country, with approximately 46,000 Haitians and Haitian-Americans living across the state and over half in the Boston metropolitan area. Additionally, Massachusetts is home to more than 4,700 Haitians with Temporary Protected Status.

    • On September 20, 2024, Rep. Pressley and her Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs joined colleagues and advocates at a press conference to stand in solidarity with Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio and across America, and to demand accountability for the harmful and false narratives perpetuated by Republicans.
    • On June 28, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Biden-Harris Administration’s extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). 
    • On April 23, 2024, Rep. Pressley, alongside Co-Chairs Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), led a group of 50 lawmakers urging the Biden Administration to redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), pause on deportations back to Haiti, extend humanitarian parole to any Haitians currently detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s detention centers, end detention of Haitian migrants intercepted at sea, and provide additional humanitarian assistance for Haiti.
    • On April 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs led a letter to House Ways and Means Committee leadership emphasizing support for the early renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts, commonly known as HOPE/HELP. 
    • On April 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Haitian-led activists, organizations, and a directly impacted person in Haiti for a press call urging federal action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
    • On March 27, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and her colleagues on the Massachusetts congressional delegation in urging the Biden Administration to expedite visa processing for Haitians, particularly  for relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
    • On March 18, Rep. Pressley, Senator Markey, and the House Haiti Caucus led 67 lawmakers on a letter urging the Biden Administration to extend TPS for Haiti and halt deportations.
    • On March 12, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Cherfilus McCormick and Yvette Clarke issued a statement on the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
    • On March 6, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the recent jailbreak and State of Emergency in Haiti.
    • On December 8, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke urged the U.S. Department of State to withdraw U.S. support for an armed foreign intervention in Haiti and encourage negotiations for a Haitian-led democratic political transition.
    • On December 6, 2022, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Biden Administration’s extension and re-designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
    • On December 1, 2022, Rep. Pressley, Rep. Cori Bush, and Rep. Mondaire Jones led 14 of their colleagues on a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Department to extend and redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
    • In September 2022, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Velázquez led 54 of their colleagues on a letter calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations to Haiti and provide humanitarian parole protections for those seeking asylum. The lawmakers’ letter followed the Administration’s resumption of deportation flights to Haiti as thousands of Haitian migrants continue to await an opportunity to make an asylum claim at the border. 
    • In September 2022, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues on the House Oversight Committee in demanding answers regarding the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback and pushing to Biden Administration to end the ongoing use and weaponization of Title 42.
    • On August 17, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Val Demings, Yvette Clarke, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), called on President Biden to appoint a new Special Envoy to Haiti, a position that has remained unfilled since September 2021.
    • On July 7, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Andy Levin (MI-09), Val Demings (FL-10) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.
    • On May 31, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Reverend Dieufort Fleurissaint, chair of Haitian Americans United, published an op-ed in the Bay State Banner in which they called on the Biden administration to withdraw support for de facto ruler of Haiti, Ariel Henry, and instead support an inclusive, civil society-led process to restore stability and democracy on the island. 
    • In April 2022, she joined her colleagues at a press conference reaffirming her support for President Biden’s decision to end Title 42. Full video of her remarks at the press conference is available here. Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden Administration’s end of Title 42 in a statement in April 2022.
    • On May 26, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with with Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Andy Levin (MI-09), Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), led a letter to United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Power urging her to act to ensure food security in Haiti.
    • On March 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Mondaire Jones called on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky to fully end Title 42, cease deportations of people to Haiti and affirm their legal and fundamental human right to seek asylum.
    • On February 16, 2022, Rep. Pressley joined Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and 100 House and Senate colleagues in urging President Biden to reverse inhumane immigration policies – such as Title 42, originally introduced under the Trump Administration – that continue to disproportionately harm Black migrants.
    • On February 14, 2022, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), alongside Representatives Judy Chu (CA-27) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), led 33 other House Democrats on a letter to Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, demanding answers about the agency’s justification for treating asylum seekers as a unique public health threat, how these expulsions are being coordinated, how asylum seekers being returned to dangerous situations are being cared for, and more.
    • On February 14, 2022, Reps. Pressley, Judy Chu (CA-27), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) led 33 other House Democrats on a letter to CDC Director Walensky demanding answers about the agency’s justification for treating asylum seekers as a unique public health threat, how these expulsions are being coordinated, how asylum seekers being returned to dangerous situations are being cared for, and more. Days later, Rep. Pressley once again called on the Biden Administration to reverse the Title 42 Order and other anti-Black immigration policies.
    • On January 12, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09), and Val Demings (FL-10) released a statement on the 12-year anniversary of the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.
    • On November 21, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren led the Massachusetts congressional delegation on a letter to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) calling on them to coordinate with the government agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to assist newly arrived families from Haiti. 
    • On October 18, 2021, Rep. Pressley, and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Val Demings (FL-10), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Andy Levin (MI-09) issued a statement following the kidnapping of American and Canadian missionaries in Haiti.
    • On October 18, 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the civil rights complaint filed by Haitian families demanding a federal investigation into the heinous actions perpetrated by federal officials at the border.
    • On October 22, 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Reps. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), sent a letter to Troy A. Miller, the Acting Administrator of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), demanding a briefing and answers regarding press reports of the inhumane treatment of migrants in Del Rio, Texas, by Border Patrol agents on horseback. 
    • On September 17, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) led 52 of their colleagues calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt deportations to Haiti and take urgent action to address the concerns of the Haitian Diaspora after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti.
    • On August 14, 2021, Rep. Pressley Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Val Demings (FL-10) and Mondaire Jones (NY-17) released a statement regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti.
    • On July 14, 2021, Rep. Pressley and Haiti Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Andy Levin (MI-09) and Val Demings (FL-10) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling on him to take a series of steps to support the Haitian diaspora amid ongoing political turmoil in Haiti.
    • In July 2021, the Reps. Pressley, Clarke, Demings and Levin issued a statement condemning the assassination of President Moïse and calling for swift and decisive action to bring political stability and peace to Haiti and the Haitian people.
    • In May 2021, on Haitian Flag Day, Reps. Pressley, Levin, Clarke and Demings announced the formation of the House Haiti Caucus, a Congressional caucus dedicated to pursuing a just foreign policy that puts the needs and aspirations of the Haitian people first.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on Vote to Keep Government Funded

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal released the following statement after voting for H.R. 9747, a Continuing Resolution (CR), to prevent a government shutdown. The legislation passed 341-82.

