Small Business, Health Worker Shortage, Education Loans, Cattle Market, Immigration, Educator Pay, Pharmacy, Police

NFIB Statement on President Biden’s Small Business Roundtable
Source: National Federation of Independent Business
April 28, 2022
“Small businesses continue to face numerous challenges including historic inflation, high gas prices, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and threats of significant tax hikes,” said Kevin Kuhlman, NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations. “These challenges are dragging down small business optimism and outlook, as expectations of better business conditions is at a 48-year low, according to NFIB’s Research Center. The administration, along with Congress, should focus on solutions to promote and accelerate the fragile small business recovery and reject any legislation, such as the Build Back Better Act, that increases taxes and imposes unaffordable mandates and penalties on Main Street, which threaten to worsen the small business challenges.”
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States Collaborate To Combat Health Worker Shortage
National Governor’s Association
April 28, 2022
“Every state is facing health workforce challenges, and the pandemic has revealed how quickly the challenge can become a crisis when the system is strained – especially for rural communities,” said Timothy Blute, director of the NGA Center. “Governors are leading on this critical issue, and we look forward to working with states to develop and share creative solutions.”
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Advocates Applaud ED Approval of $238M Discharge for Marinello School of Beauty Borrowers
Source: National Consumer Law Center
April 28, 2022
“Today’s actions could be a turning point in how the Department of Education provides relief to borrowers who were scammed by their schools. For the first time in over five years, ED has finally deployed its group discharge authority to provide loan cancellation to defrauded borrowers without requiring them all to submit borrower defense applications. This shift is long overdue.
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NCBA President Urges Congress to Adopt Broadly Supported Cattle Market Policies
Source: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
April 28, 2022
“The only people who know exactly how cattle producers should navigate these uncertain times are the individuals who work around the clock, day in and day out, to raise the safest and highest quality beef in the world—in other words: cattle producers,” said Schiefelbein.
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Speakers Call for Consensus on Border, Immigration
Source: National Immigration Forum
April 27, 2022
“Without question, we need border-management and immigration solutions,” said Laurence Benenson, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the National Immigration Forum. “With the release of the Department of Homeland Security’s border plan on Tuesday, the Biden administration has added some important detail to its post-Title 42 strategy. But the need for legislative reform is stronger than ever. Members of Congress should come together in good faith and reach agreement on immigration reforms.”
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NEA Unveils New Nationwide Data on Educator Pay and School Funding
Source: National Education Association
April 26, 2022
“For decades, America’s educators have been chronically underappreciated and shamefully underpaid,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Throughout this persistent and ongoing pandemic, they have demonstrated their commitment to all students, no matter their ZIP code, the language they speak, or the gender with which they identify. After persevering through the hardest school years in recent memory, our educators are exhausted and feeling less and less optimistic about their futures.
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NCPA, State Pharmacy Groups Comment on NAIC’s Rutledge v. PCMA Analysis
Source: National Community Pharmacists Association
April 25, 2022
The National Community Pharmacists Association and 41 state pharmacy associations are providing input to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on educational material it is developing regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s December 2020 decision in Rutledge v. PCMA. In this case the Court unanimously found that federal law does not preclude states from enforcing reimbursement and pricing regulations against pharmacy benefit managers, giving states greater authority to protect their local businesses and patients from PBM overreach.
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Traffic Stops: Understanding and Addressing Citizens’ Concerns
Source: National District Attorneys Association
April 25, 2022
Across the United States, police departments and policing as a whole are in the spotlight. The horrific event in Minneapolis nearly two years ago has served as the example for many to illustrate systemic issues of racism and violence within the law enforcement profession. This perception of the law enforcement profession sparked discussion about defunding the police and some communities actually implemented this concept. How one views this spotlight on a law enforcement agency depends on one’s perspective. Some law enforcement agencies have become defensive, hoping the winds of change will pass them by or, like a vast majority of law enforcement agencies, view this challenge as an opportunity to bring even greater professionalism and better practices to a profession to which most officers are deeply dedicated.
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House Judiciary Committee Holds Oversight Hearing on Policing Practices and Law Enforcement Accountability

Washington, D.C. - June 11, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Gregory W. Steube (R-FL, 17th) made remarks at the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing titled, “Oversight Hearing on Policing Practices and Law Enforcement Accountability.”

