Congressional Luncheon Briefing: "How Voter Suppression Efforts Are Threatening Our Democracy," Thursday, April 21, 1:00pm-3:00pm, 2237 Rayburn HOB

*Please Spread Far And Wide For Democracy!!

Congressional Luncheon Briefing: Mark The Date

    Featuring national civil rights leaders, scholars, and top voting experts

    *Moderated by renowned news journalist Roland S. Martin of NewsOne

“How Voter Suppression Efforts Are

Threatening Our Democracy”

Thursday, April 21, 1:00pm-3:00pm

2237 Rayburn Building

(lunch starts at 12:45pm)

Dear Colleague:

You are cordially invited to an important Congressional briefing on the threat of voter suppression across the United States. 

The briefing will be held Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. in 2237 Rayburn HOB. Lunch will be served at 12:45p.m. 

The briefing is being sponsored by the Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC), led by noted civil rights attorney Barbara R. Arnwine, former Executive Director of the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and also sponsored by the National Election Defense Coalition (NEDC). 

     

The evisceration of provisions of the Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in the Shelby case has allowed states to brazenly restrict voting rights. This includes, but is not limited to, proof of citizenship laws, strict photo identification requirements, early voting cutbacks, and practices that create extreme waiting lines in predominately democratic precincts where there is a large presence of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and university students.

Recent studies reveal that new state voter suppression could stop approximately 1.3 million from voting in competitive states. At the briefing, you will hear from the nation’s top experts on how scores of Americans are being denied the right to vote in states that have passed onerous voting laws. In Texas alone, half a million people lack the photo identification required to vote. Thirty-two states have promulgated new Jim Crow laws to combat the largely mythical "voter fraud."  Sixteen of these states will see their plans go into effect for the first time in the crucial 2016 elections.

Additionally our aging voting machines and insecure vote-counting technology poses serious questions about vulnerability and accuracy.

At this Congressional briefing new information based on the 2016 primaries voting experiences, and on 2016 published reports and books, will be explored.  The briefing will also feature recommendations and proposals for combating and redressing voter suppression, and legislation promoting an open, transparent and inclusive franchise for all eligible citizens.  

     

Opening Remarks:

    Rep. John Conyers

    Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

    Rep. Terri Sewell

    Rep. Maxine Waters

Speakers:

    Rev. William Barber

         Executive Director, N.C. NAACP

         Leader, Moral Monday/Forward Together Movement

    Barbara R. Arnwine

         President, Transformative Justice Coalition

         Former Executive Director, Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

    Ari Berman PhD

        Senior Contributing Writer for the Nation Magazine,

        Voter Rights expert and author of “Give Us the Ballot”

    Robert J. Fitrakis PhD

         Professor, Columbus State College, Phd

         Election Defense Expert on Vote-Counting Security and Election Fraud

  

    Lindsey Nielson, PhD

         University of California San Diego,

         Author of the recent UCSD Report on How Voter Suppression Laws Are Restricting                  the Vote in Communities of Color.

*Please RSVP to Joel Segal, former senior legislative assistant, 
     Rep. John Conyers, NEDC, 571 344-1518; or email at Joel.R.Segal@gamil.com, or contact 
     Dijon Kraus, Transformative Justice Coalition, 202 602-7080, email at dkraus@tjcoalition.org

NIMS Refresh Engagement Period. Deadline: COB May 9, 2016

National Incident Management System Refresh: National Engagement Period

FEMA’s National Integration Center is currently soliciting public feedback for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) refresh. 

This National Engagement Period will conclude at 5:00 pm EDT on May 9, 2016. National engagement provides an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the draft of the refreshed NIMS, so that it reflects the collective expertise and experience of the whole community.

NIMS provides a consistent and common approach and vocabulary to enable the whole community to work together seamlessly and manage all threats and hazards. NIMS applies to all incidents, regardless of cause, size, location or complexity.

The draft NIMS:

• Reiterates the concepts and principles of the original 2004 version and the updated 2008 version;
• Reflects and incorporates lessons learned from exercises and real world incidents and policy updates, such as the National Preparedness System and the 2013 NIMS Intelligence/Investigation Function Guidance and Field Operations Guide;
• Reflects progress in resource typing and mutual aid and builds a foundation for the development of a national qualification system;
• Clarifies that NIMS is more than just the Incident Command System (ICS) and that it applies to all stakeholders with roles in incident management across all five mission areas (Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response and Recovery);
• Provides guidance on a common structure and activation levels for operations and coordination centers, including Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), through new Center Management System (CMS) guidance;
• Note that while we will continue to track NIMS implementation, the adoption of CMS is not mandatory as part of preparedness grants;
• Explains the relationship among ICS, CMS, and Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups); and
• Enhances guidance on information management processes to improve data collection plans, social media integration and the use of geographic information systems (GIS).