    “Today the GOP majority in the House of Representatives was bailed out by Democrats, as we voted to keep our government from shutting down. A government shutdown would delay flights, stall food safety inspections, increase wait times for Social Security benefits, and much more. Yet Republicans insisted on playing politics with this vote, last week attaching it to poison pill legislation that they knew would fail. 

    “Many of their members still refused to vote for this legislation today since it no longer had extreme MAGA measures attached. Democrats once again stood up for poor and working people, seniors, and all those across the country who would’ve been affected by a government shutdown and kept our government open.

    “However, this CR only serves to kick the can down the road. I hope that in December when it expires, Republicans are able to work with us to pass a full budget that works for poor and working families.”

    Issues: Health Care, Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure, Jobs, Labor, & the Economy, Public Safety & Criminal Justice

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wittman Statement on Government Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement after voting for the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act:

    “With the end of the fiscal year approaching and Senate Democrats refusing to negotiate with the House on an acceptable topline number for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), I voted today for a short-term funding measure to keep the government open and operating for Americans.

    “Earlier this month, I supported a plan for a funding measure paired with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act – which I am a proud cosponsor of – so that we could both meet our funding obligations and ensure election security. I remain frustrated that House Democrats tanked such a common sense piece of legislation. 

    “The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act is a very narrow, bare-bones bill including only the extensions that are absolutely necessary. It will prevent the Senate from jamming the House with a bill loaded with billions in new spending and unrelated provisions. While this is not the solution I prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances. 

    “As a longtime advocate for fiscal responsibility, I continue to call for a return to regular order. Congress should have worked through August instead of taking a break for recess in order to pass all 12 government funding bills. That is why I’ve continued to introduce legislation that would bring transparency back to the budget process and hold Members of Congress accountable for not completing their work on time.”

    To date, the House has passed legislation to fund more than 70% of federal government operations for FY25 while the Senate has yet to pass a single FY25 government funding bill.

    Background on Rep. Wittman’s government accountability legislation to fix the government budget and funding process: 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman

    September 25, 2024

    Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement after voting for a continuing resolution to fund the government for an additional 3 months: 

    “Sadly, instead of working with Democrats to fully fund the government for the next year, on a bipartisan basis in a divided government, House Republicans wasted months on extreme Project 2025 funding bills that had no chance of becoming law. Instead of working for the people, they spent the summer signaling their loyalty to former president Trump and extreme special interests. 

    “Thankfully, the continuing resolution that came to the floor excludes some of the poison pills that were too bitter for even many Republicans to swallow. And once again, the government has been funded because more Democrats voted to avoid a shutdown than Republicans.

    “However, this continuing resolution will leave the American people fretting the chance of a shutdown during the holiday season. The American people deserve better.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Votes in Favor of Continuing Resolution to Avoid a Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act of 2025 to avoid a government shutdown:

    “Although governing by continuing resolution is not ideal, it is far better than the alternative. A full government shutdown would cause undue, harmful disruptions to our national security and vital programs that constituents in Oklahoma’s Fourth District rely on. On top of that, a shutdown would cost the American taxpayers billions due to back-paid furloughed workers, increased costs from delayed starts, and constrained economic growth,” said Congressman Cole. “All of this makes it clear – a government shutdown is not the answer. On the contrary, this continuing resolution is a win for Republicans, as it ensures the government will continue to serve the American people and, better yet, it ensures the American people – and more importantly the next president – have a say in the appropriations process.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Blunt Rochester Statement on Passage of House Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL)

    Rep. Blunt Rochester Statement on Passage of House Continuing Resolution

    WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester released the following statement after the House passed a continuing resolution to keep the government open through December 20:

    “Today, the House passed a bipartisan, short-term continuing resolution that will keep our government and agencies operating, and our military prepared. Because of this legislation, we will avoid a government shutdown and provide relief to the American people who are concerned about their access to government resources. The House and Senate must now work together in good faith on full-year funding legislation, consistent with the bipartisan terms set in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Bipartisanship is not only the right path forward – it is what the American people deserve.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brownley Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution to Avert Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) issued the following statement following House passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. This funding bill, commonly referred to as a Continuing Resolution (CR), puts Congress on a path to avert a government shutdown by authorizing continued discretionary funding over the course of the next three months.

    “Extreme MAGA Republicans and their leader, former President Trump, have repeatedly threatened to shut down the government and to hold our economy and the American people hostage over their insistence on implementing the radical policies laid out in Trump’s Project 2025,” said Congresswoman Brownley. 

    “We all know a government shutdown would not only have a devastating economic impact, but it would hinder our military readiness, weaken our national security, deprive veterans of benefits they have earned, prohibit seniors from enrolling in Social Security, and jeopardize the critical services and programs that American families rely on.

    “House Democrats rejected the harmful and dangerous efforts by the extreme wing of the Republican Party to add poison pill riders on budget bills. The continuing resolution that emerged through bicameral, bipartisan negotiations, is not perfect, but it represents a reasonable compromise. 

    “This funding bill reflects House Democrats’ commitment to putting people over politics by curbing MAGA extremism and moving the nation forward, and that is why I voted for its passage. I trust that the Senate and the President will act swiftly so that we can keep the federal government open and continue to serve the American people.”

    ###

    Issues: 118th Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chavez-DeRemer Helps Secure Protections for SNAP Theft Victims in Bipartisan Stopgap Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) voted in favor of H.R. 9747, a stopgap funding bill that will prevent a government shutdown on September 30 and extend critical programs, including protections for victims of SNAP theft. Chavez-DeRemer joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues last month, urging congressional leadership to extend these reimbursement protections. 

    The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill on a bipartisan vote, and it now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. 

    “I’ve consistently voted in a bipartisan manner to fund the government and prevent shutdowns because it’s the right thing to do for Oregonians. This bill will give the White House and congressional leaders from both parties more time to negotiate and fully fund the government for fiscal year 2025. In this divided Congress, it’s critical to find common ground so we can get back to addressing key issues for our constituents like passing the Agriculture Committee’s bipartisan Farm Bill, lowering utility bills, making housing more affordable, and improving public safety,” Chavez-DeRemer said.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leger Fernández Statement on the Passage of the Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM)

    The Legislation Extends the Filing Deadline for Victims of the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fires

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Leger Fernández released the following statement after voting for H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, which passed the House tonight by a widely bipartisan vote of 341-82. 

