Dear Editor:
Please consider this intriguing exploration by long-time editor James Haught of fundamentalists in high office. For PeaceVoice, thank you,
Tom Hastings
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zealots in high office
By James A. Haught
486 words
Back in 2003, in a top-secret international phone call, President George W. Bush urged French President Jacques Chirac to join America in invading Iraq on grounds that Christian nations must thwart the Satanic forces of Gog and Magog. Chirac was baffled by such crackpottery. A few French newspapers wrote derisive sneers about the born-again U.S. leader.
Today, it’s déjà vu all over again. Religious kooks in high office are an absurd facet of the Republican Trump administration.
Vice President Mike Pence is a hero of the evangelical Religious Right. He opposes the teaching of evolution in biology classes (even though evolution is a bedrock of biology). As Indiana governor, he signed a notorious “religious freedom” law to let fundamentalists treat gays cruelly. His wife teaches at a born-again Washington-area school that sends students to a Creation Museum which teaches that Planet Earth is just 6,000 years old and humans coexisted with dinosaurs.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is a fundamentalist who thinks doomsday is coming. In a 2015 church talk, he said “politics is a never-ending struggle… until the rapture.” In 2014, he told a church group that “Jesus Christ as our savior is truly the only solution for our world.” Yet he’s in charge of American foreign policy to billions of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews and secular people.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos once told a gathering: “Our desire is to confront the culture in ways that will continue to advance God’s kingdom.” She advocates vouchers to funnel public money to fundamentalist schools.
Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry declared on Fox News that God “ordained” Donald Trump to be president – that Trump is a divinely “chosen one.”
Attorney General Bill Barr gave a Notre Dame University speech espousing “God’s eternal law – the divine wisdom by which the whole of creation is ordered.”
Barr said “the Founding Generation were Christians” – which isn’t quite true. Many of the Founding Fathers were Deists, an early version of non-Christian Unitarians.
The attorney general warned that “over the past 50 years, religion has been under increasing attack,” and has suffered “steady erosion…. On the other hand, we see the growing ascendancy of secularism and the doctrine of moral relativisim.” He blamed the retreat of religion for America’s upsurge of unwed pregnancy.
Evangelist Ralph Drollinger leads what is called the “White House Cabinet Bible Study Group.” The right-wing, born-again meetings include Pence, Pompeo, Perry, DeVos, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and NASA Director Jim Bridenstine, plus former cabinet members Ben Carson, Jeff Sessions, Alex Acosta and Scott Pruitt.
Religion is vanishing rapidly in America. White evangelicals – the heart of the Republican Party – have fallen to just 16 percent of the populace, according to Pew Research. Yet Trump gives them a gigantic role in his government.
Congress soon will decide whether the vulgar, shallow, obnoxious president should be impeached. I wonder if grounds for impeachment might include putting too many fundamentalists into high office?
–end–
James Haught, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is editor emeritus of West Virginia’s largest newspaper, The Charleston Gazette-Mail.
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Dear Editor:
Please consider this intriguing exploration by long-time editor James Haught of fundamentalists in high office. For PeaceVoice, thank you,
Tom Hastings
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This week, CFU officially announced the Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund, our latest Field of Interest Fund, dedicated to ensuring every student in Utah has the opportunity to learn computer science skills and unlock their full potential.
The fund was seeded by generous donations totaling $4 million from Utah tech entrepreneurs and is the first Field of Interest Fund in the nation dedicated exclusively to computer science education. Operating in conjunction with the comprehensive, four-year Utah Computer Science Education Master Plan, this fund targets needs, goals, and strategies outlined in the Master Plan, with an emphasis on investments that are replicable, innovative, and scalable.
But the most exciting news of all - the fund is open for anyone to donate! Whether you have $1 million or $10, you can be a part of the solution and align your giving with statewide evidence-based strategies and solutions.
Read the full press release and learn how to apply for funding on our website.
Tips for Tax-Savvy Giving
You're planning to make charitable contributions to receive a 2019 tax deduction, but are you giving in the most tax-advantaged way?
We accept gifts of cash and public securities, but also have significant experience monetizing complex gifts of private stock and real estate. Often, gifts of highly appreciated public securities or private stock generally qualify donors for a charitable deduction based on the value of the gift, without incurring a capital gain. The donated stocked can be gifted tax-free to a Donor Advised Fund or other fund at the Community Foundation of Utah.
Talk to our Donor Services Manager, Micaela, at 801-559-3005 x4 or micaela@utahcf.org to plan your tax-savvy 2019 gifts.
