Watch this interview with Rep. Massie about his bill to end FedEd.
https://youtu.be/Ua7CfXnJBd8
As you know, Jason Chaffetz, oversight committee chair, is a co-sponsor on this bill. Here, Rep. Massie explains how the Dept of Education would be eliminated and sets out three options for the shift of power and money back to state departments of education.
He notes that 4,500 employees at the U.S. Dept of Education each make double what any teacher makes. He recommends that block grants return money, previously held by the federal agency, to the states.
He says both left and right are listening, and the only real opposition is coming from a few folks who believe that geniuses are living in DC and the states can't manage to figure out what to teach children.
The holdup? They're waiting to gain some more co-sponsors (they have seven now) in order to get the bill a hearing.
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The reward for information regarding the death of Sage the cat has increased to $42,600 from additional individual donations. We've received donations from $25 to $2,500 from concerned people wanting to help increase the reward in hopes of convicting the person responsible for Sage's death.
I have a professional contact, Dr. Frank Ascione who is willing to interview about the severity of this case if you're interested in reaching out to him. Please text him with your information first to 435-232-2161 or email frank.ascione@du.org. His research involves violence toward people and animals and is directed at identifying an early indicator of at-risk status in children.
I believe he can offer valuable testimony to the seriousness of this case and other animal abuse stories in our community.
March 10, 2017
Clearfield cat torturous murder reward increased to $27,500
Community comes together in extreme torture and death of pet cat
The Humane Society of Utah and its members mourn the death of a Clearfield cat named Sage. A $5,000 reward was originally offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the torture of Sage Wednesday, March 8, 2017. News of Sage’s death struck deep in the hearts of all animal lovers Thursday, March 9 and donations came in to contribute to the reward from individuals and animal welfare organizations. The HSU hopes the reward assists Davis County Animal Services in obtaining information required to identify and charge whoever is responsible for this gruesome and brutal act of animal cruelty.
Donations to the Humane Society of Utah are coming in to add to the original reward. At this time, individual donations in the amount of $2,500 have come in as far away as Maryland. A generous donation of $10,000 was offered Friday, March 10 from an anonymous donor in Vernal, Utah.
“Our community is saddened and angry at the same time, they want to help and take action,” said Deann Shepherd, HSU representative. “I hope that it shows Sage’s family and friends that they are not alone. The world mourns with them and is coming together for justice on behalf of this little cat.”
The Humane Society of Northern Utah (HSNU) is offering $5,000 from individual donations they have received. “We couldn't save Sage, but because of the love shown to Sage, we will be able to save others and hopefully, catch the perpetrators of this horror.” said Debbie Barnes, HSNU president.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is also contributing $5,000. “The horrific level of torture this innocent cat endured is monstrous,” said Sundays Hunt, HSUS utah state director. “We are hopeful that this reward will bring forward anyone with information about this heinous crime.”
According to the Utah State Criminal Code, it is a third-degree felony for a person to intentionally or knowingly torture a companion animal. Torture is defined as intentionally or knowingly causing or inflicting extreme physical pain to an animal in an especially heinous, atrocious, cruel or exceptionally depraved manner. The punishment may be zero to five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. The HSU and community will ask for the maximum possible sentence.
HSU recommends pet owners keep their cats indoors.
HSNU is organizing a vigil for Sage and his family Sunday, March 12 at 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Park located at 300 N. Vine St. in Clearfield, Utah.
Donations made online at utahhumane.org/donations are tax-deductible and will be rolled over to help future animal welfare cases and deserving animals in need if not claimed.
Anyone with information regarding who may be responsible for the torture and death of Sage is urged to contact Davis County Animal Services at 801-444-2200 or John Fox, HSU chief investigator, at 801-261-2919 ext. 210. Tips can remain anonymous,
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