    “For weeks, extreme Republicans and Trump threatened a government shutdown unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) necessary to keep the government open included a radical Project 2025 proposal that would have made it harder to register and vote,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández.

    “While this CR is far from perfect, we know that if we fail to act, millions of Americans will suffer the consequences. That is why I voted alongside my Democratic colleagues to put People Over Politics today and pass a clean CR,” she continued.

    “For months, we advocated for this bill to include help for those suffering from the aftermath of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. Thanks to our work, this bill extends the filing deadline for a notice of loss until December 20, 2024, for victims of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and its cascading events. The CR also extends the deadline by which flood insurance premiums must be paid from May 31, 2024, to December 20, 2024. This will ensure claimants have additional time to purchase flood insurance—a vital protection as cascading events continue to threaten communities in New Mexico,” she continued.

    “While this is a big win, there is still more work to do.  Before this extension expires, we hope to pass the entire Hermit’s Peak Claims Extension Act to extend the deadline for two years, so all potential claimants have time to file,” she continued.

    We will continue fighting for those affected by the fires and all New Mexicans as we negotiate a final funding bill,” she concluded.

    A bill summary can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM tells US investors “Britain is open for business” as he secured major £10 billion deal to drive growth and create jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    A major £10 billion investment which will create thousands of jobs in the North East of England has been announced by the Prime Minister in New York today.

    • Major U.S. company Blackstone has confirmed a £10 billion investment in the North East of England to create one of the largest artificial intelligence data centres in Europe 
    • Move will create 4,000 jobs for British people and benefit the local community in Blyth  
    • Prime Minister continues his international drive to boost the UK’s reputation on the global stage, unlock new opportunities to drive growth at home and improve the lives of British people

    A major £10 billion investment which will create thousands of jobs in the North East of England has been announced by the Prime Minister in New York today.  

    The deal with US investment company Blackstone, facilitated by the Office for Investment, will create the biggest AI data centre in Europe, boosting the UK’s world leading capabilities in the AI sector and driving growth in the local community. 

    Over 4,000 jobs will be created as a result, including 1,200 roles dedicated to the construction of the site in Blyth, Northumberland. Construction on the site is expected to begin next year, with the data centres set to store the vast amount of data needed to power AI, and to store the information generated by AI systems.  

    The Prime Minister’s number one mission for government is economic growth, and foreign investment will be a key part of driving it – by creating jobs which will put money into the pockets of hard-working British people.  

    The local community in Blyth – which suffered as a result of the failure of BritishVolt – will also directly benefit from the investment, with Blackstone confirming it will invest £110 million into a fund – supporting further skills training and transport infrastructure in the area.  

    The UK is already home to the highest number of data centres in Western Europe and just last month, the government classed data centres as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’ in the first designation in almost a decade to provide greater reassurance to businesses that the UK is a secure place to invest in and develop data centres.   

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    The number one mission of my government is to grow our economy, so that hard-working British people reap the benefits – and more foreign investment is a crucial part of that plan.

    New investment such as the one we’ve announced with Blackstone today is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and it proves that Britain is back as a major player on the global stage and we’re open for business.

    Jon Gray, President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, said: 

    The UK is a top investment market for Blackstone because of its powerful combination of talent and innovation along with a highly transparent legal system.  We are making significant commitments to building social housing, facilitating the energy transition, growing life sciences companies and developing critical infrastructure needed to fuel the digital economy. This includes a projected £10 billion investment to build one of Europe’s largest hyperscale data centres supporting 4,000 jobs. Blackstone is committed to Britain.

    The Prime Minister will meet Blackstone President Jon Gray in New York this morning, as he seeks to rebuild Britain’s reputation as an investment destination in order to drive growth and create opportunities for British people.  

    This comes ahead of the UK’s International Investment Summit in October, which is set to bring together hundreds of leading CEOs and investors set to attend representing the best of business across the globe, with an ambitious programme to showcase the UK’s economic strengths. 

    The summit will rebuild Britain’s reputation as an investment destination to drive growth and create opportunities for British people and cement the government’s enduring partnership with businesses to give them the certainty they need to invest and grow in the UK.

    Today’s investment also bolsters the UK’s bilateral trading relationship with the US which is already worth over £340 billion – making the US our largest single trading partner.  

    Every day, 1.2 million Americans go to work for UK-owned businesses and 1.3 million Brits work for US owned companies. Just last year the UK and US together invested over $1.2 trillion in each other’s economies, across key sectors like financial services, green infrastructure, real estate and technology.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro Hosts 2nd Integrated Resilience and Mental Health Forum

    Source: United States Navy

    WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro hosted the Department of the Navy’s second Integrated Resilience and Mental Health Forum, September 25.

    The forum aimed to foster meaningful discussion across DON stakeholders, enhance the visibility of ongoing and new Navy and Marine Corps initiatives, and cultivate an environment for dialogue centered on mental health and resilience practices.

    “As evidence of the importance and impact of this forum, last time we met, we discussed our dire need for more mental health providers across the Fleet and the Force,” said Secretary Del Toro. “It’s important to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s a recognition that we all need support from time to time.”

    More than 15 senior leaders and civilians from across the Department attended the forum, including the, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Franklin Parker, Mr. Montel Williams, Dr. Matthew Miller Executive Director, office of Suicide Prevention, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and RADM Rick Freedman, Navy Deputy Surgeon General.

    “I’m glad you were able to make it today, and I am incredibly excited to hear about your work with The Research and Recognition Project and about the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories,” said Secretary Del Toro. “As we all know, the unique stressors of combat can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and these conditions can have a profound impact on our people’s ability to function effectively, both in the military and in civilian life.”

    The Secretary has continued to champion mental health and resiliency initiatives across the Department, and looks for this effort to build on the great work Sailors and Marines are already doing in the Navy and Marine Corps.

    In developing these forums, Secretary Del Toro seeks to assess strengthen the state of DON resilience and mental health programs, identify gaps, and create a process to enhance collaboration on these important topics.