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USDA to Make $550 Million in Funding Available in 2020 to Deploy High-Speed Broadband Internet Infrastructure in Rural America
Announcement Made at Round One Investment in Iowa
STANTON, Iowa, Dec. 12, 2019 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the availability of a second round of $550 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reconnect Pilot Program funding appropriated by Congress. The application window for this round of funding is set to open Jan. 31, 2020. Secretary Perdue made the announcement alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds while congratulating the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company of Stanton, Iowa, for receiving $6.4 million in first-round Reconnect Pilot Program funding to connect 477 households, 35 farms and 21 businesses in Montgomery and Page counties.
“This second round of ReConnect funding will help USDA be an even stronger partner in closing the digital divide in America’s rural communities,” Secretary Perdue said. “Our core mission at USDA is to increase rural prosperity through boosting economic opportunity in rural America. We know that rural communities need robust, modern infrastructure to thrive, and that includes having access to broadband e-Connectivity. Under the leadership of President Trump and in cooperation with Congressional appropriators, USDA is proud to partner with rural communities to deploy this critical infrastructure, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Gov. Reynolds added, “Iowa is home to creative entrepreneurs who are driving technological innovation across the heartland. By leveraging local, state and federal resources, we are investing like never before in broadband connectivity and sparking revitalization across rural Iowa. I appreciate Secretary Perdue for being here today to represent the Trump Administration’s unwavering commitment to growing all aspects of rural America.”
Second Round Highlights:
USDA will make available up to $200 million for grants, up to $200 million for 50/50 grant/loan combinations, and up to $200 million for low-interest loans. The application window for this round of funding will open Jan. 31, 2020. Applications for all funding products will be accepted in the same application window, which will close no later than March 16, 2020.
A full description of 2020 ReConnect Pilot Program funding is available on page 67913 of the Dec. 12, 2019, Federal Register (PDF, 336 KB). To learn more about eligibility, technical assistance and recent announcements, visit www.usda.gov/reconnect.
Additional Background:
In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. On Dec. 13, 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the rules of the program, called “ReConnect,” including how the loans and grants will be awarded to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. USDA received 146 applications between May 31, 2019, and July 12, 2019, requesting $1.4 billion in funding across all three ReConnect Program funding products: 100 percent loan, 100 percent grant, and loan-grant combinations. USDA is reviewing applications and announcing approved projects on a rolling basis. To date, USDA has awarded $191 million through the ReConnect program with offers out to 47 additional potential recipients totaling more than $600 million in investments. Additional investments in all three categories will be made in the coming weeks.
These grants, loans and combination funds enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 1 Mbps upload.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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SKI.COM ANNOUNCES TRAVEL DATES FOR THE SKI.COM DREAM JOB NEW HIRES
New video series thanks more than 1,500 unique applicants
Aspen, Colo. – December 12, 2019 – Ski.com, the largest provider of ski vacations in North America, is announcing travel dates - starting in early 2020 - for the second year of The Ski.com Dream Job.
After receiving more than 1,500 applications, Ski.com is sending 12 new hires to document what it’s like to experience six top ski destinations in North America, Europe and Japan. In addition to announcing travel dates, Ski.com has released a new video series that honors the diverse applicant pool whose passion for snow, creating content, and vivid story-telling reminds us why our sport is the best in the world.
January 6 - 12, 2020 - Aspen Snowmass, Colo.
New Hires: Andrew Muse, Ashley LaMarre and Kicker the dog from Park City, Utah
Aspen Snowmass Applicant Thank You Video and New Hires Announced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkuzCIsKkLI&feature=youtu.be
January 13 - 18, 2020 - Big Sky Resort, Mont.
New Hires: Celia Miller from Frisco, Colo. and Ben Saheb from Steamboat, Colo.
Big Sky Applicant Thank You Video and New Hires Announced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-icJWcBzZsA&feature=youtu.be
January 26 - 31, 2020 - Jackson Hole, Wyo.
New Hires: Aaron Macrae and Matt Chick from Montréal, Canada
Jackson Hole Applicant Thank You Video and New Hires Announced:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtOFtFZEee8&feature=youtu.be
February 1 - 8, 2020 - Niseko, Japan
New Hires: Alex Broadstock and Kris Roller from Brooklyn, NY
Niseko Applicant Thank You Video and New Hires Announced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sibncK6QVZI&feature=youtu.be
February 23 - 28, 2020 - Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta
New Hires: Jake Burchmore and Taylor Ahearn from Crested Butte, Colo.
