Walt Minnick tag:minnick.house.gov,2008-09-11://17 2009-11-21T22:34:40Z Press Releases from Representative Walt Minnick within the last 90 days Movable Type Enterprise 4.24-en Minnick: More accountability for broadband funds tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.764 Meridian, ID – One of the largest new spending programs in the federal government is designed to aggressively expand broadband Internet service to underserved communities in places like Idaho.

Congressman Walt Minnick is calling on federal agencies to be more accountable and transparent in allocating that money, and to do more to help rural Idaho communities get the Internet service they need. Today Minnick met in-person and via conference call with representatives from Idaho companies and agencies that applied for the first round of funding from more than $7 billion in federal grants available for investment in broadband Internet infrastructure.

“This application process has quite frankly not worked as well as it could or should,” Minnick said. “While I am impressed and very supportive of the Idaho folks who did apply for funds, I am concerned that problems with the bureaucratic process are preventing those applications from being properly considered. I am also deeply troubled by the lack of understanding by these agencies of the unique issues and needs of Idaho.”

Earlier this week Minnick questioned the heads of the Rural Utility Service (RUS) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) with those very concerns. The hearing was held by the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, of which Minnick is a member. He asked about steps being taken to ensure the process is free of outside influence, and expressed concerns that the agencies’ definition of “remote” excludes many rural Idaho communities desperately in need of broadband service.

Minnick has directed his Idaho and Washington, D.C., offices to invest energy and time to assisting entities navigate the complicated federal application process so more Idaho communities have a shot at funding for broadband, something Minnick said is critical to business growth and educational opportunity.

“Like the many mayors, business leaders and economic development professionals I have met around my district, I believe that high-speed Internet access is one of the best tools we can offer to help smaller communities jump-start their economy,” Minnick said. “I am committed to helping those who applied for funding and those who want to apply for future funding, by cutting through bureaucratic red tape and advocating for Idaho.”

]]> Minnick statement on stimulus reporting errors tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.756 Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick released the following statement in response to reports that the federal website Recovery.gov reported money being spent in non-existent Idaho Congressional Districts:

“I am very disappointed by the lack of proper transparency on one of the largest spending bills in American history. I voted against the stimulus bill for a host of reasons. I was concerned that it was too large, it was not strategic, it did not create enough jobs, it was not designed to work quickly and it cost far too much per job created. Unfortunately, those concerns have been proven correct. Now, with issues over transparency raising new questions about the bill, combined with other troubling stories about bureaucratic red tape, it is clear that Congress must re-examine our approach to jump-starting our economy and find a more effective, cost-efficient way to help businesses create jobs.”

]]> Minnick wins praise for vote to fix Medicare payments tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.763 Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick voted to help pass H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009.

The bill is designed to eliminate a steep cut in reimbursement payments for physicians. The cut was scheduled for 2010, and would have likely reduced the number of Idaho physicians who accept Medicare.

“AARP applauds Congressman Minnick for taking a stand for older Idahoans on Medicare,” said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho.  “His vote to move this critical legislation forward is a move to strengthen Medicare and ensure that Idahoans continue to have access to the doctor of their choice.”

Minnick’s vote also won praise from medical groups.

“H.R. 3961 does away with past budget gimmicks to address the broken Medicare physician formula, and instead lays the foundation for fiscally honest and responsible reform,” stated Dr. J. James Rohack, president of the American Medical Association. “The band-aid approach has made future cuts steeper and increased the cost of true payment reform.  Congressman Minnick's vote in favor of H.R. 3961 ensures America's seniors and military families continue to have access to high-quality physician care.”

“The Idaho Medical Association strongly supports repeal of the SGR to ensure continued access to quality medical care for Idaho’s seniors,” said Susie Pouliot, CEO of the Idaho Medical Association. “Without action to eliminate the flawed SGR formula, physicians face a 21.2% cut for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries on January 1, 2010.  Such drastic payment reductions would force physicians to limit the number of Medicare patients they see, impacting the ability of Idaho seniors to see a doctor when they need one.  This situation in our state is exacerbated by the fact that Idaho consistently ranks as last or next to last in the ratio of physicians per population.”