    The forum is not a task force or working group, but is meant to facilitate an enduring environment of openness and collaboration to ensure continuity of effort across Navy and Marine Corps programs.

    “The demands of modern military service are unprecedented, requiring our Sailors and Marines to operate in complex, high-stress environments,” said Secretary Del Toro. “As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that our personnel are equipped to not only meet these challenges but also to thrive in the face of adversity.”

    In the future, the forum plans to hear from external partners from other military services, government agencies, academia, and the nonprofit sector.

    The forums will occur on a biannual basis, with the next one already scheduled for this upcoming spring.

    -30-

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Infinera Reminds Infinera Stockholders of Deadline for Infinera Stockholders to Elect Form of Merger Consideration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infinera Corporation (NASDAQ: INFN) (“Infinera”) today reminded Infinera stockholders of the upcoming deadline to elect the form of merger consideration that they wish to receive in the pending acquisition of Infinera by Nokia Corporation (“Nokia”) (the “Transaction”). This deadline is 5:00 p.m. New York City time on September 30, 2024 (the “Election Deadline”), which is the business day immediately prior to the special meeting of Infinera stockholders to be held in connection with the Transaction. No elections will be permitted after the Election Deadline.

    Infinera stockholders of record wishing to make an election as to the form of consideration they wish to receive must deliver a properly completed and executed election form, together with all required documents and materials, to Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Exchange Agent”) by the Election Deadline. An election will be valid only if a properly completed and signed election form, together with all required documents and materials set forth in the Election Form and the instructions thereto, is received by the Exchange Agent by the Election Deadline.

    Infinera stockholders who hold shares through a bank, broker or other nominee will receive the election form through their bank, broker, or other nominee. Infinera stockholders who hold shares through a bank, broker or other nominee may be subject to an earlier election deadline and must carefully review and properly complete any election materials that they receive from their bank, broker or other nominee regarding how to make an election.

    Infinera stockholders who, with respect to some or all of their shares of Infinera common stock, do not deliver a properly completed and executed election form, together with all required documents and materials, to the Exchange Agent by the Election Deadline (or, if applicable, to their bank, broker or other nominee by the deadline set by such bank, broker or other nominee) will be deemed to have elected to have those shares converted into the right to receive $6.65 per share in cash, without interest.

    Infinera stockholders who do not make a valid election by the Election Deadline may still vote their shares at the special meeting of Infinera stockholders to be held in connection with the Transaction, which will be held 10 a.m., Pacific Time, on October 1, 2024, as long they owned those shares as of the close of business on August 14, 2024.

    The aggregate merger consideration payable by Nokia is subject to proration as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Election Form publicly filed by Infinera and Nokia in connection with the Transaction. Infinera and Nokia intend only to announce the results of stockholder elections and required proration, if any, in connection with the closing of the Transaction.

    Infinera stockholders who have made an election with respect to some or all of their shares of Infinera common stock may still sell or transfer those shares, whether before or after the Election Deadline. To do so, they will need to revoke their election prior to and in connection with selling or transferring those shares. If no subsequent election is properly made in respect of those shares prior to the Election Deadline, or if the revocation occurs after the Election Deadline, the holder will be deemed to have elected to have those shares converted into the right to receive $6.65 per share in cash, without interest. No election may be revoked after the Election Deadline, except in connection with the sale or transfer of the applicable shares. Infinera stockholders who wish to revoke an election in respect of their shares of Infinera common stock after the Election Deadline in connection with a sale or transfer of those shares must revoke such election at least five business days prior to the closing of the Transaction for the revocation to be effective. Infinera stockholders who hold shares through a bank, broker or other nominee will need to contact their bank, broker or other nominee to process their revocation.

    Infinera stockholders of record that wish to request an Election Form and accompanying materials (including election revocation materials) should contact Sodali & Co at (800) 662-5200 (for registered holders of Infinera Common Stock) or (203) 658-9400 (for banks and brokers) or by email at INFN@investor.sodali.com. Infinera stockholders who hold shares through a bank, broker or other nominee should contact their bank, broker or other nominee for assistance making or revoking an election.

    Infinera stockholders should carefully read the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the Election Form and all election materials provided to them or filed by Infinera and Nokia in connection with the Transaction before making their elections. The Election Deadline does not alter the deadline for Infinera stockholders to vote on the proposals to be presented for approval at Infinera’s upcoming special meeting of stockholders.

    About Infinera

    Infinera is a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors that enable carriers, cloud operators, governments, and enterprises to scale network bandwidth, accelerate service innovation, and automate network operations. Infinera solutions deliver industry-leading economics and performance in long-haul, submarine, data center interconnect, and metro transport applications. To learn more about Infinera, visit http://www.infinera.com, follow us on X and LinkedIn, and subscribe for updates.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Transaction and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, and there will not be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this communication may be characterized as forward-looking under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially.

    Statements in this communication that are forward-looking may include statements regarding the Transaction and the timing and mechanics of the closing of the Transaction.

    Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, in addition to those identified above, include: (1) the possibility that the conditions to the closing of the Transaction are not satisfied, including the risk that required approvals from Infinera’s stockholders for the Transaction or required regulatory approvals to consummate the Transaction are not obtained, on a timely basis or at all; (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to a right to terminate the Merger Agreement; (3) possible disruption related to the Transaction to the current plans, operations and business relationships of Nokia and Infinera, including through the loss of customers and employees; (4) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges incurred by Nokia and Infinera related to the Transaction; (5) the possibility that the stock prices of Nokia or Infinera could fluctuate during the pendency of the Transaction and may decline if the Transaction is not completed; (6) for both Nokia and Infinera, the possible diversion of management’s time and attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; (7) the response of competitors and other market participants to the Transaction; (8) potential litigation relating to the Transaction; (9) uncertainty as to the timing of completion of the Transaction and the ability of each party to consummate the Transaction; and (10) the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the periodic reports that Nokia and Infinera file with the SEC. All forward-looking statements in this communication are based on information available to Infinera as of the date of this communication, and, except as required by law, Infinera does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    Contacts

    Amitabh Passi
    apassi@infinera.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 25/09/2024 Breslavia Goal number one – to provide aid effectively