Banff and Lake Louise Applicant Thank You Video and New Hires Announced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snypX17rrgA&feature=youtu.be
March 1 - 7, 2020 - Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
New Hires: Jack Botti and Max Rhulen from Bend, Ore.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc Applicant Thank You Video and New Hires Announced:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLpl77lMvJQ&feature=youtu.be
In addition to being selected for an all-expenses paid VIP experience, each individual new hire* will receive $2,000; complimentary flights on United Airlines; gear from Stio, Black Crows, Giro and GoPro; custom forecasts from OpenSnow; and the opportunity to save our snow for future generations alongside Protect Our Winters.
*Please note that Ski.com uses the term “new hires” and not winners because Ski.com is hiring these individuals.
For more information about The Ski.com Dream Job New Hires, please see below:
January 6 - 12, 2020 - Aspen Snowmass, Colo.
Andrew Muse, Ashley LaMarre and Kicker the dog from Park City, Utah
Andrew Muse has over 10k followers on his YouTube page, which documents his travels around the world, often accompanied by fellow content creator and girlfriend Ashley and their internet-famous dog, Kicker. Andrew and Ashley’s bright personalities and love for skiing are the perfect fit for Aspen Snowmass, where they will have the opportunity to ski all four area mountains and experience some of the best après ski, dining and nightlife in North America. Aspen is also an incredibly dog friendly town with some hotels even offering doggie menus at their restaurants.
About Andrew Muse:
Andrew Muse is a professional multi-sport athlete, content creator, and social media influencer who generates content with his adventure dog Kicker by his side. After spending more than 10 years in the action sports and travel industries, he’s had the opportunity to partner with top clients, including The Travel Channel, GoPro, People Magazine, Google, and Land Rover. Kicker, aptly named the Ultimate Mountain Dog by Outside TV, and Andrew starred in a 2019 Super Bowl commercial for Mountain America Credit Union. Andrew’s self-produced series, Tiny Home Adventure, is gearing up for season three after season two received more than 1 million views.
About Ashley LaMarre:
Ashley LaMarre was born and raised in a small town in Northern Michigan and attended The School of Hospitality at Michigan State. In the beginning, her professional life landed her at a luxury resort in the British Virgin Islands but when Hurricane Irma devastated the islands, she relocated to Park City, Utah. Since then, Ashley has quit the hospitality business to work full time creating content. Lately, she’s been searching for a way to take viewers along on all her adventures and give her perspective on this hectic yet fulfilling lifestyle. Those stories are told on her blog, The Unexpected Adventuress.
January 13 - 18, 2020 - Big Sky Resort, Mont.
Celia Miller from Frisco, Colo. and Ben Saheb from Steamboat, Colo.
Celia Miller is a former professional snowboarder, full-time content creator and was the first female snowboard judge for The X Games and Dew Tour. Celia will team up with professional videographer and photographer Ben Saheb, who started his career at Steamboat TV 18. Ben is currently a freelance filmmaker and the director of photography at Steamboat Powdercats. Celia and Ben will be capturing everything from riding the Big Couloir off Lone Peak to riding under the stars during a guided, headlamp night skiing session.
About Celia Miller:
Celia Miller has traveled the globe, competed at the highest level of freestyle snowboarding, and filmed video segments in the backcountry. Following her career in front of the camera, she’s since developed a love for photography, film, and post-production, creating content for brands, commercials and music videos world-wide.
About Ben Saheb:
Ben Saheb is a professional photographer, filmmaker and video editor from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He started his professional career as director and producer for Steamboat TV before leaving for a position as director of photography at Steamboat Powdercats. All the while, he’s been simultaneously freelance filmmaking for many amazing organizations and people across the world.
January 26 - 31, 2020 - Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Aaron Macrae and Matt Chick from Montréal, Canada
Aaron and Matt, also known as The Rolling Van Creative, applied to The Ski.com Dream Job last year and joined Jackson Lebsack, last year’s Dream Job hire, for a leg of his trip in British Columbia on their hometown turf in Canada. This year, Ski.com is sending them to capture the best of Jackson Hole, one of the most iconic towns in the Rocky Mountain West.
About Aaron Macrae:
Aaron Macrae grew up in Toronto, where he found the hustle of city life very appealing. But after spending a few summers out west, his outlook on life changed immensely. During his final semester in Montreal, Aaron enrolled in an independent study and designed and built a camper van in which he would spend the next two years of his life. Like that van, Aaron’s videography is constantly moving and evolving as he continues to tell unique stories about travel and the great outdoors.
About Matt Chick:
Matt Chick is an Ontario native who grew up in a big family, always observing and following in the footsteps of his older siblings. After studying film and Political Science in college, Matt took to the highway. Thus, began a two-year odyssey of travel and self exploration he never expected would land him in filmmaking and photography. These days, Matt focuses on telling stories that spark human connection.
February 1 - 8, 2020 - Niseko, Japan
New Hires: Alex Broadstock and Kris Roller from Brooklyn, N.Y.
