The NW Facts Newspaper - NWFacts.com
When Diversity Matters Most. The Strength Lies In Differences, Not In Similarities
The fight for Medicare for All is just getting started. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (a Washington CAN member!) has introduced the Medicare for All Act of 2019. It’s the most ambitious Improved Medicare for All proposal to date, so we’re extending an invite for a special event where members can join the congresswoman in a discussion about the bill and the path forward.
Business owners in Washington are responsible for knowing which taxes to report. To help them, the Washington State Department of Revenue (Revenue) is hosting a free workshop for new and small business owners April 3, 2019 in Seattle.
Call 206-727-5300 or go online to register on Revenue’s education page.
Participants will learn about Washington excise taxes, reporting classifications, deductions, tax incentives, sales tax collection and record-keeping requirements. Attendees receive a workbook and helpful reference guide to Revenue’s rules and regulations. Also, attendees may earn two continuing professional education (CPE) credits. Contact the workshop instructor for details.
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
Location: Dept. of Revenue, 2101 4th Ave, Suite 1400 (cross street Lenora), Seattle
Contact Revenue’s Rick Stedman with any questions about the workshop: 360-705-6624 or rickst@dor.wa.gov.
Revenue offers several ways for businesses to learn about taxes. Visit the education page to view a complete schedule and to register for upcoming workshops. Business owners can also watch a short streaming video version of the workshop online.
Debt collection abuses rank first in the type of complaints filed by Washington State military servicemembers to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and second for all consumers in the state. A new Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) report may help explain why.
“Debt by Default: Debt Collection Practices in Washington 2012-2016” found that over 80% of lawsuits filed by debt buyers against consumers are unchallenged in court, meaning the debt buyer wins by default. So people sued by debt buyers are frequently subject to a judgment or garnishment of their wages, without the debt buyer ever proving their case or the validity of the debt.
The analysis also found that only 1% of defendants were represented by an attorney among 21,254 cases filed over five years by one large law firm representing debt buyers. Of those cases where the debt buyer won by default, defendants were represented in only 45 cases.
And the report documents a startling figure indicating how many of those consumers may not be aware that their case may be subject to a default judgment if they don’t respond to a summons in 20 days, a time frame that applies even if no court case exists. This “pocket service” may be occurring in almost 70% of the cases reviewed.
“The numbers show quite a lopsided legal situation in favor of debt buyers in Washington, who we found typically don’t have to prove the debt they are pursuing is real and accurate in order to win cases against unrepresented consumers,” said Julia Barnard, Researcher at the Center for Responsible Lending and co-author of the report. “In fact, less than two percent of defendants have legal representation. And on top of that, problems with service and very speedy timelines result in the fact that many folks find themselves subject to monetary judgments or even wage garnishments before they knew what hit them.”
“Unfortunately, this report shows the people of Washington are experiencing the injustice to consumers that we’ve seen in other parts of the country,” said Ellen Harnick, CRL’s Western Office Director. “
“Washingtonians are working hard to get by, often stretching limited resources to meet basic needs,” said Jay Doran of Statewide Poverty Action Network in Seattle. “A system that enables debt buyers to squeeze struggling consumers for precious dollars that they may not even owe is simply unjust. We need reform desperately, starting with the basic principle that debt buyers must prove the debt is real, as complaints make clear it is so often not inaccurate.”
“I see the abuses day after day, where debt buyers use the courts to push low income families deeper into financial distress, often without ever proving their claims,” said Scott Kinkley, an attorney with Northwest Justice Project in Spokane. “Providing proof when filing a lawsuit is a basic principle of our justice system. Debt buyers should not get away with draining desperately needed money from low-income consumers without documenting that the debt is real and accurate in each and every case.”
Seattle Parks and Recreation will host a free job fair for LGBTQ youth and allies on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Miller Community Center (330 19th Ave. E). Youth of all ages are welcome to attend and there will be many employment opportunities for high school-age youth (14-19) and young adults (19-24). Attendees should come prepared to spend some time visiting the various booths, which will have representatives from private employers as well as City of Seattle youth-employment and stipend programs.