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    In Wrocław, where the water level dropped below the alarm level for the first time in many days, another meeting of the crisis team with the participation of Prime Minister Donald Tusk was held. The condition of the embankments, which must withstand the pressure of the water, still requires special attention from the services. Clean-up work and preparations for reconstruction are underway in the flooded areas. The government asks local authorities and services to quickly and precisely report their needs. Words of support and appreciation for the military’s actions from foreign partners have also reached Poland. Good news for Wrocław The morning crisis team with the participation of Prime Minister Donald Tusk was held again in Wrocław, where yesterday evening the water level was recorded below the alarm level. “It’s good that we can start the day with this information. I guess we can really say that the flood did not affect Wrocław,” the head of government shared the good news. The Prime Minister noted that this does not mean the end of the services’ efforts. For example, the embankments, which must withstand the pressure of high water levels, still require increased control. The state will not leave anyone without help. Clean-up work is still underway in the flooded areas, including: drying or waste removal. “I want to assure you that this is our number one goal right now, to effectively deliver aid in the coming days, weeks, and if necessary – months. Through people, equipment and money – wherever the flood has taken its toll.” – declared Donald Tusk. It is important that local authorities and services efficiently and precisely report their needs, so that the government can respond quickly. The situation is slowly calming down, but the state authorities remain directly involved in the activities in the areas affected by the flood. “I really want people to see that we are constantly focused and mobilized, that we still remember Głuchołazy, Lądek-Zdrój, Stronie Śląskie…” – emphasized the head of government. The Prime Minister announced that the work of the crisis team will definitely continue. Soldiers remain on site – as part of the military operation Feniks. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz declared that the military field hospital in Nysa will also operate as long as needed. The world supports us and notices the heroic fight against the elements. Words of support are still reaching Poland from abroad. “Yesterday late in the evening, the Secretary General of NATO called me and asked me to convey words of solidarity and admiration for the armed forces in Poland,” said Donald Tusk. There are also proposals for joint actions to prepare Europe for similar crises in the future. “The Prime Minister of France also conveyed expressions of solidarity and support to me last night. France would like to present new initiatives together with Poland so that the European Union is better prepared from the organizational and financial side in such situations requiring the protection of civilians,” the Prime Minister conveyed the French position. These are just two of the many examples of international solidarity that we are now feeling in a special way.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 25/09/2024 One of the main tasks of the Polish Army today is the disinfection of schools, kindergartens, and homes

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    One of the main tasks of the Polish Army today is the disinfection of schools, kindergartens, homes25.09.2024– The main and large task for today and the coming days is the disinfection of already cleaned premises, both public utility, such as nurseries, kindergartens, municipal offices, but also apartments and private properties. 18 task teams for disinfection are prepared and moved to Brzeg, because it is in this part of the country that there are great needs in this area – informed Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak – Kamysz in Wrocław.

    On September 25, Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz took part in the morning crisis headquarters in Wrocław. The Minister of National Defense presented information on the current involvement of the armed forces in the areas affected by the flood. – At the moment, 25,000 soldiers are involved, and about 20,000 of them are directly involved. We maintain them at a very high level, due to the demand of local governments, in order to organize and clear communication routes, clean properties, farms and houses. These activities will be continued in Operation Fenix – informed the Minister of National Defense. As the minister emphasized, medical care in the post-flood areas is very important at the moment. – The military field hospital in Nysa will operate as long as there is such a need. We want to clean up as soon as possible and open the district hospital, which admitted 120 patients a day to the Emergency Department. Today, these tasks have been largely taken over by the field hospital, but of course it is not possible to perform all procedures there, especially planned procedures. So opening the district hospital in Nysa is a priority. The field hospital will remain even after the county hospital is opened. The field hospital will serve the uniformed services – the army, police and fire brigade in this area – the vice prime minister noted, W. Kosiniak-Kamysz.

    Photos (4)

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 25/09/2024 Council of Ministers – aid for flood victims

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    On Tuesday, September 24, this year, a special session of the Council of Ministers was held. During the first public part of the meeting, the ministers presented reports on the activities of their ministries in connection with the flood. Later in the session, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft act amending the act on special solutions related to the removal of the effects of floods. On Wednesday, the government will present information on its activities in the Sejm. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the position of the Council of Ministers regarding the most up-to-date information on the current system.

    I want to start every Cabinet meeting, at this critical time, with a briefing on the flood situation.

    – said the head of government. The Prime Minister also provided information on the amount of financial resources allocated for flood operations and the reconstruction plan.

    Regarding the scale of this aid, in terms of the aid itself during the flood and the plan that we are preparing, “Reconstruction Plus”, at the moment – including European funds – we assume that we will be able to mobilise up to PLN 23 billion.

    – he said. Minister of Finance: We are working on increasing the amountEl Minister Andrzej Domański summed up the most important things that the Ministry of Finance has proposed so far. He recalled that at the moment the Ministry of Finance has secured PLN 2 billion in the state budget for the implementation of the most urgent aid tasks related to combating the effects of floods and is still working on increasing this amount.

    We are currently issuing decisions releasing funds for voivodes, including for the payment of flood benefits. We are also working together with the local government on direct aid for affected municipalities. Among other things, we have at our disposal funds from the reserve in the amount of PLN 738 million. The decision on the division of this reserve will be made together with the local government.

    – informed the Minister of Finance. Taxpayers who suffered as a result of the flood may apply for the cancellation of tax liabilities.

    We remind you that entrepreneurs affected by floods can apply for a write-off of tax liabilities in the manner provided for in the tax ordinance. Regardless of this solution, we have introduced a regulation extending the tax payment deadlines for entrepreneurs affected by floods.

    – emphasized the Minister of Finance. The non-repayable aid can be counted on, among others, by borrowers whose mortgage obligation will be taken over by the state for 12 months.

    We are introducing non-refundable assistance for mortgage borrowers. The support will consist of repayment by the Borrower Support Fund of the borrower’s obligations under the housing loan for a period of 12 months regardless of the amount of the loan installment.

    – the minister informed Domański. The minister also reminded about the regulation introducing a 0% IVA rate for donations of goods and services transferred to flood victims and informed about the activities of the National Revenue Administration.

    We have also introduced a zero VAT rate for donations of goods and services made by Polish entrepreneurs to flood victims. The National Revenue Administration issues certificates to flood victims immediately.