“While officers like David Dorn and Dave Underwood have been targeted and murdered during these so-called ‘protests,’ it is extremely troubling that many of my colleagues on the left have failed to condemn the violence and rioting in our cities and communities across the country,” Steube said. “Protests are peaceful. Looting, killing, stealing, destruction and burning some of the very cities where their leaders just weeks ago were arresting people for violating stay-at-home orders is absolute lawlessness.”



"Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Floyd, I would offer my personal condolence to you in the loss of your brother. I can’t imagine having to watch your family die needless and merciless passing. I feel confident that not only will justice be served for him, but I think that significant and necessary reforms will come of this tragic incident.

And I wish Ms. Underwood-Jacobs was here, but I also want to give my condolence to her, hopefully she’ll watch the video. I have a brother and father in law enforcement and I cannot imagine the pain that you are experiencing knowing that someone intentionally targeted him simply because he was an officer. I’m very sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family and with Mr. Floyd’s family. In my prayers this morning Phillipians 4:13 came to mind so I hope you all can reflect on that.

This is a dangerous, dangerous time for law enforcement and their families. Just in a conversation I had with my brother yesterday he said he had 2 of his deputies quit because of all the issues they are facing, threats, targeting, being reconed at their home and their vehicles being looted and broken at their homes.

And speaking of law enforcement officers, I would also like to give condolences to the family of the Retired Police Captain David Dorn, who was fatally shot last week trying to prevent a pawn shop from being looted during what the left is calling a peaceful protest. His life mattered as well and I commend his service to his community as a law enforcement officer and wish that there was a member of his family here represented today to give their remarks in his passing.

While officers like David Dorn and Dave Underwood have been targeted and murdered during these so-called protests, it is extremely troubling that many of my colleagues on the left have failed to condemn the violence and rioting in our cities and communities across the country.

Protests are peaceful; looting, killing, stealing, destruction and burning some of the very cities where their leaders just weeks ago were arresting people for violating stay at home orders is absolute lawlessness. And the hypocrisy of these leaders arresting those violating stay-at-home orders for say, going surfing, or other activities, gathering in a synagogue with ten or more people. The hypocrisy of these leaders arresting those individuals for violating stay-at-home orders but sitting by while their cities burn is outlandish to me.

On one day alone, on May 31st in Chicago, one city, on one day, saw 18 people murdered due to rioting, in one night. The deadliest day in Chicago in 60 years, there were over 65,000 9-1-1 calls. And can you imagine if we abolished the police department? Those 65,000 people would be calling and nobody would be there to come to the rescue.

That is not America, that is anarchy and when your leaders talk about disbanding police departments you are emboldening criminals to continue to commit crime knowing there we be no one to stop them.

I talked to my brother yesterday and they had an incident at a Walmart where there were thirty individuals looting the Walmart, the Walmart that my wife and I go to on a pretty regular basis. And they only had three officers respond to thirty individuals who had weapons. Well, they’re not going to use three officers to respond to thirty individuals because of the safety risk incurred to those officers. Those thirty individuals got away.

I thought that Pastor Scott had a great statement today in his opening comment: Pastor you said, the prospect of defunding or dismantling our police forces is one of the most unwise, irresponsible proposals made by American politicians. And I would agree.

There are issues in this proposal that we can all agree upon, a law against lynching, which I supported, and this House passed months ago. Which we voted for earlier this year. Ensuring bad cops don’t get rehired at a different agencies - absolutely, that’s an incredible idea. Reporting use of force in an FBI database and creating a commission on the social status of black men and boys based on a Florida program that I participated in as a Florida Senator in the State of Florida. I was proud to be a part of that program.

But there are proposals in this bill that are extremely dangerous for those who protect our communities:

Removing qualified immunity. Qualified immunity is only a protection if officers follow their training and protocols. If they don’t follow their training and protocols, they don’t get to use the immunity because it's ‘qualified.’ If officers do not have qualified immunity to follow their training and protocols, I don’t know a single person who would want to become a law enforcement officer in today's world, knowing that they may or may not be able to use the training and protocols that they would use to apprehend a suspect that is not complying with them. But maybe that’s the goal of the majority, to get less and less people to join our law enforcement offices.