]]> Minnick authors major job-training bill tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.757 We need to make sure that those American workers, many of whom are retraining, are given every opportunity to achieve certifications, degrees and qualifications for the jobs American industry needs to fill. Wins support from diverse coalition of business, labor, education

Washington, D.C. – In these tough times, more and more workers are going back to school to acquire skills and prepare for the new economic future. Congressman Walt Minnick today is announcing a new initiative to help those workers not only receive training, but also make sure their education is maximally useful in becoming certified for a new career.

“American workers are the best in the world,” said Minnick, a lifelong businessman and entrepreneur who ran a $700 million company. “They are resilient, innovative and hardworking, as is made so clear by the success of many great companies in my home state of Idaho. We need to make sure that those American workers, many of whom are retraining, are given every opportunity to achieve certifications, degrees and qualifications for the jobs American industry needs to fill.”

Minnick’s bill, H.R. 4072, is titled the American Manufacturing Efficiency and Retraining Investment Collaboration (AMERICA) Works Act. Minnick is the sponsor of the bill, which is being cosponsored by Congressman Frank Kratovil, of Maryland, Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, of Illinois, and Congressman Bobby Bright, of Alabama.

Minnick has spent nearly eight months crafting the bill, seeking input and support from a diverse coalition, including leaders in manufacturing, business, labor and education.

“The AMERICA Works Act directs critical federal resources toward helping students develop the skills necessary to compete in the workplace,” said Priscilla Bell, president of North Idaho College. “The legislation directs federal financial assistance for programs supported by the Workforce Investment Act, Trade Adjustment Act and Perkins Act toward education and training that ensure students get the skills needed to obtain good jobs. At North Idaho College, and at community colleges across the nation, the AMERICA Works Act will strengthen the cooperation we have with our business and industry partners.”

“In tough economic times with high unemployment and the loss of jobs, it is difficult to focus on workforce-skills development. In reality, we have no better time,” said Emily DeRocco, senior vice president at the National Association of Manufacturers. “True economic reform means not only righting our economic ship, but also pursuing the strategies that will ensure we maintain our manufacturing competitiveness and provide the best possible pathways to employment in high-quality, middle-class jobs for all workers. We commend Congressman Minnick and his colleagues for introducing this bill, which will help ensure both new and transitioning workers have the education and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century manufacturing economy.

“The AMERICA Works Act provides critical resources to vocational and technical education at a time when many Americans are searching for the skills that will provide them and their families with high-wage careers,” said John Littel, a senior executive with the Northwest Carpenters. “The AMERICA Works Act also recognizes the importance of industry partnerships, such as apprenticeships, that provide workers with transferable, industry-recognized certifications.”

In a letter to his colleagues, Minnick wrote that the billions of dollars invested each year in workforce training must be spent effectively. As employers, particularly those in manufacturing, continue to report skills gaps, it has become clear that there should be a more focused approach to ensure workers and employers meet their common goals.

“We must do a better job of aligning education and job training to the career pathways available in the 21st century economy,” the letter states. “The best way to prepare today’s students for the reality of the modern workforce is to offer training in industry-recognized skills.”

Key Points on the AMERICA Works Act:

  • The Act directs use of public funds for designated programs in the Carl D. Perkins Vocational-Technical Education Act, Trade Adjustment Assistance and Workforce Investment Act to develop necessary skills.
  • It amends the Perkins Act by assuring programs of study that receive federal funds result in nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials within the career and technical education section of the bill.
  • It adds a provision to improve training programs under TAA, established by the Trade Act of 1974, directing the Secretary of Labor to approve programs that provide a nationally portable, industry-recognized credential.
  • It amends the Training Activities and Youth Activities sections of WIA to give priority to training programs resulting in nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials.
  • It brings local manufacturers in closer contact with local training programs and builds the credibility of publicly funded training programs with employers all over the country.

 

]]> Idaho delegation statements on lands lawsuit tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.758 State Files Notice of Intent to Sue on Listing of Slickspot Peppergrass

Washington, DC – Idaho’s Congressional delegation voiced support for Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s filing of an intent to sue Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Director Sam Hamilton of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding their decision to list slickspot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  The decision to list the plant was made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 9 and will become effective in 60 days.