Several City departments offer summer employment appropriate for teens and young adults, including positions in Seattle Parks and Recreation Aquatics (life guards, boat ramp monitors), Seattle Parks and Recreation Youth Engaged in Service (job shadowing an adult mentor, usually in an office setting), Seattle Parks and Recreation Student Teen Employment Program and Summer of Service (building trails in local parks as well as working on restoration and other projects), Youth Participatory Action Research (exploring social justice issues), and the Seattle Public Libraries Student Assistance program. Many local businesses will also be in attendance.
The Youth Job Fair for LGBTQ and Allies is a collaborative effort led by the Youth Employment and Service Learning Unit of Seattle Parks and Recreation. To participate in the fair or for more information contact Gwen Wessels, Seattle Parks and Recreation, at Gwen.Wessels@seattle.gov.
by John A. Huguley – Freelance Writer
Since the 1970’s, The Port of Tacoma has embraced diversity in the workplace by employing talented job applicants from multicultural backgrounds as well as seeking out qualified women and minorities to help their vision for the future. Both past and present employees discuss their experiences working at the Port.
Bernice Griffin began her service at the Port of Tacoma in 1997 as the Ports the EEO/Diversity Coordinator. She retired in 2014 as Senior Manager, Human Resources. During Ms. Griffin’s tenure at the Port, she helped launch programs designed to reach out and employ talented individuals from multiple backgrounds. Griffin says, “management had the vision to make the workforce reflective of the community.”
With the blessings of management, the port commission, and the executive team, Griffin and her fellow staff were able to work with local labor organizations, technical colleges, nearby Native American tribes, and job fairs to recruit new employees. The goal was to seek talented people while broadening the perspective of what good talent looks like.
Some of the positions at the Port require skilled journey level workers; these positions include carpenters, electricians, equipment mechanics, and plumbers. To meet the requirements of the maritime industry for these journey level positions, Bernice Griffin and her team launched an apprenticeship program with the goal to increase the number of women and minorities at the port.
While working in the Human Resources Department, Griffin also managed a diversity training program which started in the early 70s and continues to this day. Among other events, she led Black History Month and Martin Luther King Day celebrations which occurred while she was employed there.
Bernice Griffin is exceptionally humble and wants it to be clear that several pioneers came before her, who did wonderful things at the Port of Tacoma to increase the number of minorities and women. She says, “it took a community of folks with diverse talents and experiences to help the port develop and grow – and to make a difference.” Griffin goes on to say, “if it were not for the leadership, her team would not have been able to do all the things that were accomplished.”; concluding with, “the People are the Key,” they were the reason she stayed until retirement.
Today the Port of Tacoma employs about 200 people consisting of administration, maintenance, security, and skilled traits. It offers training and development opportunities. The Port continues to work in the community as well as on social media to help make people aware of new job openings.
Louis P. Cooper Jr. is the current Senior Director of Security and Labor Relations. Cooper has served in multiple positions at the Port over the last 15 years. During his time at the Port he has seen positive improvements, in terms of diversity, inclusion, and equality – but also understands there’s still work to be done. Cooper expressed that moving forward the Port and its management, “must continue to be deliberate in their mission to the people that reflect this community.” Cooper finishes by saying, “we need to reengage in the things we were committed to doing years ago – when it comes to cultural events, diversity, and inclusion.”
Christine Disnute is the Ports current Facilities Management Specialist. She joined the team in December 2017. Disnute says, “there is lots of diversity in management,” and, “since I’ve been here, the Port has made big strides to make the workplace more diverse.” Disnute is optimistic of the progress and goes on to explain how her diverse upbringing helps her to be successful at her job.
Christine Disnute is a woman of color. She recently finished her MBA program and hopes to apply it to helping the Port grow in an ever-expanding industry. Disnute would like to one day move into executive management where she can also do more for diversity at the workplace. Disnute concluded with, “I love working for the port and take pride in everything I do.”