One quick point in the little time I have left, is military equipment, or as Mr. Raskin calls it, the militarization of our police departments. They use bulletproof vests, and bulletproof shields to protect our officers who protect our communities. By stripping them of that ability and stripping them of their ability to use weapons to protect themself is a dangerous, dangerous path to go down. And I don’t think that our country supports that. And Mr. Floyd, I think, said it best. You said, ‘life is precious’ and I would agree with you, and I would contend that all life is precious and all deserves protection. I yield back."

SNAP, Health Insurance, Abortion, Uranium, Haunted Dolls, Police

Today's Interesting News

ILLINOIS HOUSE BILL WOULD ALLOW FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS TO ACCEPT FOOD STAMPS
Source: Illinoispolicy.org
May 10, 2019
House Bill 3343 would establish the Restaurant Meals Program as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. The program would allow those enrolled in SNAP to use their benefits on meals at fast-food restaurants.

Read more...

Newsom aims to restore health insurance mandate
Source: ABC 10 News San Diego
May 15, 2019
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched a statewide tour to promote his health care proposals, which include requiring everyone to purchase health insurance and offering subsidies to families of four with incomes as high as $150,000 a year.

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Alabama Senate approves near-total abortion ban
Source: KSLA News 12
May 15, 2019
The bill makes performing an abortion at any stage of pregnancy a felony unless the mother’s health is in danger.

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Ohio school closes after enriched uranium detected, officials say
Source: FOX News
May 15, 2019
An Ohio school district has sent hundreds of students home early for the summer after the presence of a radioactive material used in the creation of nuclear weapons was detected inside its middle school.

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Thousands Of “Haunted Dolls” That Are Supposedly Inhabited By Real Spirits Are Being Sold On Etsy And Ebay
Source: End Times Headlines
May 15, 2019
Once upon a time, it would have been unthinkable to try to sell “haunted dolls” that are supposedly inhabited by real spirits in America. But in 2019, apparently, anything goes.

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Police Now Going Undercover as Construction Workers
Source: America Uncensored
May 15, 2019
The Free Thought Project has reported on many stories over the years about police schemes designed to separate the citizens from their money but carried out under the ostensible notion of “keeping you safe.” One of these cases has surfaced out of Illinois recently showing just how far police will go to ticket people for alleged traffic offenses.

Read more...

Law Enforcement

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Reschenthaler, Dean Introduce Bill to Support Law Enforcement Officers, Improve Mental Health Care
Source: Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA, 14th)
April 29, 2019
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” said Reschenthaler. “These men and women routinely endure extremely stressful situations, yet the federal government does little to address the consequences of this taxing work. This stress can cause high blood pressure and post-traumatic stress disorder, and has resulted in a suicide rate that is 50 percent higher than the national average. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Dean to fix this wrong and support police officers and their families.”

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Senate Passes Shaheen, Hassan Bipartisan Resolution to Designate National Community Policing Week

Washington, D.C. - October 6, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced the passage of their Senate Resolution designating the first week of October as “National Community Policing Week.” The bipartisan resolution recognizes the sacrifices of police officers and expresses support for building trust and mutual respect in communities through sustained and meaningful engagement between law enforcement and civilians. It encourages the people of the United States, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials to identify ways in which communities may improve public safety, strengthen relationships and build trust. Yesterday, during an event at the Derry Police Department, Shaheen and Hassan presented the resolution text to New Hampshire law enforcement leaders.

“Law enforcement officers take tremendous risks while in the line of duty and this bipartisan resolution honors their important work in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Senator Shaheen. “This resolution recognizes that community policing efforts have been key in improving the relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. In New Hampshire, the efforts of our police departments to establish ties, build trust and collaborate with citizens and civic groups have played a leading role in addressing the opioid epidemic at its roots. We should always be thankful for the incredible sacrifices police officers make every day to keep our communities safe.”

