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MARCH 2023 ISSUE



EDITORIAL: OVER A CUP OF TEA



Killing of Journalist collateral damage in response to Duterte’s Drug War?
(Part 5)



EDITOR"S NOTE:


On December 5th, everyone was surprised when General Gerald Bantag and his team of lawyers showed up at the Department of Justice in Manila, not to file their counter affidavit in response to the original subpoena re the double murder case of Lapid and Villamor, but to file a motion for DOJ to inhibit itself from conducting preliminary investigation on the ground that the Secretary of Justice himself is not impartial and acts as if he is the accuser, the investigator, and the judge rolled into one. Bantag’s lawyer wants the Ombudsman to handle Bantag’s case, considering that Bantag is a high-ranking government official, and cited a previous Supreme Court decision relevant to this case. The investigative party (Prosecution Panel) has seven days to answer Bantag’s motion for inhibition. Unfortunately, the latest news is that DOJ Secretary Remulla will not agree to inhibit his department from prosecuting Bantag. DOJ likewise claims they have an agreement with the Ombudsman that criminal cases will be handled by DOJ, while the Ombudsman will focus on graft and corruption cases. -- READ MORE



our STORIES AND FEATURES





The Top 5 Actions the Biden Administration Has Taken to Strengthen the U.S. Economy



By Rose Khattar, Colin Seeberger, & Emily Gee
Recent economic data suggest that the U.S. economy is successfully transitioning from a strong and swift recovery following the COVID-19 recession to a period of steady and stable growth—including a growing economy a historically strong labor market resiliency in consumers’ spending and below pre-pandemic levels of mortgage and consumer debt delinquency. This also comes with a drop in annual inflation in each of the last six months. In light of this data, experts, including the International Monetary Fund, are finally acknowledging that the United States may be positioned to defy the odds and avoid a recession—otherwise known as achieving a “soft landing.” -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE


Prioritizing Implementation at the Our Ocean Conference Would Benefit Ocean Communities and Ecosystems



By Anne Christianson, Miriam Goldstein, and Angelo Villagomez
Scientists have sounded the alarm over the state of the ocean for decades, and overfishing, pollution, plastic waste, climate change, and unsustainable coastal development have taken their toll. As a result, only 3 percent of the ocean is free from human pressure one-third of fish stocks are overexploited and 2 degrees Celsius of global warming will cause more than 99 percent of coral reefs to decline. In practice, this has meant families losing their homes in extreme climate events, local fishers unable to care for their children, and average beachgoers swimming around plastic waste. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE


Protecting Avi Kwa Ame as a National Monument Would Honor Tribes and Increase Access to Nature



By Sam Zeno


For more than half a century, Indigenous communities and conservationists in southern Nevada have advocated for the protection of Avi Kwa Ame, the Mojave name for Spirit Mountain and the surrounding landscape. In November 2022, President Joe Biden committed to protecting the site at the White House Tribal Nations Summit, saying:


"When it comes to Spirit Mountain and its surrounding ridges and canyons in southern Nevada, I’m committed to protecting this sacred place that is central to the creation story of so many Tribes that are here today." -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE



The Killing of Tyre Nichols Must Serve as a Catalyst to Root Out Racial Injustice in Policing



By Rachael Eisenberg, Brandon Tucker, & Hadi Sedigh


The horrific killing of Tyre Nichols by several Memphis police officers is yet another searing reminder of the dangers of driving while Black in America. It has focused the national spotlight, yet again, on how police disproportionately stop Black drivers and, even worse, the alarming numbers of Black Americans who are killed while stopped for alleged traffic or other minor violations by the very officers sworn to keep us all safe. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE



The ‘Fair Tax’ Act Would Radically Restructure the Nation’s Tax System in Favor of the Wealthy



By Jean Ross & Kyle Ross


The Fair Tax Act would replace federal income and payroll taxes with a national sales tax, slashing federal revenues and cutting taxes on the wealthy.


As part of his wheeling and dealing to secure the speakership, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) reportedly agreed to allow the so-called Fair Tax Act of 2023 (H.R. 25) to come to a vote on the floor of the House.


* If passed, the Fair Tax Act would radically restructure the nation’s tax system, replacing individual and corporate income taxes, the estate tax, and the payroll taxes dedicated to Social Security and Medicare with a national sales tax. ​. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE



Fact Sheet: The State of Women in the Labor Market in 2023




By Beth Almeida & Bela Sala Betsch


Work is essential to women’s economic security, social equality, and a robust and sustainable economy for all. Three-quarters of so-called prime-age women—those ages 25–54—hold down a job today, compared with slightly more than two-thirds a decade ago. Women are also working longer hours: Today, 84 percent of employed, prime-age women work full time. These gains come despite the coronavirus pandemic’s disproportionate impacts on women’s employment. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE



LOCAL NEWS



MADISON & DANE COUNTY in Wisconsin



Dane County & Second Harvest Mark Anniversary of Initiative to Address Food Insecurity as New Wave of Need Begins



Mayor Rhodes-Conway's Remarks at President Biden's Feb 8th Visit to Madison



MORE NEWS/FEATURES



Gun Violence & Mental Health Resources after Monterey Park Attack





As Monterey Park and the San Gabriel Valley communities continue to recover from last week’s horrific tragedy, my office and I have compiled and released a comprehensive list of resources available to residents to deal with the financial and emotional toll of the attack. I encourage all those impacted by gun violence or traumatic events to review the list and utilize available services and resources. No one should feel alone or struggling during moments of immense grief and suffering.-- READ MORE





OCA Statement on the State of the Union





Washington, D.C. — OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates released the following statement:


“President Biden and Vice President Harris’ leadership to move the needle on systemic inequities is clear. Historic executive orders and federal investments have directly tackled the rise in anti-Asian hate and the digital divide, while providing economic opportunities to families in need. The diversity of appointed officials shows this Administration’s commitment to serving all communities in our country. The President’s White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), as well as the inaugural AANHPI Senior Liaison, have been critical and successful in ensuring that our communities are seen and heard,” said OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates National President Linda Ng. --READ MORE



APIAVote Welcomes President Biden’s Latest Executive Order To Address Racial Equity





Recently, President Biden issued his latest Executive Order focusing on racial equity, entitled, ‘Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.’ This Executive Order mandates the creation of annual Equity Action Plans to deploy a number of strategies to address barriers faced by underserved communities. These include: investing in disadvantaged communities, improving language access services, requiring federal agencies to investigate algorithmic discrimination, strengthening community partnerships, addressing emerging risks to civil rights, and other initiatives.-- READ MORE



UNABLE TO CONTINUE WORKING?? There should be help. Social Security Disability and SSI - Programs designed to help individuals who are disabled from work. IF YOU APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND/OR SSI AND YOU ARE DENIED, THERE IS HELP! Call 1-800-254-7766



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We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums, retirement, and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee, and 6 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child (for further details visit www.countyofdane.com/emprel).


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Contact





heidipascual2016@yahoo.com