Alex and Kris are roommates, friends, skiers and accomplished content creators living in Brooklyn, N.Y.. As documented in their submission video, Alex and Kris have captured breathtaking content from around the world but have yet to capture Niseko, Japan - an internationally renowned ski destination for deep powder.
About Alex Broadstock:
Alex Broadstock was born in Taiwan and raised in Ohio. Alex has always had a love for travel and after completing college with a design degree in one hand and a camera in the other, Alex began his career crafting content with the goal to inspire others. His work is driven by a love for the outdoors and the energy found in different cultures.
About Kris Roller:
Kris Roller grew up skiing the White Mountains of N.H. at the age of three. Later in life, his love for skiing turned into a job teaching various ages throughout his high school days. It was only a matter of time before he picked up his first camera and began shooting his favorite winter pastime. For the last seven years, Kris delved into the creative world of film - traveling all over the world, working with creative brands and helping them share meaningful stories through video.
February 23 - 28, 2020 - Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta
Jake Burchmore and Taylor Ahearn from Crested Butte, Colo.
Jake and Taylor are professional photographers and filmmakers based in Crested Butte, Colorado. They are expert big-mountain skiers who are looking forward to documenting all that Banff and Lake Louise has to offer during The Ski.com Dream Job.They will be capturing the beauty of this iconic Canadian Rockies destination and experiencing the charming town of Banff.
About Jake Burchmore:
Jake Burchmore was born in Aspen and raised in the San Juan Mountains of Telluride, Colorado. Recently, Jake earned his BS in Environment & Sustainability in addition to Business Administration from Western Colorado University and has since combined those subjects with his videography/photography. By combining his studies with his passions, Jake hopes to motivate his audience to act on behalf of causes he cares about.
About Taylor Ahearn:
Taylor Ahearn currently resides in the Gunnison Valley of Colorado and spends his waking hours documenting skiing and mountain lifestyle. Taylor grew up in Maine and has been skiing ever since he could walk. Upon picking up a camera at a young age to document winter sports and travel, his passions have grown into a career creating and sharing his inspired content with the world.
March 1 - 7, 2020 - Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
Jack Botti and Max Rhulen from Bend, Ore.
Jack and Max bring strong photography and cinematography credentials to the bucket-list destination of Chamonix, France. As seen in their application video, both are expert skiers with a deep passion for going big in the powder and park. Jack grew up skiing in Oregon and Max grew up skiing the slopes of Colorado. Their sense of having fun in the mountains is infectious, and Ski.com can’t wait to follow these two talented skiers and videographers as they tackle some of the most breathtaking terrain in the French Alps.
About Jack Botti:
Jack Botti is a professional videographer from Portland, Oregon. After ski racing for 10 years, his passion for the outdoors led him to Bend, where he attended OSU Cascades and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. During college, Jack and his roommates created a web series, Keep the Stoke Alive, which gave Jack a creative outlet to perfect his craft. From filming private festivals in Thailand to skiing waist-deep powder, his lifestyle is anything but average.
About Max Rhulen:
Max Rhulen‘s parents met on their high school ski team and got him started on skis at the ripe age of two years old. Max is now a content creator and post-production specialist. He lives in Bend, Oregon and is constantly sharing his experiences with a dedicated following. From skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and fly fishing, Max gravitates towards unique perspectives that are clearly evident in his diverse portfolio of videography. He currently works with brands and individuals to share their stories through photo and video.
More About The Ski.com Dream Job:
During the application process, which lasted from September 17 through October 29, 2019, interested job seekers submitted videos explaining in 90 seconds or less what made them the perfect candidate for The Ski.com Dream Job. Applicants needed to have a serious desire to travel to some of the most amazing mountain destinations in the United States, Canada and Japan; be an intermediate skier or snowboarder or above all excel at documenting new experiences.
For more about The Ski.com Dream Job new hires, visit the Ski.com blog at: https://www.ski.com/blog/ski-com-dream-jobs-new-hires-2020/.
To follow The Ski.com Dream Job new hires travel the world this winter, follow along at www.ski.com/dreamjob for updates, Ski.com’s Instagram, Ski.com’s Facebook page and the hashtags #skidreamjob and #tothemountains.
About Ski.com
Founded in 1971 in the heart of Colorado ski country, Aspen-headquartered Ski.com is North America’s largest provider of mountain vacation packages and an industry leader in online travel technology. The company specializes in booking custom ski vacations at more than 120 of the most popular ski resorts and heli- and cat-skiing destinations in North America, Europe, Japan and South America and offers the largest collection of mountain lodging and ski-vacation components, including discounted lift tickets, flights, equipment rental, ski school, activities and more. Providing unsurpassed mountain-travel expertise, Ski.com’s 70 Mountain Travel Experts average 26 years of experience in the ski travel industry.