“Our communities are stronger when police officers and citizens have good communications and partnerships. I am proud of New Hampshire’s longstanding tradition of community policing, and proud to co-sponsor a bipartisan resolution to recognize community policing,” Senator Hassan said. “I am deeply grateful for the commitment that these officers have shown to building the trust of the individuals they serve and protect, and I will continue to highlight the positive impact that community policing has on our people.”

As the lead Democrat on the Commerce, Justice & Science Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen helps secure funding for the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs.

Full text of the resolution is available here.

Sens. Schatz, Paul and Rep. Cohen Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Expand Responsible Use of Police Body Cameras

Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) introduced the Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available (Police CAMERA) Act of 2017. This legislation would create a pilot grant program to assist state and local law enforcement agencies develop safe and effective body-worn camera programs that also protect civilians’ privacy rights.

“We can’t restore trust between our communities and law enforcement without transparency and accountability. Body cameras alone won’t repair that relationship, but they have proven to be effective and can do a great deal to keep both police officers and community members safe and accountable,” said Senator Schatz

“Body cameras will benefit the brave men and women who serve in our police force and the people they protect,” said Senator Paul. “The use of body cameras helps officers collect and preserve evidence to solve crimes, while also decreasing the number of complaints against police. The Police CAMERA Act will help state and local police departments access this new tool, while ensuring that the privacy rights of every civilian are respected.”

“Justice is supposed to be blind, but it is not supposed to be blind to the facts. Police body cameras can help provide evidence and restore some much-needed trust between police and the communities they serve,” said Congressman Cohen. “The cameras could show the officer’s actions for what they were, proving both lawful and unlawful activity. The vast majority of police are well meaning, dedicated public servants, and we depend upon them to keep us safe from criminals. But the fact remains some officers go beyond the law in a callous disregard for due process. Their actions damage the public trust that is essential for good police to be able to serve and protect our communities. Police body cameras, alone, will not solve this problem, but they are an important step in the right direction. I would like to thank Senators Schatz and Paul for their leadership on this issue and for partnering with me on this legislation.”

The Police CAMERA Act of 2017 would establish a pilot grant program using existing funding to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with the purchasing or leasing of body-worn cameras. It would also authorize an impact-study after two years. The study would assess the impact body-worn cameras have on reducing the use of excessive force by police, its effects on officer safety and public safety, and procedures to protect the privacy of individuals who are recorded.

“The resulting benefits of the body-worn cameras after almost two years of usage have greatly exceeded my expectations,” said Darryl D. Perry, Chief of Police of the Kauai Police Department. “Not only have our officers embraced this technology wholeheartedly, but our community has commended KPD for being open and transparent.”

Original cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

ACLU RESPONDS TO BROKEN POLICE CULTURE THAT RESULTED IN KILLING OF MAGDIEL SANCHEZ

Source: American Civil Liberties Union

Washington, D.C. - September 22, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- In response to the news that the Oklahoma City Police Department has killed a deaf man who did not respond to officer commands, the ACLU of Oklahoma released the following statement:

The following is attributable to Allie Shinn, Director of External Affairs:

“We are incredibly saddened and disturbed by the news that an Oklahoma City police officer shot and killed Magdiel Sanchez, a deaf man confronted on his own porch.

“Police have an obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide reasonable modifications in their interactions with people with disabilities. The neighbors put the police on notice that they were dealing with someone who had a disability.

“Merely failing to follow commands is an unacceptable defense for the use of lethal force. We have allowed a dangerous culture of 'us vs. them' to fester among our law enforcement professionals. This killing speaks directly to a warrior culture in which the very people police officers are sworn to protect come to be viewed as the enemy. This culture assumes that an officer’s command, regardless of validity, is more important and more valuable than a human life.

“We as a society must consider whether or not our officers are truly equipped and qualified to serve as a protective force. Evidence is mounting daily that too often many of our officers are more interested in power than in protection.

“Magdiel Sanchez was shot at his own home, without having committed any crime, and in front of neighbors who knew he was deaf trying to communicate to the police that what they were about to do was wrong. Magdiel Sanchez should be alive today.”

