Monthly Archives: February 2018

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

What You Need to Know About the Solar Tariffs


 
THE SOLAR TARIFFS

Learn what President Trump’s solar tariff decision means for Americans and the future of our planet.
LEARN MORE
Dear Friends

Last week, President Trump announced new tariffs on imported solar panels and cells under the guise of protecting American jobs.

What does this decision mean?

The US solar industry relies on imports for about 80 percent of the panels it installs across the country. The 30 percent hit on imports after the first 2.5 GW exempted each year is a big one, and it’s going to make solar more expensive for everyday Americans – and could lead to many American solar workers losing their jobs.

 READ THE FULL STORY

How much more expensive will solar panels be? 

GTM Research looked at the final ruling and projected that a 30 percent tariff will add $0.10/watt on average in the first year (stepping down in future years). All told, this translates into roughly an 11 percent net reduction in US solar installations through 2022, representing about 1.2 million homes that now won’t be powered by solar.

What’s the bottom line?

The new solar tariffs will make solar more expensive in the US and cost American jobs. All while failing to spur more domestic manufacturing and slowing our response to the climate crisis.

That’s bad for American workers, bad for the economy, and bad for our planet.

Ready to learn more? Read our full blog post on what the solar tariffs means for Americans and the future of our planet.

– Your friends at Climate Reality 
Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the senate Jan 20th-30th Congress ~ 2018 the house – #trumpshutdown 2/8


January 30, 2018 Wrap Up for Tuesday, January 30, 2018
January 29, 2018 Wrap Up for Monday, January 29, 2018
January 25, 2018 Wrap Up for Thursday, January 25, 2018
January 24, 2018 Wrap Up for Wednesday, January 24, 2018
January 23, 2018 Wrap Up for Tuesday, January 23, 2018
January 22, 2018 Wrap Up for Monday, January 22, 2018
January 21, 2018 Wrap Up for Sunday, January 21, 2018
January 20, 2018 Wrap Up for Saturday, January 20, 2018
January 20, 2018 Wrap Up for Friday, January 19, 2018

**************************************************************************

House Activity 1/21

2:00:18 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:28 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:41 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:42 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pallone to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:05 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 10 per side of the aisle.
2:33:09 P.M. H. Res. 709 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 709 — “Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.”
2:33:36 P.M. H. Res. 709 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:33:39 P.M. H. Res. 709 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:34:14 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
9:47:22 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 21.
9:47:29 P.M. Mr. Gowdy asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on January 22. Agreed to without objection.
9:47:42 P.M. Mr. Gowdy moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:47:54 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:48:01 P.M. The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 22, 2018.

House Activity 1/22

12:00:17 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:27 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:44 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:45 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wenstrup to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:04 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 20 per side of the aisle.
12:52:24 P.M. The House received a communication from the Honorable Patrick Meehan. Mr. Meehan submitted his resignation from the Committee on Ethics. The resignation was accepted without objection.
12:53:15 P.M. H. Res. 710 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 710 — “Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.”
12:53:38 P.M. H. Res. 710 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:53:42 P.M. H. Res. 710 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:53:47 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
5:31:47 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 22.
5:31:56 P.M. The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 22, 2018, at 5:06 p.m.: that the Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment with an amendment to H.R. 195; and that the Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 33.
5:33:15 P.M. H.R. 195 ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Sessions asked unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to take from the Speaker’s table H.R. 195, with the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment thereto, and to consider in the House, without intervention of any point of order, a motion offered by the Majority Leader or his designee that the House concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment; that the Senate amendment and the motion be considered as read; that the motion be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader or their respective designees; and that the previous question be considered as ordered on the motion to its adoption without intervening motion. Agreed to without objection.
5:33:16 P.M. H.R. 195 Pursuant to the order of the House of January 22, 2018, Mr. McCarthy moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 195.
5:33:41 P.M. H.R. 195 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 195.
5:49:22 P.M. H.R. 195 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the order of the House of January 22, 2018.
6:10:23 P.M. H.R. 195 On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 266 – 150 (Roll no. 44).
6:10:25 P.M. H.R. 195 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:10:47 P.M. S. Con. Res. 33 Mr. McCarthy asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.
6:10:47 P.M. S. Con. Res. 33 Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 33 — “Providing for a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 195.”
6:11:12 P.M. S. Con. Res. 33 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:11:16 P.M. S. Con. Res. 33 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:11:38 P.M. The House received a communication from the Honorable Jerrold Nadler. Mr. Nadler submitted his resignation from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The resignation was accepted without objection.
6:12:37 P.M. COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. McCarthy on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House for the upcoming week.
6:20:29 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:37:04 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 2(b) of H. Res. 694. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on January 25, 2018.