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Charter Schools in Pittsburgh & Leaders throughout Pennsylvania Unite
No images? Click here
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2019
CONTACT:
pr@edreform.com
202-603-6755
Charter Schools in Pittsburgh & Leaders throughout Pennsylvania Unite
Issue strong message to special interest sponsors of “Public Education Forum 2020” and the Democratic candidates ignoring parental demands
WASHINGTON – Charter school leaders in Pittsburgh, joined by others throughout Pennsylvania, and by key state democratic officials issued strong statements today challenging the Democratic candidates for president who will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this Saturday, December 14, 2019, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for the “Public Education Forum 2020: Equity and Justice for All.” Sponsored by unions and other interest groups, the Forum has sparked strong responses from the Pennsylvania charter school community, with its unfounded attacks upon the substantive work being carried out throughout the state and right in the city where the forum will be held.
“We call on the candidates to remember those who won’t be there: the thousands of parents from underserved communities tragically forced to watch their children suffer academically because of a failed system that refuses any real reform,” said representatives of 5 of the city’s charter schools in a statement, speaking on behalf of the state’s 143,000 charter school students and their parents.
“The Democratic Presidential candidates have been summoned to demonstrate their allegiance to the unions and special interests who they believe hold the key to their nomination,” said CER Founder & CEO Jeanne Allen. “Not invited were any charter or reform minded voices to participate in this nationally televised forum where Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf is expected to attend and criticize the very charter schools he has tried to keep from operating.”
Many charter educators will be on the ground in Pittsburgh to make their voices heard, including Tina Chekan, CEO/Superintendent, Propel Schools; Wayne Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship; Jon McCann, CEO, Environmental Charter School; Brian Smith, Founder and CEO, Catalyst Academy Charter School; and William C. Wade, Ed.S., Chief Executive Officer, Urban Pathways K5 College Charter School. They have issued the following statement in response to the Public Education Forum this Saturday.
“As eight potential future presidents gather here in Pittsburgh this Saturday and are hosted by some of the nation’s most powerful special interests, we call on the candidates to remember those who won’t be there: the thousands of parents from underserved communities tragically forced to watch their children suffer academically because of a failed system that refuses any real reform. It is a cruel irony that the tagline of this weekend’s forum is ‘equity and justice for all’ when all the candidates being celebrated each oppose the very policies that help our schools give such words real meaning. Thanks to school choice, our public charter schools prevail at giving life-altering opportunity to children for whom educational success – and the more hopeful and secure future that comes with it – would likely be denied.
“Our communities are in need of champions of change who will fight for accountability, transparency, and innovation—not empty promises and pandering. As student proficiency in the most basic subjects plummet and opportunity gaps widen – the candidates should aim their fury at those enabling this disaster, not those of us making a difference. The nation will see if a profile in courage emerges—all he or she must do is pledge to put students first.”
David Hardy, Executive Director, Excellent Schools PA, Founder of Boys Latin Charter School, and CER Board Member is a passionate advocate for school choice and leader in organizing voices. “Much like in Washington, charters schools in Pennsylvania are under vicious assault for committing the unpardonable sin of promoting educational excellence by putting students first—and not caring what teachers’ unions have to say about it. This weekend, we can expect to hear the candidates pander to the public education industry by slinging mud at the very schools and innovators who are doing what the current system is failing to do: teach our children, challenge them rigorously, prepare them for tomorrow. In the very city that is hosting this forum, the facts have made clear that public schools are sentencing far too many students to futures hamstrung by hardship. It is time for those who claim to believe in fairness, equality, and opportunity to join the revolution already underway and support policies that help charter schools give life to those values each and every day.”
Charter leader from Mastery Charter Schools, Sharif El-Mekki anticipated the topics that would be discussed during the forum saying, “When the presidential candidates take the stage in Pittsburgh this Saturday, they better be ready to demand answers from their hosts. As the Keystone scores show, Pittsburgh’s public school system is a heartbreaking disaster that is only getting worse. Despite the district spending an astounding $25,000 per student, proficiency in each subject is plummeting. The students are failing to learn because of a stubborn status quo that, by resisting real change and real accountability, is trampling on these children’s futures. I implore the candidates: use your voices and your platforms to support marginalized students who are being mis-educated in systems seeped in inequity. We need presidential candidates to demonstrate real leadership by embracing and championing solutions that are making the absolute difference between realized dreams and lifelong nightmares. Anything less is presidential."