“I support Governor Otter in his decision,” said U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, Ranking Member on the Senate subcommittee that oversees the ESA.  “Throughout my political career, I have tried to make the Endangered Species Act less contentious and have encouraged landowners and political leaders to work in the arena of cooperative conservation.  This listing significantly weakens many of those efforts and undermines the good work of our state, private landowners and others who have worked so hard to protect slickspot peppergrass”

“If we truly want to preserve species we must work collaboratively to have any chance of success.  A top down mandate, which is what this listing is, pushes parties apart and is detrimental to species recovery,” said U.S. Senator Jim Risch.  “Governor Otter is right in filing this notice and the federal government needs to work with the state, not against them, if they want to recover this or any other species.”

"I want to commend the Governor for his extensive efforts to work collaboratively with ranchers and other public land users in Idaho to find solutions to problems facing species like slickspot peppergrass in Idaho," said Second District Congressman Mike Simpson.  "These efforts have been effective, and I'm disappointed in the decision to list the species as threatened in spite of the good work going on in Idaho.  As we move forward on this issue, I am hopeful that the agencies will work with us to find a solution that provides a win-win."

“Idahoans have proven time and again that collaborative, bottom-up approaches to land management and species conservation provide the best means for protecting that which makes Idaho so unique. The USFWS decision deals a serious blow to the collaborative process and will hamper the success of future endeavors," said First District Congressman Walt Minnick.

Slickspot peppergrass is found primarily in southwest Idaho in a unique soil condition called a “slickspot” that is sparsely vegetated.  The plant is a member of the mustard family.  The major threats to the plant, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are wildfires and invasive species such as cheatgrass and the effects of climate change on the sage-steppe ecosystem.  Thus, the ESA listing will do nothing to help recover the species.

In early 2004, the USFWS did not list slickspot peppergrass as threatened due to the extent of its range and abundance.  The state of Idaho also developed a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) with the BLM, Idaho Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force and private property owners to address the needs of the plant to prevent its listing.  The CCA established a method for the conservation of slickspot peppergrass through a voluntary agreement on state and private land.  Listing slickspot peppergrass directly undermines the state’s policy of proactively and collaboratively conserving species and their habitat while maintaining predictable levels of land use.

The governor’s intent to sue notice provides the secretary sixty days to cure the legally-flawed basis upon which the listing was premised.  Failure to rescind the final listing determination may result in legal action by the governor in federal court.

]]> Minnick shows support for veterans tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.755 "Former members of the Armed Forces should be able to live wherever they please. But when their homes are hundreds of miles away from the nearest Veterans Administration health center, it is difficult for these former servicemen and women to receive the medical care they were promised by this nation." Meets with vets in Meridian, announces bill for rural vets, votes for new regional facility

Meridian, ID – Retired servicemen and women who live in rural communities face unique challenges in obtaining health care.

“Former members of the Armed Forces should be able to live wherever they please,” Congressman Walt Minnick said. “But when their homes are hundreds of miles away from the nearest Veterans Administration health center, it is difficult for these former servicemen and women to receive the medical care they were promised by this nation.”

That’s why Minnick, a freshman Congressman from Idaho, will next week introduce a bill to mandate that any veteran who travels further than 150 miles be reimbursed for lodging and food at the same rate as federal employees. The bill also allows veterans to seek that reimbursement if inclement weather leaves a veteran stranded and unable to travel home after receiving medical treatment.

“Many Idaho veterans must travel on narrow, rural roads for the better part of a day just to reach a VA Hospital,” Minnick said. “If a snowstorm prevents veterans from traveling home after receiving care, they should not have to wonder how they will pay for a hot meal or a hotel room.”

Minnick also today released a statement entered earlier this month into the Congressional record. The statement expresses support for Senate Bill 509, which has passed the House of Representatives. The bill authorizes the construction of a new VA outpatient clinic in Walla Walla, Washington, Minnick’s family hometown. The hospital will serve veterans from eastern Washington and central Idaho.

“The Walla Walla VA Hospital provides vital medical care to thousands of veterans from Idaho, and a new state-of-the-art facility will allow the hospital to provide expanded services to the members of our armed forces,” Minnick said.