Founded in 1918, the Port is located on the Tacoma waterfront at the South East corner of the Puget Sound, it supports more than 29,000 jobs and generates $3 billion in annual economic activity. It is among the largest container ports in North America, and a major center for automobile shipments, bulk, breakbulk and heavy-lift cargoes.
About: John A. Huguley – Freelance Writer
Born in 1966, John is a native Seattle Washington. He grew up in the original Holly Park government housing projects which were built in 1942. His old neighborhood was demolished a few years after John moved out on his own, but the vivid memories of living in this tight-knit, low-income community shaped who he is today.
As a kid, John formed a fascination for creative writing, drawing and making original comic strips. Some of his inspiration came from two of his childhood literary idols; Charles M. Schulz (Peanuts Comics) and Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss).
At a young age, John was also drawn to advertising after watching episodes of the American television sitcom “Bewitched”. On the show, the lead characters’ husband Darrin Stephens was an Advertising Agent. John would mimic the workings of the television Ad-Agent, and create his own storyboards for numerous sales pitches.
In the first grade, John put together a unique idea for teaching students how to manage money. He pitched his clever idea to his first-grade teacher, Miss Cochran at Van Asselt Elementary School. She liked it so much that she later implemented it into her curriculum. The word of his brilliant idea spread, and eventually made its way to being featured on the local evening news.
In addition to John’s passion for creative writing, he loves to take photographs; thousands of them. John received his first film camera at around age six and has not stopped taking pictures since. John currently has an archive of over 124,000 personally taken photos; some dating back to the 1970’s.
When John was ten years old he purchased his first pull-start motor-bike for fifty-dollars; using money that he saved from his paper route, mowing lawns, and being a young entrepreneur.
John earned some of his money as a kid selling a ten-cent homemade frozen treat, that he creatively named “Cupsicles”. To promote his product, he created a glimmering poster made of cardboard covered with aluminum foil. On the poster, he used colored markers to write sales pitches like: “Better Than Popsicles”, “Limited Amounts Left” and “Get Yours Now!”. By the end of his first summer in business, John couldn’t produce “Cupsicles” fast enough to stay up with the neighborhood demand. John was onto something…
Today John is still doing all the things he grew up loving; creative writing, photography, riding motorcycles, and developing material to promote everyday ideas.
With over 25 years of professional experience and a lifetime of passion for the business, John would love to work on your next project, contact him today – you’ll be glad you did.
Visit: JohnHuguley.com
We are pleased to inform you of Rainier Beach Job & Resource Fair, Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, 12 PM – 2:00 PM, at the Rainier Beach Community Center, 8825 Rainier Avenue S., Seattle, WA., 98118. Interviews will be available on-site, so come prepared and dress appropriately. Over 800 jobs available. Volunteers needed, sign up HERE.
We had a chance to congratulate the nominees for the 50th NAACP Image Awards and and praise them for telling the authentic stories of people of color, emphasizing the importance of representation across Hollywood, politics, and the corporate landscape.
As President Johnson said, “how people see us on the big screen is how they treat us in the streets. The Image Awards Nominees Luncheon is an occasion to celebrate the nominees of the prestigious Image Award. The best and brightest in film, television, music, literature, and social justice. We are here because each one of you has been integral to furthering equity, quality, and inclusion.”
Take a look at the class photo featuring many of this year’s nominees.
Voting for the 50th NAACP Image Awards is open to the public. Viewers have the opportunity to vote for their favorite nominees in 36 different categories across film, television, and music, and for the Entertainer of the Year.
Sign up and cast your vote today.
The 50th NAACP Image Awards will air live on TV One on Saturday, March 30, 2019 and we are excited to get your input.
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights is currently recruiting to fill five vacancies on the Seattle Human Rights Commission. The Commission seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds in human rights, law, public policy, advocacy, social services, education, and business. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor, City Council, and the Commission.