    – the minister informed.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 25/09/2024 First meeting of the Polish Network of Women in Diplomacy

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Today, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Undersecretary of State Henryka Mościcka – Dendys and Anna Radwan – Röhrenschef, the Polish Network of Women in Diplomacy was initiated. The inauguration was attended by over 50 representatives of the Polish foreign service, both from the MFA Headquarters and foreign missions. The guest of honour of the event was Grażyna Bernatowicz, Undersecretary of State at the MFA in 2000–2003 and 2007–2013 and former Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Spain and the Czech Republic. The Polish Network of Women in Diplomacy is part of the Red de Mujeres Diplomáticas de la UE – “WEDIN”. It brings together networks of women diplomats from European Union Member States, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the European External Action Service. The aim of WEDIN is to exchange experiences, develop mechanisms to support and facilitate women’s career development and ensure equal treatment in diplomacy. During the first meeting, the principles of the Network’s operation were defined, its structures were agreed and activities for the coming year were planned. The Polish Network of Women in Diplomacy will serve, among others: – exchange of information, promotion of topics important to women and their professional careers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, development of solutions and provision of support to women diplomats in combining professional and personal life; – support for the professional development of women in diplomacy, promotion of gender equality and counteracting discrimination; – promotion of gender equality and combating all forms of discrimination and raising awareness in this area, including on the causes and effects of violating the principle of equal treatment; – representing women’s interests in contacts with the management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; – cooperation with social partners, non-governmental organizations and other entities in the field of the role of women in diplomacy, equal treatment and counteracting discrimination;– supporting the development of cooperation with foreign partners, including foreign associations and networks of women in diplomacy and other countries and international organisations;– supporting the implementation of national and international commitments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including those resulting from the UN agenda “Women, Peace and Security”. As a result, the initiative creates the opportunity to propose solutions that will help women in diplomacy combine professional work with family life, allow them to develop their skills and abilities, and thus adapt Polish diplomacy to positive global standards and trends regarding the role of women in foreign policy.

    Photo: Sebastian Indra/Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Chilkoot Way Road Improvements in Whitehorse

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French

    Press release

    Daily travel on the Chilkoot Way in Whitehorse will be improved thanks to a joint investment of $850,000 from the federal government and the City of Whitehorse.

    Whitehorse, Yukon, September 25, 2024 — Daily travel on the Chilkoot Way in Whitehorse will be improved thanks to a joint investment of $850,000 from the federal government and the City of Whitehorse.

    The work involves installing a new two-way protected bike lane on the north side of Chilkoot Way, creating a new pedestrian crossing, installing signage, completing pavement markings in critical areas, and providing improved lighting. In addition, traffic signals will be upgraded, a new advanced left-turn signal will be installed at Chilkoot and Two Mile Hill, and a new cycle push button will be installed to improve accessibility. The bike path will connect residents to downtown schools, the Whitehorse Health Clinic, workplaces and retail businesses along the river, and roads that connect neighbourhoods.

    Improving the Chilkoot Way will provide a more accessible and safer active transportation route to the Riverfront and Two Mile Hill multi-use paved trails. It will also make it easier for people to get around by walking, cycling or taking public transit.

    Quotes

    “Improving active transportation routes for communities supports healthier travel. Work on the Chilkoot Way in Whitehorse will make transportation infrastructure more accessible for cyclists, pedestrians and transit users, making it easier for them to get around every day.”

    The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “We are pleased to partner with the federal government to enhance Whitehorse’s active transportation network. The new active transportation route along the Chilkoot Way is a game changer for cyclists commuting downtown. It also promotes inclusion, health and connection by meeting the needs of all, regardless of mobility level, age or fitness level. This project demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to building a more sustainable and accessible community.”

    Laura Cabott, Mayor of Whitehorse

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing $588,750 in this project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), and the City of Whitehorse is contributing $261,250.

    Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods through human activity. This includes walking, cycling, and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, e-bikes, inline skates, snowshoeing, cross-country skis, and more.

    To support Canada’s first National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make active transportation travel easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable.

    Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy is the first pan-Canadian strategic approach to promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy aims to make data- and evidence-based investments to expand and build new active transportation networks, and to support healthier, more active, more equitable and more sustainable travel.

    Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring everyone has access to the same services and opportunities, reducing air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CCTF) will provide an average of $3 billion per year in permanent funding to address local transit needs by strengthening integrated planning, improving access to transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable and inclusive communities.

    The FTCC serves the needs of communities of all sizes, from large metropolitan areas to mid-sized and smaller communities, including rural, remote, northern and Indigenous communities.

    We are currently accepting expressions of interest for Metropolitan Area Agreements and Core Funding. Visit the website Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website to find out more.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

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

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

    Matthew CameronManager, Strategic CommunicationsCity of Whitehorse867-689-0515matthew.cameron@whitehorse.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 25/09/2024 The Minister of Finance signed a regulation enabling the use of zero IVA for donations of building materials to flood victims

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The Minister of Finance has signed a regulation enabling the application of zero IVA for donations of building materials to flood victims25/09/2024

    The Minister of Finance has signed a regulation that introduces a 0% VAT rate for donations of construction materials made to victims whose properties were destroyed by the flood. The purpose of the solution is to facilitate the reconstruction or renovation of buildings and structures destroyed by the flood. The 0% rate applies to donations of construction materials made by March 31, 2025. On September 24, 2024, a regulation is in force that allows the application of a 0% VAT rate for donations of construction materials made to victims whose properties were destroyed by the September cataclysm. The 0% rate applies to donations of construction materials made directly to: individuals, entities conducting activities: education, cultural, in the field of health care, social welfare, care for children, youth and the elderly, in the field of collective accommodation for students,

    whose real estate is located in communes affected by the disaster and who have the formal right to dispose of these real estate. In order to maintain the “tightness” of the IVA system, the 0% rate will apply provided that: a written donation agreement is concluded between the taxpayer (donor) and the disposer real estate, the taxpayer (donor) has a document confirming damage to the real estate resulting from a flood: if the real estate administrator is a natural person – an appropriate questionnaire from a family environmental interview conducted by a social worker, if the real estate administrator is one of the indicated entities (i.e. . conducting educational, cultural, care activities, etc.) – a certificate issued by the relevant commune head, mayor or president.