Minnick’s schedule today, Veterans Day, had him in Meridian to meet with veterans who were enjoying free meals, courtesy of Applebee’s Restaurant, and free auto cleaning, courtesy of Metro Express Car Wash.

]]> Minnick votes against limiting health choices for women tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.761 Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick released the following statement regarding his vote against an amendment to the Affordable Health Care for America Act:

“One of my daughters was born an orphan in China, and she had a chance at life because her parents defied a government order. I also have two sons, both of whom had a difficult time with their health as newborns. Helping all of them grow to be healthy and strong gave me a deep faith in the value of life.

“One of the many things I learned from my children is that nothing can come between the bonds forged by a family, by the difficult decisions we all make day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year.

“The issue of an unplanned pregnancy is just such a decision. It is painful, difficult and complicated for women and for their families. Doctors and pastors take great care to think deeply about advice offered to people who are dealing with that situation.

“Like most of them and like most of my constituents, I believe abortion should be safe, legal and rare, and that a decision on the issue can be made only by a woman, her family, her doctor and her pastor.

“I do not want a federal judge overruling that decision. I do not want a government bureaucrat denying a medical procedure ordered by a woman’s physician. I do not want this Congress to give an anonymous insurance executive an excuse to gut coverage for women’s health.

“One of the reasons I oppose the House health care bill is that I do not believe the federal government should be making health care decisions for Americans. It is also why I oppose this amendment.”

]]> Minnick statement on House health-care bill tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.754 believe that cutting down the cost of health care is one important step we can take in moving our economy forward. We need to reform the insurance industry by demanding accountability and increasing private-sector competition. We must reduce government spending on programs such as a Medicare, and look to Idaho for examples of ways to do just that. And we must reduce costs throughout the health-care system, so the long-term benefits of reform will truly help our economy to grow and our nation to prosper. “Over the last several months, I have met with thousands of constituents from all over Idaho’s First Congressional District. They are gravely concerned about the economy, about job security, and about the kinds of opportunities their children and grandchildren will have to make a better life.

“Like most of them, I believe that cutting down the cost of health care is one important step we can take in moving our economy forward. We need to reform the insurance industry by demanding accountability and increasing private-sector competition. We must reduce government spending on programs such as a Medicare, and look to Idaho for examples of ways to do just that.  And we must reduce costs throughout the health-care system, so the long-term benefits of reform will truly help our economy to grow and our nation to prosper.

“Unfortunately, the new health-care bill in the House does not adequately meet those goals, so I will vote ‘no.’ However, I am encouraged by the work of the U.S. Senate, and am hopeful that the final bill I vote on will be one that all Idahoans can support.”

]]> Minnick votes to extend jobless benefits, for housing tax credit tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.762 Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick today applauded the passage of a bill to extend federal jobless benefits for as many as 20 more weeks.  The House voted 403-12 to pass the bill after the Senate unanimously approved the measure Wednesday night.  The bill is expected to land on the president's desk Friday, when he is expected to sign it into law.

“Today’s vote provides important reassurance to Idahoans looking for work and looking to restart their lives,” Minnick said. “Idaho Department of Labor Director Roger Madsen and his team are doing great work under difficult circumstances.  I hope this funding helps them continue that work.”

The legislation also continues a home-buyers' tax credit and a measure allowing businesses to write off some of the losses they incurred over the past two years. 

]]> Minnick takes lead on education resolution tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.752 Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives will honor educators, staffers and students with a resolution highlighting American Education Week.

House Resolution 879 was introduced yesterday by Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick, the lead sponsor of the measure.

“American Education Week spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education from kindergarten through college,” Minnick wrote in a letter to his colleagues in Congress. 

The resolution commemorates the 88th observance of American Education Week, scheduled this year for November 15-21.

“Public schools are the backbone of America’s democracy, providing young people with the tools they need to maintain our values of freedom, civility, and equity,” Minnick wrote. “People working in the field of public education – teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff – work tirelessly to serve students and communities throughout the nation with care and professionalism. American Education Week celebrates the efforts of these dedicated professionals by highlighting different aspects of public education and encouraging community, parental, and elected official involvement in public schools.”

