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Student Loans …

05/08/2014 Nativegrl77

Refinancing Student Loans Allows People To Achieve A Fair Shot

It seems as though everyone—homeowners, corporations, and even state and local governments—is taking advantage of the current historically low interest rates by refinancing their debt. It’s a win for individuals and for the nation as a whole, easing the burden of loan repayment and freeing up income for purchases that stimulate the economy.

But one group is getting left behind in the refinancing trend: students who take out loans to pay for their higher education. And there’s no group that needs it more:

Indeed, the cost of college tuition and fees has increased an astonishing 1,120 percent in the last 35 years. Student debt now tops $1.2 trillion, with the average graduating senior owing $29,400. One in five households owes student loan debt. Something needs to change.

Yesterday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced a bill to address this issue that is crippling people’s economic security. The bill, called the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, lets student loan borrowers refinance their loans just like other borrowers have been allowed to do. Generation Progress, a leader in promoting this issue, explains how it would work:

Borrowers with student loans currently have to pay them with interest rates of close to 7 percent or more for undergraduate loans, while students taking out new undergraduate loans pay a rate of 3.86 percent under the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act, which President Obama signed into law last summer.

Warren’s student loan refinancing bill would allow our students and young Americans to pay back their outstanding loans at the exact same 3.86 percent rate.

The [Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act] was passed with bipartisan support with Senate Republicans signing onto that piece of legislation as recognition of the student debt crisis crippling the American middle class.

…[Warren’s] legislation would be funded by the Buffett Rule, which limits special tax breaks for America’s millionaires and billionaires and helps middle class American families who have worked diligently toward furthering their career and adding value to the country’s economy.

Warren’s bill has 27 co-sponsors in the Senate, all Democrats. Republicans, meanwhile, oppose it because it is paid for with tax reform making sure millionaires don’t pay less in taxes than their secretaries — a policy that has had the support of nearly three-quarters of Americans.

Across the country, it’s getting harder and harder for Americans to afford a middle-class lifestyle. As we mentioned above, refinancing student loan debt along the lines Warren has proposed isn’t just about helping new graduates: young people, middle class families, and seniors will all be on better terms. Here are just a few more reasons why it an essential step:

It puts money back in people’s pockets: A borrower paying back $30,500 at 6.8 percent would save just over $53 per month after refinancing.
Student loan debt affects people of all ages: The number of education loan borrowers over the age of 60 has tripled since 2005, as parents and grandparents co-sign on loans for their kids.
High interest rates disproportionately hurt people of color: Borrowers of color are more likely to depend on financial aid to attend college, including taking out more private loans and exposing themselves to greater financial risk.

BOTTOM LINE: We can strengthen our economy for the long term by improving our education system and raising the skills of American workers. But the costs of a college tuition keeps rising and student debt is spiraling upward. We should put more money back in people’s pockets by refinancing student loans, and Sen. Warren’s bill is a big step forward. Student debt is family debt and solving this problem will assist young people and their families, and help create economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

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Al’s first ad of the campaign

05/08/2014 Nativegrl77

I have some exciting news: Al’s first ad of the campaign is here!

Al’s working hard to get people jobs and help Minnesota businesses. Take a look and see for yourself:

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White House events & actions

05/08/2014 Nativegrl77

2 minutes and 24 seconds of action

The President made clear in this year’s State of the Union address that wherever and whenever he can take action to expand opportunity for more American families, he’s going to do it — with Congress or without.

While Republicans in Congress have set records in obstruction and inaction, the President has steadily acted on his own to help build real, lasting economic security for the middle class.

President Obama won’t wait for Congress — find out what he’s done already:

What Climate Change Means for Regions Across America

The Third U.S. National Climate Assessment confirms that climate change is affecting Americans in every region of the United States and key sectors of the national economy.

In the year since the President first called on Congress to raise the federal minimum wage, 10 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to increase the minimum wage. Connecticut, Maryland, and Hawaii are also lifting their minimum wages to $10.10 an hour, and other states and localities are considering similar legislation.

Yesterday, the Obama Administration announced new steps to make it easier for highly skilled workers and talented researchers from other countries to contribute to our economy and ultimately become Americans.

READ MORE

More Than 20 Actions, and Counting:

The President made something very clear in his State of the Union address this past January: Wherever and whenever he can take action to expand opportunity for more American families, he’s going to do it, with Congress or without.

Yesterday, the White House Photo Office uploaded more than 150 photos from January through March of this year, to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what the President and First Lady have been up to.

President Obama discusses the kidnapping of more than 200 teenage girls in Chibok, Nigeria, and says the United States will send military and law enforcement advisors to Nigeria to help rescue the girls.

The Corporation for National and Community Service announces over $205 million in new grants to AmeriCorps programs, which will support over 280 organizations across the country engaged in national service.

Yesterday, 22 educators from across the country gathered at the White House for the White House Social for National Teacher Appreciation Week.