Baltimore Drops Charges in Freddie Gray Case

Source: House Representative John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)

Washington, D.C. - September 14, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman John Sarbanes joined U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen Elijah E. Cummings and Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-MD) in issuing the following statement after reports that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will not bring federal charges against the Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray:

“We are disappointed by reports that DOJ will not seek justice for Freddie Gray, but we are not surprised. We must now focus on ensuring that BPD has the resources it needs to implement the court-ordered consent decree and repair the sacred trust between police officers and the people they are sworn to protect.

“In order to improve BPD and reduce the violence in our city, Baltimore will need the support of the Trump Administration and DOJ. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has repeatedly stood in the way of our City’s progress by attempting to impede the implementation of the consent decree and holding hostage federal resources to reduce violent crime.

“In light of this reported decision, we are once again calling on DOJ to actively support — not undermine — the consent decree and to provide Baltimore with all federal resources available to improve our police force. Doing anything less would be unconscionable.”

Rapid DNA Act

Washington, D.C. - August 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The bipartisan, bicameral Rapid DNA Act to help local law enforcement use new technology to speed up justice has been signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Traditional DNA analysis can take weeks, but Rapid DNA analysis permits processing of samples in about 90 minutes or less. The technology revolutionizes the way in which those arrested for crimes are enrolled in the criminal justice system; shortens the time required for their DNA to be linked to unsolved crimes; and speeds up innocent people’s exoneration.

The Rapid DNA Act will let local law enforcement agencies – under standards and guidelines established by the FBI – perform real-time DNA testing at the time of arrest within their own booking stations, comparing samples to profiles in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

The Rapid DNA Act was introduced in January by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and by Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Swalwell. It was supported by law enforcement organizations including the National Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major City Chiefs Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and National District Attorneys Association, as well as by the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations.

Pleasanton-based IntegenX Inc. is a global market leader for Rapid DNA human identification.

“Today marks a landmark day in more efficiently fighting crime and supporting law enforcement,” said Robert Schueren, President and CEO of IntegenX. “As a company in the 15th Congressional District, we’re grateful for the support and co-sponsorship from Congressman Swalwell.”

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has been a strong advocate of Rapid DNA technology to solve crimes and exonerate the wrongfully accused.

“Rapid DNA technology provides an exciting new way to identify or clear a suspect within 90 minutes instead of what now can take years,” said Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley. “Law enforcement agencies across the nation, and the people they serve, will be grateful for this bipartisan effort to make their work more efficient.”

In testimony before Congress last year, FBI Director James Comey said the authority in the bill would help law enforcement “change the world in a very, very exciting way” by enabling officials to know “near-instantly” whether a person in custody is connected with other crimes or is innocent of the suspected charge.

Below are statements and information regarding this ACT:

House Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA, 15th):

“This law’s enactment proves that, even in troubled political times, we can work together across the aisle to make Americans safer,” said Swalwell, who serves on the House Judiciary Committee. “This new law will help law enforcement agencies across the nation use a more powerful tool to protect and serve our communities, to clear the innocent, and to attain justice for victims.”

House Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA, 6th):

“I am extremely proud to see the bipartisan Rapid DNA Act, a product of the House Judiciary Committee, signed into law. While once taking days or weeks, DNA testing can now be completed in a matter of hours. However, a decades-old law prevents the use of Rapid DNA technology in many circumstances, which has created a growing backlog. The Rapid DNA Act remedies this problem so that police stations across the United States can use Rapid DNA technology to quickly identify violent suspects and free the innocent.

“I also want to thank Crime Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner for his years of leadership on this important issue which is a significant component of the House Judiciary Committee’s ongoing efforts on criminal justice reform."

1033 Program

Washington, D.C. - August 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Trump administration decided to reinstate the 1033 program, which allows the Department of Defense to transfer surplus military equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies at no cost. Opponents of this program liken it to "militarizing the police" because, after all, what did the cops in Ferguson need with tanks? On the other hand, with all of the police officers today getting shot and killed, they could use a few more bullet proof vests.

In May 2015, President Obama issued a directive that restricted local police from obtaining certain lifesaving federal gear, and in 2016, the Obama Administration began seizing equipment from local police departments.