    The 0% rate may be applied to donations of construction materials made from the date of entry into force of the regulation, i.e. September 24, 2024, March 31, 2025. The aim of the solution is to facilitate the reconstruction or renovation of buildings and structures destroyed by flooding, and thus to speed up the return of residents of the disaster-affected area to normal life.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Announces Nearly $424 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Sudan and Others Affected by the Conflict

    Source: USAID

    Today, the United States announced nearly $424 million in additional humanitarian assistance for people in need in Sudan and in neighboring refugee-hosting countries, including more than $276 million through USAID and more than $147 million through the Department of State. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced this additional assistance at a Sudan-focused event co-hosted by the United States during the UN General Assembly High-level week to call for global action to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its impact on the region. 

    USAID’s assistance includes $175 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation, which will help to purchase, ship, and distribute nearly 81,000 metric tons of food commodities from American farmers to support more than 1.2 million people experiencing acute food insecurity in Sudan. USAID and the Department of State’s funding will also support UN and nongovernmental organization partners providing food, health, nutrition, protection, and other critical assistance to people across Sudan and neighboring countries who have been devastated by the ongoing conflict.

    This additional funding brings the total U.S. government’s humanitarian assistance in Sudan and neighboring countries since April 2023 to more than $2 billion, including more than $1.1 billion to date in Fiscal Year 2024. We call on other donors to continue their support to meet historic levels of humanitarian needs. 

    The United States continues to stand with the people of Sudan and call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to protect civilians, facilitate unhindered access so that aid can reach people in need across Sudan, and return to the negotiating table and end this war that is causing needless suffering for the Sudanese people. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Announces Additional Funding to Support Displaced Persons And Host Communities in the Western Hemisphere

    Source: USAID

    Today, at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, Secretary Antony Blinken announced more than $686 million in additional humanitarian, development, economic, and security assistance to facilitate United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners’ responses to the needs of displaced persons, migrant and refugee populations, and host communities across the Western Hemisphere. 

    Today, there are unprecedented levels of forced displacement in the region, with more than 7.7 million Venezuelans displaced due to prolonged political and economic mismanagement, persecution, and violence in Venezuela. The $686 million announced today includes more than $228 million from USAID to provide emergency food assistance to Venezuelan migrants and refugees and host communities in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, as well as other forms of humanitarian aid for vulnerable populations in Venezuela. 

    The $686 million also includes more than $49 million in economic and development assistance from USAID to support the regularization and integration of migrants, as well as to promote temporary labor mobility opportunities. This support will help migrants to regularize their legal status in the region and access public services and achieve socio-economic integration so they can build new lives and contribute to their new communities. This support will also help facilitate workers’ access to safe, lawful, and temporary labor pathways in countries with demonstrated labor needs not met by the available workforce.  

    The United States government remains committed to working with partners to support displaced people in the region and to advance a safe, orderly, and humane approach to managing hemispheric migration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children – Two-thirds of children interact daily online with people they don’t know despite grooming fears – report

    Source: Save the Children

    Over six in 10 children with access to the internet interact with “unknown others” daily despite concerns about online grooming, according to new research released by Save the Children and Western Sydney University that highlighted children’s demands for better online protection.
    The research team held in-depth consultations with about 600 children and young people aged 8 to 18 from Australia, Finland, the Philippines, Cambodia, Colombia, Kenya, and South Africa, who shared their views and experiences of facing inappropriate requests online for personal information or images.
    The report, ‘Protecting Children from Online Grooming’, was written by the Young & Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, and funded by the global child online safety investment vehicle Safe Online as part of the Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund.
    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of online grooming and child sexual and financial exploitation have reached an all-time high [1], with an 82% rise in online grooming crimes against children reported in that period [2]. Online grooming practices have also transformed, with the fastest growing form of online grooming targeting young men for financial extortion [3].
    The report revealed children were more inclined to connect with strangers – or “unknown others” – online as they matured and became more social, motivated by a desire for friendship, fun and play, followed by a wish to stay informed about trends and events, and to connect over shared interests.
    The findings also showed that while children across all cultures and age groups were more suspicious of people they didn’t know online than people they knew in person, most (66%) of the study participants still interacted with “unknown others” daily online.
    Children in high-income settings were twice as likely to use privacy settings to protect themselves from unwanted contacts, compared to children from some low-income settings, but the potential to derive financial benefits was an incentive for children in middle-income countries to connect with strangers online, potentially compromising their safety.
    While children have come up with numerous ways to protect themselves, they are calling for widespread, accessible and targeted online safety education for themselves and their caregivers. In the discussions the children also made concrete suggestions about how technology platforms and governments can implement changes that will keep them safer online.
    Sonisay-, a girl aged 11-12 from rural Cambodia, said:
    “Adults should know that children interact with strangers, monitor them, and read their chats.”
    Angel- aged 15-17 from a city in the Philippines said:
    “Adults need to know about the children of today who are highly computer-savvy… To be able to support and protect the children, adults need to understand that children are comfortable with using the internet which pushes to interact with strangers.”
    Charlie- aged 14 from Australia emphasised the need to start online safety education earlier:
    “Having young children educated about the safety of technology and the dangers … adults only start this education for older kids on social media when the problem can be on video games played by young kids.”
    Children reported that it was very difficult to ascertain the intentions of strangers online. Children were also particularly worried about being asked for personal information or nude pictures, being drawn into inappropriate sexually-oriented exchanges, or exposure to criminal activities.
    The report found that children want and need better online protection, with children primarily using intuition and background checks rather than seeking help from trusted adults to manage their online interactions with people they don’t know.
    The data also showed that children distinguish people they know well both online and in person from those they only know online, with 86% approaching the latter with caution. Yet despite this wariness, children were still three times more likely to ignore or decline an inappropriate or unwanted request than they are to report or block it.
    Steve Miller, Save the Children’s Global Director of Child Protection, said:
    “Children deserve to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment – both online and offline. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the challenges and threats, including the threat of online grooming and exploitation. We need to foster a digital environment that is not only safe but also enriching, allowing children to explore, learn, and grow without fear. Policymakers need to listen to the voices and experiences of children when developing policies that protect them.”
    Professor Amanda Third, Co-Director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre, Western Sydney University, said:
    “Keeping children safe from online grooming requires a whole-of-community approach. Governments, NGOs, technology platforms, teachers, parents, caregivers, and children themselves all have an important role to play. However, to most effectively address this issue it is crucial that we listen to the views and experiences of children and young people and engage them as active partners in the research and policy design process. Children and young people are finding their own ways to tackle this issue and devise solutions but they are also calling on us to help equip them and their caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to be able to safely navigate these rapidly evolving digital environments.”
    Save the Children has launched a major global effort to support digital inclusion and empower the next generation of resilient digital citizens. Save the Children’s Safe Digital Childhood initiative is includes partnering with schools, communities and tech leaders to break down barriers to digital inclusion by making sure the children with the fewest resources can access devices and connectivity; offering targeted digital literacy and citizenship programs; helping technology industry partners embed child-centric safeguards into their platforms; and empowering children to advocate for their rights in the digital world.
    The Young & Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University is an Australian-based, international research centre that unites young people with researchers, practitioners, innovators, and policymakers to explore the role of technology in children’s and young people’s lives and how it can be used to improve individual and community resilience across generations.
    Safe Online is the only global investment vehicle dedicated to keeping children safe in the digital world. Through investing in innovation and bringing key actors together, Safe Online helps shape a digital world that is safe and empowering for all children and young people, everywhere. The Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund, which funded the research, is a groundbreaking collaboration fuelling actionable research and bringing together the tech industry with academia and civil society in a bold alliance to end online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on Bipartisan Vote to Avoid Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025: 