READ MORE

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 5/8 the House

05/08/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Thursday, May 8, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the time until 11:15am will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 11:15am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and there will be up to 4 roll call votes on the following:

1) Cloture on Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

2) Cloture on Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin

3) Cloture on Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois and

4) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #526 Pamela K. Hamamoto – to be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador (possible voice vote).

All votes after the first vote in each series will be 10 minutes in duration. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote.

If cloture is invoked on Executive Calendar numbers 655, 656, or 657, the confirmation votes will be at 1:45pm. Upon disposition of the Rosenstengel nomination, there will be a cloture vote on the Rosenbaum nomination, followed by a vote on confirmation of the Mitchell nomination.

Therefore, there will be up to 5 roll call votes at 1:45pm:

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

2) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin

3) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois

4) Cloture on Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit and

5) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #615 Theodore Reed Mitchell, of California, to be Under Secretary of Education.

All votes after the first vote in each series will be 10 minutes in duration. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote.

During Wednesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on S.2262, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the bill is 1:00pm on Thursday.

11:18am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts.

Invoked: 55-41

The remaining votes in this series will be 10 minute votes.

11:47am The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin;

Invoked: 56-40

12:04pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois

Invoked: 54-42

Cloture was invoked on the Rosenstengel nomination by a vote of 54-42. Executive Calendar #526 Pamela K. Hamamoto to be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador was confirmed by voice vote.

The time until 1:45pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 1:45pm, there will be up to 5 roll call votes (4 expected):

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

2) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin

3) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois

4) Cloture on Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit and

5) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #615 Theodore Reed Mitchell, of California, to be Under Secretary of Education (expected voice vote).

All votes after the first vote in each series will be 10 minutes in duration. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote.

1:48pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts;

Confirmed: 94-0

2:10pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin;

Confirmed: 70-24

2:28pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on cloture on confirmation of Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois;

Confirmed: 95-0

2:44pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit;

Invoked: 58-36

This will be the last roll call vote of the week.

May 8, ’14 3:00 PM

By voice vote, the Senate confirmed Executive Calendar #615 Theodore Reed Mitchell, of California, to be Under Secretary of Education.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.3474, which will be used as the legislative vehicle for the Senate Tax Extenders legislation (S.2260). The cloture vote would occur on Tuesday, May 13 or, if cloture is invoked on S.2262, Energy Efficiency, upon disposition of the Energy Efficiency bill.

Roll Call Votes

1) Motion to Invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts; Invoked: 55-41

2) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin; Invoked: 56-40

3) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois; Invoked 54-42

4) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts; Confirmed: 94-0

5) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin; Confirmed: 70-24

6) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois; Confirmed: 95-0

7) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit; Invoked: 57-37

Legislative items

Passed S.2197, a bill to repeal certain requirements regarding newspaper advertising of Senate stationery contracts.

Adopted H.Con.Res.83, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha I.

Adopted S.Res.440, recognizing the contributions of teachers to the civic, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States.

Completed the Rule 14 process of the following bills in order to place them on the Legislative Calendar:

– H.R.2824, the Protecting Coal Mining Jobs Act (Republican request) and

– H.R.3826, the Electricity Security and Affordability Act (Republican request).

Additional Executive items

Confirmed Executive Calendar #526 Pamela K. Hamamoto – to be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador by voice vote.

Confirmed Executive Calendar #615 Theodore Reed Mitchell, of California, to be Under Secretary of Education by voice vote.

=========================================

Last Floor Action:5/7
9:56:31 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 8, 2014.

10:00:48 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:53 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Kerry L. Bentivolio to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:11 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.
10:11:12 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3627.
10:11:13 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.
10:48:15 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:48 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 8.
12:01:00 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Coates, Chaplain, United States Navy, Office of the Chaplain of the Marine Corps, Greenville, Illinois.
12:02:30 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:36 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cartwright to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:58 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.
12:40:25 P.M.	H. Res. 575	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 575 — “Providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 567) providing for the Establishment of the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi.”
12:41:13 P.M.	H. Res. 575	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 575.
1:41:27 P.M.	H. Res. 575	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 575, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question until later in the legislative day.
1:42:00 P.M.		ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE CHAIR – The Chair announced to the House that, pursuant to House Resolution 574, the Speaker has certified to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia the refusal of Lois G. Lerner to provide testimony before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
1:42:22 P.M.	H. Res. 576	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 576 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 10) to amend the charter school program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; relating to consideration of the bill (H.R. 4438) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify and make permanent the research credit; and for other purposes.”
1:45:59 P.M.	H. Res. 576	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 576.