Disturbingly, many of the restricted items are purely defensive, such as "riot helmets" and "riot shields"--items vital to protecting law enforcement during riots, where protesters have been known to torch cars and hurl bricks, cement blocks, and glass bottles at police. The directive also restricted armored vehicles, which were vital to rescuing hostages from an Orlando night club during the terror attack of June 2016.

The Obama Administration acknowledged that depriving local police of this gear "can have life-threatening consequences, both for the law enforcement personnel and the public," but concluded it was more important to preserve "community trust."

Sen. Toomey wrote a letter to President Obama the same week in May 2015, urging him to reconsider his decision to restrict access to this lifesaving equipment. You can read that letter by clicking here

In 2016 and 2017, Sen. Toomey introduced the Lifesaving Gear for Police Act, a bill that reverses President Obama's dangerous restrictions, and requires the executive branch to return gear that has been seized from local police departments.
Sen. Toomey's legislation was endorsed by:

• Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
• Fraternal Order of Police
• Int'l Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO
• National Association of Police Organizations
• National Sheriffs' Association
• Sgts. Benevolent Association of New York City

Below are statements and information about this subject from the newsmakers (Keep checking back for updates!):

Senator Patrick J.Toomey - (R - PA)

"I am pleased to see President Trump take this crucial step to ensure that our police officers have the tools they need to protect themselves and our communities from violent criminals and terrorists. Our police officers should be at least as well equipped as the criminals and terrorists who attack them.

"I am especially pleased to see that, like my Lifesaving Gear for Police Act, President Trump reversed President Obama's dangerous restrictions on the ability of local law enforcement to access lifesaving federal equipment, such as riot helmets, riot shields, and armored vehicles. As we saw during the San Bernardino and Orlando terror attacks when the police used armored vehicles in their response, these items are vital to protecting law enforcement and civilians."

House Representative Mark Sanford (R-SC, 1st)

“Today’s decision to reinstate the 1033 program is a step backwards for the taxpayer. Since the Defense Department started its 1033 program in 1997, over $5 billion of surplus military property has been transferred to police departments across the country free of charge. Police departments should certainly have what they need to accomplish their work on a day-to-day basis, but I think there are obvious flaws in trying to do this through the 1033 program.

“With nearly $20 trillion in debt, I don’t think that the federal government can afford to give away anything for free. Doing so overstates the cost of federal government and understates the cost of local governments who get this equipment at no cost. We value the things we pay for an often take for granted the things we don’t. I saw the abuses of this program when I was Governor. I will never forget the impression made when I walked into a small county sheriff's office and was told the sheriff was out taking helicopter lessons...so he could use one of the seven helicopters his office had gotten for ‘free.’

“This program also incentivizes the militarization of local police departments, as they are encouraged to grab more equipment than they need. In some cases, they even stockpile equipment generally found on battlefields since it’s ‘free,’ and this is neither good for the taxpayer nor the local communities.

“In an effort to curtail this program, I introduced a bill last Congress - the Responsible Law Enforcement Acquisition Act of 2016 - to replace the zero-cost transfer system with an auction system, where registered police units can bid on surplus military equipment. The proceeds would be sent to the US Treasury, and accordingly, my bill would work to balance the interests of local law enforcement with taxpayers. The police would still have the ability to purchase military equipment at the federal auction. But by requiring that they be purchased, the bill helps to pay for the federal debt, while motivating police departments to prioritize their purchases to equipment they really need to serve their communities.”

House Representative William “Lacy” Clay, Jr. (D-MO, 1st)

“Three years ago, as the tragedy in Ferguson unfolded, I personally witnessed local police in armored vehicles pointing military-style sniper rifles with night scopes at my constituents who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights.

That over-militarization increased tensions, incited more violence and established a deadly perception that local police officers had become warriors instead of guardians of public safety.

In response, I worked closely with former President Obama and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Hagel to place reasonable limits on the distribution of military surplus items to local law enforcement. That was in keeping with key findings and recommendations of the President’s Taskforce on 21st Century Policing.

President Trump’s decision to rescind these limitations will allow local police departments to receive grenade launchers, bayonets, tracked armored vehicles, sniper rifles and military grade ammunition; along with other surplus Department of Defense equipment that was intended for use on the battlefield, not in neighborhoods.