Minnick recently participated in a tele-town hall with teachers, educators and parents throughout Idaho's First Congressional District. He discussed education issues, his views and his plans to help Idaho schools weather these tough times for education funding. The town hall was hosted by the National Education Association.
               
“Educators are proud of elected leaders who advocate for quality public education for all students,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, “Our communities need more leaders who will support devoting resources and finding solutions to make sure every student attends a great public school.”

]]> Minnick lauds investment in Idaho's energy infrastructure tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.751 "These kinds of investments not only improve our infrastructure for the long term, they help create jobs and prepare Idaho to be a leader in the new energy economy. And most important, these investments will literally put power into the hands of consumers by helping them regulate their usage and reduce their energy bills." Washington, D.C. – Two Idaho utilities will receive millions of dollars to improve energy infrastructure for the state’s residents.

Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick today praised the Department of Energy decision to award funding of $20 million to Avista Utilities in Spokane and $47 million to Idaho Power in Boise to help consumers and utility customers in Idaho. Both awards are part of the $3.4 billion “Smart Grid Investment Awards” program announced today.

“This is great news for Idaho,” Minnick said. “These kinds of investments not only improve our infrastructure for the long term, they help create jobs and prepare Idaho to be a leader in the new energy economy. And most important, these investments will literally put power into the hands of consumers by helping them regulate their usage and reduce their energy bills.”

According to the Department of Energy, the Idaho Power project will “modernize the electric transmission and distribution infrastructure, including deploying a smart meter network for all 475,000 customers throughout the service area.” The company will also implement an “outage management system and irrigation load control program that will reduce peak and overall energy use and improve system reliability.”

The Avista project, according to the Department of Energy, will be used to “implement a distribution management system, intelligent end devices, and a communication network to reduce distribution system loses, enable automatic restoration to customers during outages, and allow for the integration on-site generating resources.”

]]> Minnick, NRA hail win on spring-assisted knives tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.750 The issue is resolved, but it means an Idaho Congressman no longer has an excuse to slip out his pocketknife at a committee meeting. Washington, D.C. – The issue is resolved, but it means an Idaho Congressman no longer has an excuse to slip out his pocketknife at a committee meeting.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved the conference report setting appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security. This final bill included language preventing spring-assisted knives from being classified by the Department as switchblades. The language was first championed by Rep. Walt Minnick (D-Idaho) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio.)

“This amendment was necessary to prevent commonly-used pocketknives from being branded as illegal switchblades,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. “The National Rifle Association would like to thank Congressman Minnick, whose leadership helped fix a provision that would have criminalized millions of law-abiding Americans – including many hunters and sportsmen in Idaho.”

Minnick received national attention earlier this year when, during testimony in support of the measure, he illustrated his point using a spring-assisted knife he carries in his pocket.

“Like most Idahoans, I carry a pocketknife,” Minnick said. “That shouldn’t make me a criminal. Passage of this bill means that the kinds of knives we use while rafting Idaho rivers or fishing its streams or hunting its mountains – or even just to open a stubborn package at the office – will remain legal and free of regulation.”

Minnick’s staff worked closely with other Congressional offices in championing the measure, and solicited feedback from key constituencies at home in Idaho.

“I want to thank Congressman Latta, Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), as well as Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo from Idaho for being great partners in championing this cause.” Minnick said. “This is an important win not only for people who carry these knives, but also for the workers in my District who manufacture them.”

Minnick’s district includes Buck Knives, one of the nation’s best-known manufacturers of spring-assisted knives and other knife products for hunters, outdoorsmen, collectors and enthusiasts.

"This issue involved regulation that was unclear and damaging to Idaho businesses," said CJ  Buck, president of Buck Knives.  "Rep. Walt Minnick and Sen. Mike Crapo really stepped up and supported an amendment that clarified and solved our issue, and that support is why Idaho continues to be so business friendly. It is a testament to our relocation to Idaho that when pending legislation is damaging to an Idaho business, our legislators partnered with us in finding a workable solution."

]]> Minnick: Remove funding for ACORN tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.748 This Congress must show fiscal responsibility and transparency with the use of taxpayer dollars. Thirty seven Democratic members sign letter to House Appropriators

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick and Colorado Congresswoman Betsy Markey today sent a letter calling on House leaders to prohibit the group ACORN from being eligible for federal funds. The letter was signed by 35 other members of Congress.