House Activity 1/25

4:00:13 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
4:00:28 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
4:00:43 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
4:01:08 P.M. SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – Pursuant to section 2(a) of H. Res. 694, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings was approved.
4:01:37 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Aderholt to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
4:02:07 P.M. H. Con. Res. 101 Considered as privileged matter. H. Con. Res. 101 — “Providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President.”
4:02:32 P.M. H. Con. Res. 101 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
4:02:35 P.M. H. Con. Res. 101 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:03:17 P.M. The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 24, 2018, at 1:27 p.m.: that the Senate passed S. 1395 and S. 2152.
4:03:43 P.M. Congressional Award Board – Pursuant to section 803(a) of the Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Education Act (2 U.S.C. 803(a)), and the order of the House of January 3, 2017, the Speaker appointed Mr. Hudson, North Carolina; and, in addition: Mr. Steve Hart, Washington, DC; Ms. Kimberly Norman, Dallas, TX; Mr. Michael Pitts, Jr., Kenosha, WI; Mr. Marc Baer, Savage, MN; Mr. Jason Van Pelt, Washington, DC.
4:04:20 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 2(b) of H. Res. 694. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 29, 2018.

House Activity 1/29

12:00:10 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:18 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Mike Johnson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:45 P.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:05:53 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:00 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 29.
2:00:03 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:33 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:37 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Thompson of PA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:01:55 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:07:50 P.M. The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 25, 2018, at 5:24 p.m.: that the Senate passed S. 1873.
2:08:34 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 5:00 P.M. today.
5:00:26 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 29.
5:00:37 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:00:42 P.M. S. 534 Mr. Poe (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. S. 534 — “To prevent the sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes by requiring the prompt reporting of sexual abuse to law enforcement authorities, and for other purposes.”
5:00:59 P.M. S. 534 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:01:11 P.M. S. 534 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 534.
5:44:54 P.M. S. 534 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:45:45 P.M. H.R. 1457 Mr. Tipton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1457 — “To establish requirements for use of a driver’s license or personal identification card by certain financial institutions for opening an account or obtaining a financial product or service, and for other purposes.”
5:46:54 P.M. H.R. 1457 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:46:58 P.M. H.R. 1457 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1457.
5:56:18 P.M. H.R. 1457 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:56:46 P.M. H.R. 1426 Mr. Tipton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1426 — “To amend the Home Owners’ Loan Act to allow Federal savings associations to elect to operate as national banks, and for other purposes.”
5:57:00 P.M. H.R. 1426 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:57:01 P.M. H.R. 1426 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1426.
6:08:34 P.M. H.R. 1426 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
6:08:36 P.M. H.R. 1426 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:08:37 P.M. H.R. 2255 Mr. Tipton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2255 — “To clarify that nonprofit organizations may accept donated mortgage appraisals, and for other purposes.”
6:08:56 P.M. H.R. 2255 Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:08:58 P.M. H.R. 2255 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2255.
6:25:24 P.M. H.R. 2255 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:25:26 P.M. H.R. 2255 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:25:47 P.M. H.R. 4292 Mr. Tipton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4292 — “To reform the living will process under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.”
6:25:56 P.M. H.R. 4292 Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:25:57 P.M. H.R. 4292 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4292.
6:32:03 P.M. H.R. 4292 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
6:32:21 P.M. Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 714.
6:33:06 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:33:26 P.M. S. 534 Considered as unfinished business. S. 534 — “To prevent the sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes by requiring the prompt reporting of sexual abuse to law enforcement authorities, and for other purposes.”
6:58:55 P.M. S. 534 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 – 3 (Roll no. 45).
6:58:56 P.M. S. 534 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:58:57 P.M. H.R. 1457 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1457 — “To establish requirements for use of a driver’s license or personal identification card by certain financial institutions for opening an account or obtaining a financial product or service, and for other purposes.”
7:07:00 P.M. H.R. 1457 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 8 (Roll no. 46).
7:07:01 P.M. H.R. 1457 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:07:15 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
7:07:34 P.M. H.R. 4792 Mr. Tipton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4792 — “To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to expand access to capital for small businesses affected by hurricanes or other natural disasters, and for other purposes.”
7:08:47 P.M. H.R. 4792 Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:08:48 P.M. H.R. 4792 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4792.
7:18:23 P.M. H.R. 4792 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:18:25 P.M. H.R. 4792 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:18:35 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:41:37 P.M. Congressional Award Board – The Chair announced the Speaker’s withdrawal of the appointment of the following individual to the Congressional Award Board on January 25, 2018: Mr. Steve Hart, Washington, DC.
7:42:11 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
8:04:16 P.M. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 101.
8:04:17 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order Speeches.
9:56:25 P.M. Mr. Perlmutter moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:56:35 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:56:36 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on January 30, 2018.