Also in support of charter schools and actively working to break down barriers are Pennsylvania state representatives. Among them:
PA Democratic Whip Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) reflected CER’s sentiment saying, “As the nation’s attention turns to Western Pennsylvania this Saturday for a worthy forum on public education, I invite everyone to avert their eyes to the east when the topic turns to solutions that actually work. The candidates need look no further than Philadelphia’s thriving charter schools for an example of how to reform and improve the way our children learn. If these leaders are serious about making sure that every student of every background receives a promising education, then they must acknowledge and applaud the successes that these charter schools produce.”
PA State Senator and Democratic Whip Anthony Hardy Williams (D-Delaware County, Philadelphia County) said, “While I am pleased to see education reform finally get the national attention it deserves this weekend, we must remember that there are many players at the table when it comes to fulfilling every child’s right to a quality education—including charter schools and the parents who fight so hard for them. Throughout the Philadelphia region, like so many places across the nation, charter schools are leading the way in performance, accountability, and innovation. At a time when the status quo is failing thousands of our students, especially those in underserved communities, charters give all families hope that equal opportunity is possible.”
Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform started with a simple premise—to achieve excellence in education. The first laws supporting charter schools, school choice offerings and even state standards were owing to CER’s leadership.
Today CER works to bring about every opportunity possible to expose learners at all levels, from K through Career, to the best innovations America can provide, a goal we know from our history is boundless.
Stay informed, sign up for our weekly newsletter
================
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Tony Young
GOED Media Relations Manager
tonyyoung@utah.gov | 801-538-8722
Fintech Company BlueVine to Expand in Utah with New Operations Center
SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 12, 2019) — The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to announce BlueVine Capital Inc. will expand its operations in Utah, creating 1,449 new jobs in the next nine years.
“Our fintech sector continues to grow, and we’re pleased BlueVine has chosen to expand in the state,” said Val Hale, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “This project to build a new operations center for BlueVine will create many high-paying jobs that will be economically impactful for Utah.”
BlueVine offers a suite of products designed to meet the diverse financial needs of today’s business owners, including BlueVine business checking, line of credit, term loan and invoice factoring. BlueVine has provided more than $2.5 billion in financing to small and medium-sized businesses since its founding in 2013.
“We’re very excited to join the thriving fintech community in Utah’s Silicon Slopes and look forward to welcoming local customer support and account management talent to our new operations center,” said Eyal Lifshitz, CEO and co-founder of BlueVine. “Our Utah operations center will help support and scale our vision for BlueVine business banking and help take our customer service to the next level.”
BlueVine may earn up to 25% of the new state taxes it will pay over the nine-year life of the agreement in the form of a Utah Legislature-authorized Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) tax rebate. The GOED Board has approved a post-performance tax rebate not to exceed $4,087,777. Each year that BlueVine meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax rebate.
“In April 2018, we met with BlueVine during a Bay Area Global Strategy & Outreach campaign focused on fast-growing fintech companies,” said Theresa A. Foxley, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “Welcoming BlueVine to Utah validates the strength of our fintech cluster and the effectiveness of our GS&O initiative.”
State of Utah Tax Rebate By the Numbers
Tax revenue: $16,351,108
Wages: $422,646,676
Jobs: 1,449
Capital investment: 20 million
Timeline: 9 years
About Utah Corporate Incentives
The Utah Legislature has authorized economic development incentives in the form of post-performance tax rebates. Eligible companies work with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development to outline specific performance criteria. Once GOED confirms those criteria have been met, according to statute (U.C.A. 63N-2-106(2)), companies can receive a refund of up to 30% of the state taxes they paid for up to 20 years. The contract with the state is post-performance; it only provides a state tax rebate if the company meets its obligations.
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Under the direction of Gov. Gary Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, and helps drive increased tourism, film production and outdoor recreation in the state. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.
About BlueVine
BlueVine empowers small businesses with innovative banking designed for them. BlueVine’s advanced online platform is intuitive and offers a convenient solution for the banking and working capital needs of businesses. BlueVine offers a suite of products designed to meet the diverse financial needs of today’s business owners including BlueVine Business Checking, Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Invoice Factoring. Based in Redwood City, California, BlueVine has provided small and medium-sized businesses with access to more than $2.5 billion in financing and is backed by leading investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Menlo Ventures, ION Crossover Partners, 83North, SVB Capital, Citi Ventures, Nationwide Insurance, MUFG Innovation Partners Co. Ltd., and other notable institutional and private investors. All lines of credit and term loan products are issued by Celtic Bank, a Utah-chartered Industrial Bank, Member FDIC. Bank account services are provided by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC.
Deposits are FDIC insured up to at least $250,000 through The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC.