The letter calls on House leaders to keep language in the 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act which would prohibit ACORN from being eligible for any funds.

“Organizations receiving taxpayer funding should be held to the highest standards and those that do not should not receive federal dollars,” Minnick said. “This Congress must show fiscal responsibility and transparency with the use of taxpayer dollars.”

On September 14th, the Senate passed an amendment to the FY2010 Senate version of the bill with by a vote of 83 to 7 to remove funding for ACORN.  The letter, addressed to Chairman John Olver (D-MA) and Ranking Member Tom Latham (R-IA), specifically requests that House conferees support language agreed to in the Senate in the final conference report.

On September 17th, Minnick voted to impose a Federal ban on funding for ACORN in the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.

Click here to read a copy of the letter.

]]> Minnick bill passes House with Bipartisan Support tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.747 My constituents and I believe that our nation has a duty to spread the values of democracy around the world and to advocate for those who share our values. I am pleased today to have Congress show support for those efforts. Resolution calls for release of dissident on the anniversary of the Chinese Communist Revolution

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick’s resolution calling for the release of Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese scholar who is being held under criminal detention for his pro-Democratic views, passed the House of Representatives by a near unanimous vote of 410 to 1.  Passing on the 60th anniversary of the Communist Revolution in China, the resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 151, has been officially adopted by the House.

“I am pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle joined me in calling for the release of Mr. Liu,” Minnick said. “My constituents and I believe that our nation has a duty to spread the values of democracy around the world and to advocate for those who share our values. I am pleased today to have Congress show support for those efforts.”

Yesterday Minnick read a statement for the Congressional record in support of the resolution and was joined on the floor by Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) and Ranking Member Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).  Both Members spoke enthusiastically in support of Minnick’s resolution.   

Earlier this year on May 16th, Minnick called for the release of Mr. Liu when he spoke at the University of Idaho commencement ceremony in Moscow.

]]> U.S. lumber benefits from trade ruling tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.745 The tribunal sided with the U.S. this week over an appeal related to Canada’s proposed remedy for a Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) violation. International trade panel denies Canada’s remedy for Softwood Lumber Agreement Violation

Washington, DC – Idaho’s Congressional Delegation welcomed a ruling by an international arbiter in an ongoing dispute over Canadian softwood exports.  The tribunal sided with the U.S. this week over an appeal related to Canada’s proposed remedy for a Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) violation.  As a result of the ruling a 10 percent duty on Canadian softwood imports may remain in effect.

“Our trade agreements and rules must be upheld to better ensure Idaho and American softwood lumber companies and workers can compete in a just market,” said Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson and Walt Minnick.  “This ruling is an important step in correcting unfair trade practices impacting the U.S. lumber industry already hard hit by the decrease in homebuilding in the current economic climate, and the Administration’s efforts on this case are commendable.  Work must continue to ensure the SLA is properly upheld, but this ruling is an important action in this effort.”

The Softwood Lumber Agreement between the U.S. and Canada was the basis for arbitration initiated by the U.S. two years ago over volume caps and related taxes.  In this case, a tribunal previously determined that Canada violated the SLA and directed Canada to cure its breach.  When Canada did not execute measures to compensate for the breach, the United States imposed 10 percent customs duties on imports of softwood lumber from Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.  Canada sought a determination of whether Canada’s offer to provide a $36,660,000 payment to the U.S. government cured the breach, which was the subject of the ruling.

]]> Minnick helps veterans receive college degrees tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.743 Amendment passes as part of bill to reform college-lending programs

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick today hailed passage of a measure to make it easier for soldiers and veterans to transfer college credits.

“Many soldiers don’t have a lot of options for attending college while serving their country,” Minnick said. “My amendment will make sure that the credits they work so hard to earn will more easily transfer to the colleges and universities they attend later in life.”

(Click here to watch a video of speeches and debate on Minnick’s amendment, which passed the House 428 to 0.)

Minnick’s amendment was part of a sweeping bill passed today by the U.S. House. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act will make college courses more accessible, will strengthen community colleges, provides new funding for for early-childhood education for states such as Idaho, and will ultimately save taxpayers nearly $90 billion over the next 10 years.