House Activity 1/30

10:00:01 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:08 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:38 A.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:40:21 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:19 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 30.
12:00:21 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:30 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:33 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Panetta to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:01:49 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:21:40 P.M. H. Res. 719 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 719 — “Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.”
12:21:41 P.M. H. Res. 719 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:21:42 P.M. H. Res. 719 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:23:32 P.M. H. Res. 714 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 714 — “Providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 695) to amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to establish a national criminal history background check system and criminal history review program for certain individuals who, related to their employment, have access to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes.”
12:25:34 P.M. H. Res. 714 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 714.
1:44:49 P.M. H. Res. 714 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 187 (Roll no. 47).
1:53:28 P.M. H. Res. 714 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 236 – 183 (Roll no. 48).
1:53:30 P.M. H. Res. 714 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:53:31 P.M. H.R. 1098 ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP – Mr. Reed asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1098, a bill originally introduced by Representative Tiberi, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
1:55:45 P.M. H.R. 695 Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 714, Ms. Granger took from the Speaker’s table H.R. 695, and moved that the House agree in the Senate amendment to the title of H.R. 695 and that the House agree in the Senate amendment to the text of H.R. 695 with an amendment consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 115-56.
1:55:50 P.M. H.R. 695 Ms. Granger moved that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments.
1:56:59 P.M. H.R. 695 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 714, the House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the motion that the House agree in the Senate amendments to H.R. 695 with an amendment.
2:42:37 P.M. H.R. 695 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
3:12:02 P.M. H.R. 695 On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 250 – 166 (Roll no. 49).
3:12:04 P.M. H.R. 695 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:12:06 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on a motion to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
3:12:34 P.M. H.R. 4292 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4292 — “To reform the living will process under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.”
3:21:36 P.M. H.R. 4292 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 – 0 (Roll no. 50).
3:21:37 P.M. H.R. 4292 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:22:00 P.M. Investigative Subcommittees of the Committee on Ethics – Pursuant to clause 5(a)(4)(A) of rule X, and the order of the House of December 13, 2017, the Speaker appointed the following Members of the House to be available to serve on investigative subcommittees of the Committee on Ethics for the 115th Congress in light of the elections of Mrs. Mimi Walters of California and Mr. Ratcliffe to the Committee on Ethics: Ms. Herrera Beutler, Washington; and Mr. Thomas J. Rooney, Florida.
3:23:05 P.M. Mr. Rooney, Thomas J. asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, it adjourn to meet at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018. Agreed to without objection.
3:23:06 P.M. Mr. Rooney, Thomas J. asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, February 2, 2018, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday, February 5, 2018, for morning-hour debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Agreed to without objection.
3:24:17 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 8:35 P.M. for the purpose of receiving in joint session the President of the United States.
8:33:56 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 30.
8:34:00 P.M. JOINT SESSION – The House convened in Joint Session with the Senate for the purpose of receiving an address from the President of the United States on the subject of the State of the Union.
10:38:00 P.M. JOINT SESSION DISSOLVED – The Speaker declared the Joint Session of the two Houses dissolved.
10:38:10 P.M. The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 30, 2018, at 4:58 p.m.: That the Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 534 and the Senate passed H.R. 4708 without amendment.
10:38:20 P.M. Mr. McCarthy moved that the President’s message be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered printed as a House document (H.Doc. 115-86). Agreed to without objection.
10:39:01 P.M. Mr. McCarthy moved that the House do now adjourn.
10:39:21 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
10:39:32 P.M. The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on February 2, 2018.