2:40:05 P.M.	H. Res. 576	An amendment, offered by Ms. Foxx, Amendment is technical in nature.
2:41:06 P.M.	H. Res. 576	Ms. Foxx moved the previous question on the amendment and on the resolution.
2:41:35 P.M.	H. Res. 576	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by voice vote.
2:41:53 P.M.	H. Res. 576	On agreeing to the Foxx amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:41:59 P.M.	H. Res. 576	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.
2:42:27 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
3:20:48 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 8.
3:20:57 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of H. Res. 576, ordering the previous question and on adoption of H. Res. 575 and on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2548, as amended, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
3:22:14 P.M.	H. Res. 576	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 576 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 10) to amend the charter school program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; relating to consideration of the bill (H.R. 4438) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify and make permanent the research credit; and for other purposes.”
3:48:50 P.M.	H. Res. 576	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 205).
3:48:51 P.M.	H. Res. 576	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:49:05 P.M.	H. Res. 575	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 575 — “Providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 567) providing for the Establishment of the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi.”
3:55:59 P.M.	H. Res. 575	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 206).
4:03:31 P.M.	H. Res. 575	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 207).
4:03:32 P.M.	H. Res. 575	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:03:44 P.M.	H.R. 2548	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2548 — “To establish a comprehensive United States government policy to assist countries in sub-Saharan Africa to develop an appropriate mix of power solutions for more broadly distributed electricity access in order to support poverty alleviation and drive economic growth, and for other purposes.”
4:12:41 P.M.	H.R. 2548	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 208).
4:14:36 P.M.	H. Res. 567	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 575 . H. Res. 567 — “Providing for the Establishment of the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi.”
4:14:41 P.M.	H. Res. 567	Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 567 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
4:14:46 P.M.	H. Res. 567	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 567.

5:21:14 P.M.	H. Res. 567	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:21:34 P.M.	H. Res. 567	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 567, the Chair put the question on the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question until later in the legislative day.
5:23:38 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the text of a proposed Agreement for Cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-109).
5:25:44 P.M.	H.R. 4438	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 569. H.R. 4438 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify and make permanent the research credit.”
5:25:49 P.M.	H.R. 4438	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4438 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted.
5:26:34 P.M.	H.R. 4438	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4438.
6:03:54 P.M.	H.R. 4438	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 4438 would be postponed.
6:03:55 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption for H. Res. 567, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:04:07 P.M.	H. Res. 567	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 567 — “Providing for the Establishment of the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi.”
6:04:24 P.M.	H. Res. 567	On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 209 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

6:30:23 P.M.	H. Res. 567	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 186 (Roll no. 209).
6:30:55 P.M.	H. Res. 567	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:31:24 P.M.	H. Res. 567	Mr. Sessions asked unanimous consent to modify H. Res. 567 in the form he had placed at the desk. Without objection, the modification was agreed to.
6:32:46 P.M.	H.R. 4438	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4438 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify and make permanent the research credit.”
6:32:55 P.M.	H.R. 4438	DEBATE – The House resumed with the remaining 28 and 3/4 minutes of debate.
6:52:32 P.M.	H.R. 4438	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
6:52:33 P.M.	H.R. 4438	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 4438 would be postponed.
6:53:14 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
6:54:46 P.M.	H.R. 4366	Mr. Rokita moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4366 — “To strengthen the Federal education research system to make research and evaluations more timely and relevant to State and local needs in order to increase student achievement.”
6:55:05 P.M.	H.R. 4366	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:55:07 P.M.	H.R. 4366	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4366.
7:12:44 P.M.	H.R. 4366	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:13:05 P.M.	H.R. 10	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 576. H.R. 10 — “To amend the charter school program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.”
7:13:10 P.M.	H.R. 10	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 10 with 1 hour and 30 minutes of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill.
7:13:21 P.M.	H.R. 10	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 576 and Rule XVIII.
7:13:23 P.M.	H.R. 10	The Speaker designated the Honorable Rob Bishop to act as Chairman of the Committee.
7:13:34 P.M.	H.R. 10	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 90 minutes of general debate on H.R. 10.

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Don’t surface mine Livingston Mountain

05/07/2014 Nativegrl77

We strongly urge the Board of Commissioners to accept the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Commission to remove Livingston Mountain from the proposed update to the Surface Mining Overlay. The residential density of Livingston Mountain, along with unsuitable roads for this type of operation, makes this area a completely inappropriate area for mining.

The negative impacts to residents in an area around a mining operation include dangerous traffic conditions; loss of peace and tranquility due to the use of noisy, heavy trucks; damage to structures from shockwaves caused by mining explosions; and health hazards from silica-rich gravel dust. Additionally, mining operations have a severe impact to the surrounding area’s surface water runoff, as well as the underground aquifers, wells, and wetlands in the area.

Given that there is already a mining concession on Livingston Mountain which is detrimental to this part of Clark County, we implore the Commissioners to take the necessary steps to ensure proper monitoring and enforcement of standards that protect public safety, water quality, noise, and traffic concerns that hurt the public good. We support appointing a mining ombudsman to oversee the current mining operation to ensure compliance with appropriate public safety standards.

Finally, we insist that if there be any future proposals for mining on Livingston Mountain that they continue to be subjected to the legislative type IV land use review standards since these standards offer the greatest opportunity for public input.