“Providing more educational opportunities to students is critical to the economic future of our nation,” Minnick said. “Not only will this bill improve the educational opportunities for our very youngest students, it will also help more students attend college and make college more affordable for Idaho families. This bill also helps young people by reducing our federal deficit and saving taxpayers nearly $90 billion over the next 10 years.”

Minnick also issued a challenge to local leaders in Idaho, calling on them to take advantage of new opportunities this bill will create. 

“I hope that the Idaho legislature will finally act on our state’s great need to expand pre-kindergarten programs in our state,” Minnick said. “There will be over $1 billion available in competitive federal grants to train educators, prepare Idaho schools and create local standards for pre-K education. Idaho must jump at the opportunity.”

The bill includes:

  • $750,000 a year to Idaho for the next five years through an increase in funding for the College Access Challenge Grant program;
  • $13.1 million over the next two years for Idaho schools to modernize, renovate and repaid their facilities;
  • $4.5 million specifically to help Idaho community colleges finance projects to repair or construct new facilities.

Fact sheet:

  • The core provision of the bill is to originate all new Federal student loans through the Direct Loan program rather than through lenders subsidized by the government. Non-governmental entities would continue to service the loans. (Source: House Education and Labor Committee.)
  • The bill will boost the number of Pell Grant recipients in Idaho from roughly 13,000 to more than 20,000 by 2019. (Source: Department of Education.)
  • In the First Congressional District of Idaho, it is estimated that nearly 20,000 students will be eligible for a Pell Grant award in the 2010-11 academic year. (Source: House Education and Labor Committee.)
  • Applications for student aid in Idaho are expected to increase from about 35,000 to more than 50,000 by 2012. (Source: Department of Education.)
  • Students do not need to attend a four-year institution in order to apply for the aid in this bill. For example, Headmasters School of Hair Design, ITT Technical Institute, North Idaho College, Boise Bible College and others are all qualifying institutions where students can use the aid. (Source: Obama Administration.)
  • The bill establishes a new competitive grant program for community colleges to improve instruction, work with businesses and improve services. (Source: House Education and Labor Committee.)
  • The bill strengthens and expands the Perkins Loan program, a campus-based effort to provide low-cost federal loans to students. (Source: House Education and Labor Committee.)

Links:

  • House Education and Labor Committee fact page about the bill.
  • Assorted business, industry, labor and education groups supporting the bill.
  • Information on how the bill will assist community colleges.
  • How the bill will help states improve pre-K and early learning programs.

 

]]> Minnick statement on the anniversary of the attacks on 9/11/01 tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.740 Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick released the following statement:

“In the eight years since the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, our nation has gone through a series of transformations from a people outraged to a people now wizened by war, by tough times, by abuses of our own government. We are still outraged by terrorists who would do us harm and who prevent the spread of liberty around the world, but the events of September 11, 2001, have also left all of us more mindful of our need to fiercely protect our republic and the democratic foundation upon which it rests.
                                                                                                          
“We must eliminate the havens for terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan, yet avoid the temptation to fight terror with torture.  We must be rigorous in protecting our civil liberties, including the right to speak freely and to question authority. We must honor the sacrifices of so many over the last eight years by renewing our commitment to the men and women who serve and who served this nation in uniform. And we must do all we can to show the rest of the world that we are resolute, proud and unafraid to spread a message of hope, strength and certainty of our cause.”
 

]]> Minnick statement following president's healthcare address tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.738 Congressman Walt Minnick released the following statement:

“Tonight’s address was a positive step forward toward returning the health-care debate to a collaborative process focused on consensus. Idahoans expect Congress and the president to pull back from the disagreements, cut the partisan bickering, focus on the basics and be willing to listen to the voices we’ve heard over the last six weeks.

“I was encouraged tonight to hear the president speak about the issues which came up again and again in discussions with my constituents: Disallowing the use of pre-existing conditions to cut coverage or increase costs. Limits on out-of-pocket expenses. No caps on coverage. And a requirement that basic preventative care and education be provided as part of every insurance policy. I am also intrigued by the president’s call for a new insurance exchange, the kind of private-sector concept so many of my constituents support.