The BlueVine Business Debit Mastercard is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated and may be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
BlueVine® is a registered trademark of Bluevine Capital Inc. 2019 Bluevine Capital Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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BBB Alert: Beware of Puppy Scams this holiday season – Findings by BBB reveal a surge in complaints and scam reports
(December 12, 2019) Salt Lake City, UT - If you are shopping online for a pet this holiday season, watch out for scams. Complaints continue to pour into Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Scam Tracker as fake pet and puppy scams are on the increase.
Scammers know that few things pull at a person's heartstrings like an adorable puppy. And as consumers turn to the internet to find new pets, they will be met with a slew of heart-tugging ads. A BBB study found that many of the ads are scams, and anyone looking online for a pet is extremely likely to encounter one.
In the last three years, BBB received nearly 16,000 complaints and Scam Tracker reports from consumers about “businesses” selling puppies and other pets.
Year
Estimated complaints and scams pertain to pet fraud
2017
4,664
2018
6,007
2019 (Jan-Nov)
5,879
2019 (projected)
6,466
How the Scam Works
You find an adorable puppy on a website or an online ad. Sometimes, scammers claim they are breeders or pet sellers. Other times, they pretend to be a distraught pet owner who must find a new home for their beloved dog. Either way, once you inquire about the pet, they ask you to wire money through such services as Western Union or Moneygram to complete the purchase.
The scammers who took Weber County resident Christa Robertson for a total of $2,800 followed this approach exactly. Robertson, trying to purchase 2 French bulldog puppies, paid for both of them online.
Then, the "seller" promises your pet will be shipped right away. But there are always unexpected problems. Scammers use a variety of excuses, like saying the airline requires a specific pet crate or the shipper requires costly pet insurance—all of which need to be paid in advance. With each problem, scammers promise that they will refund the unexpected costs as soon as your pet is delivered.
For Robertson, the scammers asked her to pay an additional $1900 for two pressurized travel crates in addition to the adoption fee. She was informed she would be reimbursed the full amount upon delivery. She not only was never reimbursed, but never received the puppies.
“Scammers love to try to take advantage of people when they are in high emotional situations,” says Jane Rupp, President and CEO of BBB Serving Northern Nevada and Utah. “The excitement of buying a new pet can cloud good judgment, and victims can be hurt financially and emotionally when they realize they have lost their money along with hopes for a new family pet.”
Tips to Protect Yourself from Pet Scams:
Arrange an in-person visit. If possible, inspect the pet yourself by arranging to meet with the prospective seller in person. Most legitimate breeders will welcome the visit. If you can’t meet in person, ask for FaceTime or Skype videos that show the puppies throughout their early growth.
Always pay with a credit card. Never send money via Western Union and Moneygram to people or companies you don't know and trust. Once the money is wired, it is gone for good. The same goes for prepaid debit cards or gift cards. Always use a credit card in case you need to dispute the charges. If anyone asks you to pay for anything with a gift card, you may be dealing with fraud. Petscams.com has also has warned people about paying with Zelle, a digital payment system.
Reverse search the image. Do an internet search for the picture of the pet you are considering. If the same picture appears on multiple websites, you may be dealing with a fraud. You also can search for text from ads or testimonials to see if the seller copied it from another site.
Research breed prices. If someone advertises a purebred dog for free or at a deeply discounted price, you could be dealing with a fraudulent offer. If they state that they register their dogs with a specific organization or registry, confirm by contacting the registry or organization directly.
Check out the website. Go to petscams.com to see if a site selling pets is bogus.
Find out what other consumers are saying. Check BBB Scam Tracker and do an internet search on the breeder’s or organization's name.
If you have been a victim or see a puppy scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.
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ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2018, people turned to BBB more than 173 million times for BBB Business Profiles on nearly 5.4 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. Today, BBB serving Northern Nevada and Utah is supported by just over 4,300 Accredited Businesses that have voluntarily committed to adhere to BBB’s Standards of Trust.
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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Tony Young
GOED Media Relations Manager
tonyyoung@utah.gov | 801-538-8722
GE Healthcare Life Sciences to Expand in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 12, 2019) — The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to announce that GE Healthcare Life Sciences will expand its operations in Utah. GE Healthcare Life Sciences hopes to create as many as 68 new jobs in the next five years.
“Utah has America’s most diverse economy. Adding another well-known company to the state’s life sciences roster helps to strengthen that diversity,” said Val Hale, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “We’re glad GE Healthcare has chosen to expand in Utah and bring more jobs to Cache County.”
GE Healthcare manufactures and distributes diagnostic imaging agents and radiopharmaceuticals for imaging technologies used in medical imaging procedures. The company develops health technology for medical imaging, diagnostics, patient monitoring systems, disease research and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Established in 1994, GE Healthcare operates in more than 100 countries.