President Trump’s reckless decision to remilitarize local police is another shameful step backwards as he continues to deepen divisions across this country while appeasing hate, bigotry and intolerance.”

Los Angeles Police Protective League Urges Hate Groups to Stay Home

by the Los Angeles Police Protective League

Los Angeles, CA - August 19, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In anticipation of potential rallies and demonstrations being organized by hate groups, the Los Angeles Police Protective League issued the following statement today:

"Our Constitution prescribes the right for even the vilest, repugnant, and hate-filled individuals and organizations to peacefully assemble and protest. As members of law enforcement, no matter how much we abhor and repudiate the beliefs of Neo-Nazis, White Supremacists, Anti-Semites and the KKK, we are duty bound by the oaths we swore to keep the peace when these disgusting and despicable individuals congregate.

The recent events that unfolded in Charlottesville, Virginia cannot be tolerated in our country and, make no mistake, there is no moral equivalency between Neo-Nazis, White Supremacists, Anti-Semites, or the KKK and those that showed up to protest against them. The tragic murder of Heather Heyer and the line-of-duty deaths of Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke Bates should serve as stark reminders that good people, good Americans, must continue to stand up and stand for what is right and peacefully confront hate and hate-mongers.

We strongly urge any organization or individuals planning to assemble with the goal of re-creating the violence that occurred in Charlottesville, to cancel their event and stay home. We urge them to look into their souls and try to figure out where their hate is coming from and seek professional help. No one is born hating other people."

Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education.

Doyle-Barton Bill to Help Wounded Police Officers is Signed into Law

Washington, D.C. - August 9, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Joe Barton (R-TX) was signed into law.

The Wounded Officers Recovery Act (H.R. 3298) amends the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund so that any United States Capitol Police employee who is seriously injured in the line of duty will be eligible for assistance from the fund, which is supported exclusively by private donations. Until now, federal law only allowed the fund to disburse money to families of officers killed in the line of duty.

The two Congressmen introduced the bipartisan Wounded Officers Recovery Act of 2017 (H.R. 3298) with more than 100 Members of Congress as cosponsors on July 19. It was passed by the House on July 24 by voice vote. The bill was amended and passed by Unanimous Consent in the Senate on July 27, and the slightly altered bill was agreed to unanimously by the House the same afternoon and sent to the White House for signature.

“The Wounded Officers Recovery Act was signed into law only 17 days after it was introduced,” Congressman Doyle noted proudly. “Congress and the White House can act swiftly when we all agree that something should be done, and this was clearly one of those cases. Passing the Wounded Officers Recovery Act is an opportunity for Congress to express our appreciation for the bravery of the US Capitol Police, the risks they take, and the sacrifices they make every day to keep the Capitol and the people in it safe. As a result of this bill’s rapid consideration, Officers Griner and Bailey will receive timely assistance with their health care expenses.”

Representatives Barton and Doyle introduced the Wounded Officers Recovery Act after the June 14 attack on the Congressional Republicans’ baseball team, in which two Capitol Police Officers, Crystal Griner and David Bailey, were wounded while bravely working to stop the gunman.

Omaha officers involved in mentally ill man's death ‘will no longer be employed by the city’

Conyers:Rockdale Citizen

Two Omaha police officers who were involved in the June death of an unarmed, mentally ill man will stop working for the city today.

The police labor contract bars the city from releasing disciplinary information in most cases, so Assistant City Attorney Bernard in den Bosch didn’t say whether the officers had been fired.

But he said Thursday: “As of tomorrow morning two officers will no longer be employed by the City of Omaha.”

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Man In Wheelchair Struck By Car, Gets Ticket For Not Crossing Road Fast Enough

5 News

A man in a wheelchair claims he was ticketed because he couldn't get across the road during the signal's allotted time and now he's fighting the citation, according to KDVR.

Kyle Wolfe said he was passing through 19th and Lawrence streets in downtown Denver. Wolfe said he started to cross the street when the signal indicated it was his turn to cross.

Wolfe said he couldn't make it through the intersection in the 20 seconds allotted at the light. He said he was 5 feet from the curb when an SUV struck him from behind.

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