“However, although the president spoke forcefully and eloquently, concerns remain. These reforms will not help our nation if they bankrupt our government and burden taxpayers. I also believe that a so called ‘public option’ is not the best way to hold insurance companies accountable, and would only create a new, expensive government bureaucracy. I hope these concerns can be addressed, and I hope we can move forward in a bipartisan manner toward a bill all Americans will support.”

]]> Minnick statement on decision to allow wolf hunt tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.737 Congressman Walt Minnick released the following statement:

"Today's ruling by Judge Molloy was a victory for those of us who want land-use and wildlife decisions made at the local level, using sound science, collaboration and consensus. I applaud the decision, and now urge all parties, including the state of Wyoming, to work with scientists to ensure a healthy but balanced population of gray wolves in the Northern Rockies."

]]> Education program wins $2.5 million grant tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.736 Special presentation ceremony planned for Saturday, September 12 in WilderMeridian, ID - Students in Canyon and Owyhee Counties are one step closer to having a new home for the area's technical education program. Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick today joined the... Special presentation ceremony planned for Saturday, September 12 in Wilder

Meridian, ID - Students in Canyon and Owyhee Counties are one step closer to having a new home for the area's technical education program.

Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick today joined the federal Economic Development Agency (EDA) in announcing a $2.5 million grant to help the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency (COSSA) build a new Regional Technology Center in Wilder. The Agency worked in close collaboration with Sage Community Resources (Sage), to win the funding.

"I have been a big fan of COSSA from the earliest days of my short time in office," Minnick said. "When we first realized the amazing work the Agency and its partners do for students in southern Idaho, we committed to doing anything we could to help. I'm pleased to see we were able to break through a little red tape and help COSSA and Sage win this important grant."

COSSA is a cooperative effort of five rural school districts in Canyon and Owyhee Counties. Founded in 1969, the program offers special education, alternative high school education and professional-technical education. Staffers currently travel to locations in Homedale, Marsing, Notus, Parma and Wilder to provide skilled worker training, designed specifically to meet the needs of local businesses.

Although the districts pool their resources to offer the program, they have not had the resources to fund the program's ultimate crown jewel: a $5 million technology center. However, the EDA grant puts COSSA and its 115 staffers well on the way to achieving their goal.

“We are excited about the opportunities that this regional technology center will provide for both the secondary and adult students through agreements with the College of Western Idaho,” said Mark Cotner, Executive Director of COSSA. “The new facility will offer training programs in Automated Industrial Engineering, Health Information Technology, Industrial Welding, Health Professions, Construction Technology and academic programs.  Additional programs will be added as required to meet local businesses and industries needs”
 
“Our mission is to prepare southwest Idaho for growth and expand employment” said Pat L. Engel, Director of Business and Community Development at Sage.  “Employers need to fill existing and new jobs that change as quickly as technologies change.  This facility will allow COSSA to improve the competitiveness of our region by expanding their innovative approach to industry-specific training needs.”
 
Congressman Minnick and other invited dignitaries will have a formal presentation at the future school site in Wilder. The event will be Saturday, September 12 at 2 PM.

]]> Minnick statement on comments by Rex Rammell tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.735 Minnick communications director John Foster released the following statement while Congressman Minnick was traveling:

"Walt joins other state leaders and Idaho Democrats in strongly condemning Mr. Rammell's statements. At town halls and forums around Idaho over the last month, Walt has on rare occasions heard the kind of terrible rhetoric Mr. Rammell has refused to apologize for.
Each time, Walt has said that we not only need to be respectful of each other, but also respectful of the office of the president. No matter what your party, after election day, we all want our presidents to be successful in leading the country, and that includes President Obama."

]]> Minnick statement on death of Senator Kennedy tag:minnick.house.gov,2009://17.734 Congressman Walt Minnick has released the following statement:

“Senator Orrin Hatch put it best when he said today that Senator Kennedy’s death meant the loss of a ‘treasured friend.’ For Democrats, the Senate, the Congress and this country, it is the loss of an icon. Senator Kennedy was a reminder of a legislative era to which we should return, an era where members of Congress focused on friendship, decency and respect rather than partisanship. Senator Kennedy’s work for this country and his work to find common ground is a reminder of where we must look as a nation in these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

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