The Seattle Human Rights Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and city departments on human rights and social justice issues. In 2015, the City of Seattle declared Seattle a Human Rights City. As a result, the Commission works with the City to protect the inherent human rights for all residents. Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights principles, the Commission works to impact the lives of people in Seattle through its policy work, community outreach, and works with the Seattle Office for Civil Rights to end discrimination.
Participation on the Commission requires a minimum time commitment of 10-15 hours per month. This includes attendance at monthly meetings, participation in committee work, meetings with City officials, communicating with state legislators, and addressing human rights concerns. The Commission also hears appeals of discrimination cases from the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.
Commissioners are appointed for two years and all appointments are subject to confirmation by the City Council and serve without compensation. Those interested in being considered should email a letter of interest, resume, and a completed Seattle Human Rights Commission application to Marta Idowu (marta.idowu@seattle.gov) by Tuesday, March 19 by 5 p.m.
The Commission encourages individuals who are interested in applying to attend a monthly Commission meeting. Meetings are held in City Hall, in Room L280 on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Commission meetings are open to the public.
The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in its commissions. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply. All are welcome.
The Seattle Human Rights Commission is one of four commissions managed by the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.
Regence BlueShield and Northwest Medical Specialties (NWMS) today announced a new value-based agreement that will help enhance the quality of care for cancer patients in the Puget Sound region.
Regence’s innovative agreement with NWMS, one of the leading providers of cancer care in western Washington, will ensure that NWMS’s care for Regence members is incentivized based on patient satisfaction, patient experience and patient outcomes. Value-based care results in a team-based approach specifically designed to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of care to cancer patients.
“Our collaboration with NWMS to focus on the patient experience is part of our longstanding mission to move the health care system away from a payment model reliant on volume of care to a model centered around quality of care for the ultimate benefit of our members,” said John Partin, Vice President of Network Management for Regence BlueShield. “This innovative, proven approach improves patient health outcomes and lowers costs in a system craving more efficiency.”
Over the past five years, Regence BlueShield and its affiliated health plans have implemented more than 50 value-based agreements with providers across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Utah.
NWMS, with six locations across Pierce County and South King County, has emerged in recent years as a national leader in value-based cancer care.
“As an early adopter in providing cost-effective and high-quality care, we are thrilled to embark on this new model with Regence BlueShield,” said Dr. Sibel Blau, Medical Director for Oncology and Hematology at NWMS. “Our partnership will help change the health care system and have a tangible impact on cancer care in Washington.”
About Regence BlueShield
Regence BlueShield has been serving Washingtonians in select counties for over a century and now provides nearly 1.1 million members with comprehensive health insurance solutions. As a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers nationwide experience health care. For more information, please visit regence.com, facebook.com/regenceblueshieldwa or twitter.com/regencewa.
Seattle Parks and Recreation will host a free job fair for LGBTQ youth and allies on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Miller Community Center (330 19th Ave. E). Youth of all ages are welcome to attend and there will be many employment opportunities for high school-age youth (14-19) and young adults (19-24). Attendees should come prepared to spend some time visiting the various booths, which will have representatives from private employers as well as City of Seattle youth-employment and stipend programs.
Several City departments offer summer employment appropriate for teens and young adults, including positions in Seattle Parks and Recreation Aquatics (life guards, boat ramp monitors), Seattle Parks and Recreation Youth Engaged in Service (job shadowing an adult mentor, usually in an office setting), Seattle Parks and Recreation Student Teen Employment Program and Summer of Service (building trails in local parks as well as working on restoration and other projects), Youth Participatory Action Research (exploring social justice issues), and the Seattle Public Libraries Student Assistance program. Many local businesses will also be in attendance.
The Youth Job Fair for LGBTQ and Allies is a collaborative effort led by the Youth Employment and Service Learning Unit of Seattle Parks and Recreation. To participate in the fair or for more information contact Gwen Wessels, Seattle Parks and Recreation, at Gwen.Wessels@seattle.gov.