 

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

BossFeed Briefing from Working Washington ~ in their prime?


We are Working Washington

BossFeed Briefing for January 29, 2018. Last Monday the “no lines” Amazon Go store opened to a media frenzy and long lines. Last Tuesday the World Economic Forum got underway in Davos, Switzerland, drawing several thousand attendees who can afford the six-figure price of admission, along with the journalists who follow them around. Last Wednesday, Uber announced their interest in portable benefits. This Tuesday Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address. Friday is Groundhog Day.

In their prime 

Amazon Go line

Three things to know this week:

family Starbucks announced a more equitable paid parental leave policy for store employees… and said it was because of lower corporate tax rates. The improvements actually came after more than a year of organizing by front-line workers, which Working Washington underscored by blasting out a press release with a simple 6-word statement: “Baristas did it, not tax cuts.”

farmer A Whatcom County blueberry farm treats workers so poorly that conditions amount to forced labor, a new lawsuit claims. There was a strike at the farm last year after a worker died when he wasn’t allowed to see a doctor, but the company describes their own operations as “exemplary.”

crown The total wealth of the world’s 2,000 or so billionaires rose by $762 billion in the past year. Just one-seventh of that increase would be enough to eradicate extreme poverty across the globe.

 

Two things to ask:

outbox Do you even want to know what’s in the drafts folder? When an immigrant living in Seattle applied online for a delivery job, he got an email in response stating only that “If you no speak English, I will send you home.” The person who wrote that message had the job title of “HR Manager/Hiring Manager.”

astonished Could we already have the headline of the year? Kimberly-Clark, the maker of Kleenex and Huggies, announced they would take advantage of new corporate tax policy to cover the costs of closing 10 plants and eliminating several thousand jobs. The Everett Herald headline nails it: “Tax bill will help fund 5,000 layoffs, Kimberly-Clark says.”

 

And one thing that’s worth a closer look:

peace sign In the latest example of how expensive it is to be poor, Bank of America announced they are going to start charging $12/month for their most basic checking account. While the fee can be waived if you keep a $1,500 minimum balance, about half of Americans don’t have even $400 saved for an emergency. In a curious twist explained by The Atlantic, it turns out the move from free checking at all the big banks is partly happening because of pushback against the practice of assessing punitive fees for bouncing checks, as collecting those fees from people who with low account balances had been a multi-billion-dollar revenue stream for big banks. You can take that as example of one of those legendary “unintended consequences” of regulations… or you can get real and call it what it is: yet more evidence that trillion-dollar financial conglomerates will do whatever they we let them get away with.

 

Read this far?

tophat Consider yourself briefed, boss.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Here’s why the new capital budget is a big deal:


Jay Inslee

 

It’s progress like this that makes me proud to be your governor.

Together, we passed a capital budget that put thousands of Washingtonians to work, all across the state. If you want more affordable housing, better mental health care, and school construction — you’ve got it.

This is the power of the Blue Wall. Last year, Republicans blocked any attempt to pass a construction budget with much-needed funding for infrastructure across the state. But with a united legislature, we were able to move forward with a capital budget that will benefit the entire state.

It’s a big, important deal. Share the story now with your friends and family: Democrats get the job done.

At a time when Republicans in Washington D.C. would rather shut down government than protect Dreamers and our kids’ healthcare, we’re focused on getting things done and putting people to work. While D.C. fails to show any real leadership, our state government is making measurable progress.

  • In Yakima, students will get the renovations they deserve to combat overcrowding at East Valley High School.
  • In Sequim, biologists can finally upgrade the Dungeness Hatchery to improve fish passage.
  • In Ephrata, the community can finally replace an aging water line.

We’re investing $4.2 billion in more than 1,400 construction projects. We’re ensuring safe drinking water, building affordable housing, and improving dozens of schools. This means sustainable infrastructure, and this means jobs: We’re creating more than 19,000 jobs in every corner of the state.

Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on a bill like this is hard work — but it’s that work which makes sure we’re actually serving the people of our state.

Share the news on Facebook now to spread the word about the progress we’re making, together.

Very truly yours,

Jay Inslee