    “Today, I voted to pass a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution without any extreme MAGA Republican poison pills. It will keep the government open and avoid a reckless shutdown that would have hurt my constituents and Americans across the country.

    While I’m relieved we reached an agreement to fund the government through December and rejected far-right Republican efforts to sow doubt in our elections, it’s frustrating this deal wasn’t finalized sooner. Speaker Johnson wasted valuable time trying to curry favor with the former president.

    House Democrats are continuing to govern in the minority to meet the needs of the American people and defeat MAGA extremism.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Avoid a Government Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)

    Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes To Avoid a Government Shutdown

    Houston, TX, September 25, 2024

    Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statement after voting for the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, H.R. 9747, which extends government funding through December 20, 2024.

    “Keeping our government funded and functioning is a fundamental responsibility of Congress,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “Today’s short-term extension of funding provides critical protections and programs that people across our community and country rely on.  While I supported this legislation, I hope that, moving forward, House Republicans will work in good faith to fund our government in a responsible manner before the December 20 deadline.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy issues statement on H.R. 9747

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement after voting on H.R. 9747:

    “Today I voted against, H.R. 9747. 

    This three-month continuing resolution is the worst possible outcome the House could have chosen. It punts the expiration of government funding until right before Christmas, which almost certainly sets the stage for a massive, uniparty omnibus spending bill that will tie the hands of a potential incoming Trump administration. 

    It didn’t have to be this way. Last week, we could have passed a bill to avoid a lame duck omnibus by freezing spending for 6 months and force Senate Democrats to take action on non-citizen voting by attaching my bill, the SAVE Act (HR 8281).

    Unfortunately, the House declined to take that route, playing right into the hands of the Washington uniparty. Now, Congress is conducting more of the same reckless business as usual that the American people have rightfully come to despise. 

    This country deserves better from its representatives than that.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Votes to Keep the Government Open

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act:

    “Today I voted to keep our government open by supporting the continuing resolution. This legislation will ensure we fund vital services that Granite Staters rely on and includes provisions from my bipartisan legislation to safeguard VA’s ability to bury spouses and dependents who predecease service members. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass it and for the President to sign it into law so that we prevent any possibility of a government shutdown.”

    “The next step in keeping crucial government services funded will be securing a full year appropriations bill. The repeated practice of passing continuing resolutions harms our military readiness, creates uncertainty for our small businesses, jeopardizes veterans’ benefits, and fails to adequately meet the needs of Granite Staters, and it must end. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to pass a full year funding bill that advances the priorities of the American people and gives our communities the certainty they need.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Andy Kim’s Statement on the Passage of a 3 Month Continuing Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the passage of a 3 month continuing resolution.

    “New Jersey deserves a reliable government that’s working for them. Instead, Speaker Johnson has spent his time picking partisan fights rather than trying to find common ground to deliver on everyday needs. I voted for this resolution to make sure New Jerseyans don’t lose out on the services they depend on every day, and will continue to press for a funding bill that puts working families first.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING ANTI-HAITIAN RHETORIC FROM REP. CLAY HIGGINS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    September 25, 2024

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the below statement following the anti-Haitian, dangerous rhetoric Rep. Clay Higgins recently tweeted regarding the Haitian Bridge Alliance filing charges against former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, for spreading false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH, were eating pets: Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump and Vance.

    “The recent tweet from the official account of Rep. Clay Higgins is vile and reprehensible. I cannot believe the Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee Chair on Border Security and Enforcement would fathom having such ill and racist words for Haitian migrants. His remarks are cruel, dehumanizing, and have been proven time and again as untrue,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Haiti Caucus Co-chair. 

    “Just when you think these MAGA extremists’ xenophobic ideologies can’t get any worse, they continue to spread dangerous falsehoods and threats – endangering the lives of people who are fleeing political persecution and a nation battered from the impacts of climate change. It is simply appalling.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins’ Tweet:

    ‘Lol. These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters… but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP.  All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20th.’

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten Statement on Continuing Resolution to Fund the Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    September 25, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has released the following statement regarding the continuing resolution passed by the House to keep the government open:

    “Keeping our government open and functioning is the most basic responsibility of Congress. A government shutdown would have disastrous consequences for Illinois. Troops would be forced to serve without pay, single mothers and children would have lost access to nutrition benefits, travelers would see delays at airports, and food safety inspections would have stopped.

    “For these reasons, I’m proud that House Democrats once again delivered the votes necessary to avert a shutdown and keep the government open.

    “That said, the continuing resolution passed today is not a permanent solution, and we must remain focused on passing a robust government funding package that addresses the needs of the American people. For months, House Republicans have pursued hyper-partisan funding strategies that prioritize politics over keeping the government open. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to work towards bipartisan solutions to fully and responsibly fund the government for FY2025.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 22, 2025
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