GE Healthcare may earn up to 15% of the new state taxes it will pay over the five-year life of the agreement in the form of a Utah Legislature-authorized Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) tax rebate. The GOED Board has approved a post-performance tax rebate not to exceed $254,554. Each year that GE Healthcare meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax rebate.
“As part of our global strategy and outreach initiative, EDCUtah and GOED connected with GE Healthcare in 2018, and as a result, Governor Herbert visited company executives in Boston that summer,” said Theresa A. Foxley, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “We were excited when the local GE Healthcare management team contacted us this fall to discuss this expansion opportunity, and we’re glad to see the project come to fruition.”
State of Utah Tax Rebate By the Numbers*
Tax revenue: $1,697,025
Wages: Up to $10,000,000
Jobs: 68
Timeline: 5 years
* All amounts are estimates only.
About Utah Corporate Incentives
The Utah Legislature has authorized economic development incentives in the form of post-performance tax rebates. Eligible companies work with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development to outline specific performance criteria. Once GOED confirms those criteria have been met, according to statute (U.C.A. 63N-2-106(2)), companies can receive a refund of up to 30% of the state taxes they paid for up to 20 years. The contract with the state is post-performance; it only provides a state tax rebate if the company meets its obligations.
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Under the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, and helps drive increased tourism, film production and outdoor recreation in the state. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.
About GE Healthcare Life Sciences
GE Healthcare Life Sciences helps therapy innovators, researchers and healthcare providers accelerate how precision diagnostics and therapies are invented, made and used. Our products enable biological analysis, research, development and the manufacture of advanced therapies and vaccines. Life Sciences is part of the $19.8 billion healthcare business of GE (NYSE: GE). With over 100 years of experience in the healthcare industry and more than 50,000 employees globally, GE Healthcare helps efficiently improve outcomes for patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and life sciences companies around the world. Visit gelifesciences.com/about-us for more information.
==============
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Tony Young
GOED Media Relations Manager
tonyyoung@utah.gov | 801-538-8722
GE Healthcare Life Sciences to Expand in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 12, 2019) — The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to announce that GE Healthcare Life Sciences will expand its operations in Utah. GE Healthcare Life Sciences hopes to create as many as 68 new jobs in the next five years.
“Utah has America’s most diverse economy. Adding another well-known company to the state’s life sciences roster helps to strengthen that diversity,” said Val Hale, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “We’re glad GE Healthcare has chosen to expand in Utah and bring more jobs to Cache County.”
GE Healthcare manufactures and distributes diagnostic imaging agents and radiopharmaceuticals for imaging technologies used in medical imaging procedures. The company develops health technology for medical imaging, diagnostics, patient monitoring systems, disease research and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Established in 1994, GE Healthcare operates in more than 100 countries.
GE Healthcare may earn up to 15% of the new state taxes it will pay over the five-year life of the agreement in the form of a Utah Legislature-authorized Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) tax rebate. The GOED Board has approved a post-performance tax rebate not to exceed $254,554. Each year that GE Healthcare meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax rebate.
“As part of our global strategy and outreach initiative, EDCUtah and GOED connected with GE Healthcare in 2018, and as a result, Governor Herbert visited company executives in Boston that summer,” said Theresa A. Foxley, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “We were excited when the local GE Healthcare management team contacted us this fall to discuss this expansion opportunity, and we’re glad to see the project come to fruition.”
State of Utah Tax Rebate By the Numbers*
Tax revenue: $1,697,025
Wages: Up to $10,000,000
Jobs: 68
Timeline: 5 years
* All amounts are estimates only.
About Utah Corporate Incentives
The Utah Legislature has authorized economic development incentives in the form of post-performance tax rebates. Eligible companies work with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development to outline specific performance criteria. Once GOED confirms those criteria have been met, according to statute (U.C.A. 63N-2-106(2)), companies can receive a refund of up to 30% of the state taxes they paid for up to 20 years. The contract with the state is post-performance; it only provides a state tax rebate if the company meets its obligations.
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Under the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, and helps drive increased tourism, film production and outdoor recreation in the state. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.
About GE Healthcare Life Sciences
GE Healthcare Life Sciences helps therapy innovators, researchers and healthcare providers accelerate how precision diagnostics and therapies are invented, made and used. Our products enable biological analysis, research, development and the manufacture of advanced therapies and vaccines. Life Sciences is part of the $19.8 billion healthcare business of GE (NYSE: GE). With over 100 years of experience in the healthcare industry and more than 50,000 employees globally, GE Healthcare helps efficiently improve outcomes for patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and life sciences companies around the world. Visit gelifesciences.com/about-us for more information.
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