FEMA is hosting a series of 60-minute engagement webinars to highlight key proposed changes to NIMS and answer participant questions about submitting feedback. All webinars are open to the whole community.


To review the draft of the refreshed NIMS and for additional webinar information, visit: https://www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system/national-engagement. 

To provide comments on the draft, complete the feedback form and submit it to FEMA-NIMS@fema.dhs.gov. 

Free Home Based....CME/CEU-Accredited Training for Nurses, PT, OT and Speech Language Pathologists

New online training specifically for nurses, OT, PT and Speech Language Pathologists.

On February 12^th, Attorney General Maura Healey and Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program announced the launch of  “Serving Those Who Have Served: Practical Approaches to Addressing the Invisible Wounds of War in Post-9/11 Service Members and Veterans Trainings.”   Home Base works to heal the invisible wounds of war for Service Members, Post-9/11 Veterans and their Families through clinical care, wellness, research and education. The purpose of this initiative is to give first responders tools to identify critical issues unique to our veterans and gain basic skills to help them.

For this initiative, Home Base is now offering FREE online, on-demand, trainings in five areas:  post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, identifying suicide risk, and understanding how the unique, post-9/11 military culture impacts care. 

These trainings all include firsthand accounts from Veterans who have faced an invisible wound of war. They were specifically created for health professionals and are accompanied by additional resources. 

All training’s are CME/CE/CEU certified and can be found here:         

                                 http://www.homebase.org/healthprofessionals

Their Mission Is Complete. Ours Has Just Begun.

Home Base is honored to be part of CFC giving. Please help our mission and donate to Home Base (CFC #12288).

Over Age of 55? Discounts and other offers.

Shopping​

• Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
• Bealls: 15% off every Tuesday (50+)
• Bed Bath and Beyond: 10% off mailing club (55+)
• Belk: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
• Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days with a BonTon credit card. (55+)
• C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
• Clarks: 10% off (62+)
• Dress Barn: 10% off (55+) (varies by location)
• Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
• Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
• Hancock Fabrics: 15% off on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. (55+) In-store only.
• Kohl's: 15% off  (60+) on Wednesdays
• Lens Crafters: 30% off for AARP members
• Michael's: 10% off on Tuesdays with AARP card
• Modell's Sporting Goods: 10% off
• Rite Aid: 20% off on the first Wednesday of the month for wellness+ members (65+)
• Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
• Tanger Outlets: Free coupon book for AARP members
• The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
• TJ Maxx: 10% on Tuesdays, varies by location.
• Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)
• Walgreens: "Senior Day" once a month. (Balance Rewards members 55+ and all AARP members). Day of the month varies by location. Discount is 20% off Walgreen brands and 15% of most everything else.

Grocery store discounts over 50

• Albertsons: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
• American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50 +)
• Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
• DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
• Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55 +)
• Get free printable coupons now from Coupons.com
• Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
• Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
• Harris Teeter: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
• Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
• Kroger: 10% off 5% off as of May 2014 (Wednesdays only, 60+)
• Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
• Pathmark: 5% on Monday (60+)
• The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50 +)
• Publix: 5% off every Wednesday only in Tennessee, North Carolina and the northern portions of Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia (55 + 60+)
• Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
• SuperFresh: 5% off on Tuesdays on purchases over $30 (55+)
• Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+ on Wednesdays)
• Waldbaum’s: 5% off Tuesdays on purchases over $30 (55+)

Restaurant discounts over 50

Here are some of the restaurants that offer discounts to seniors. 

Over 50 or AARP membership

• Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
• Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off for seniors (60+)
• Bennigan’s: discount varies by location (60+)
• Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
• Bonefish Grill: 15% off for AARP Members
• Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
• Burger King: 10% off (60+) plus additional discounts on coffee and soft drinks
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co: 10% off for AARP Members
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 20% off on Wednesdays to AARP Members
• Carrows Restaurants: Golden 55 Menu offers discounted bfast, lunch & dinner (55+)
• Country Kitchen: Great Senior Menu (55+)
• Dairy Queen: 10% off for seniors (15% for coaches) varies by location (free small drink at some locations)
• Denny’s: Exclusive menu for guests over 55, and 15% off for AARP members
• Dunkin’ Donuts: AARP members receive a free donut with the purchase of a large hot coffee (at participating restaurants)
• El Pollo Loco: 10% off senior discounts varies by location (55+)
• Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
• IHOP: Great discounts on senior menu items (55+)
• Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
• Kagle’s Barbecue: 10% off (50+)
• KFC: Free small drink with any meal (55+)
• Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+) (discount and age vary depending on location)
• Long John Silver’s: Various discounts at locations (55+)
  McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
• Old Country Buffet: Daily discounts for seniors (55+)
• Outback Steakhouse: 15% off AARP members for meals Monday through Thursday (alcohol excluded)
• Papa John’s: 25% off (55+) for online orders. Enter the code “AARP25” when placing your order
• Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
• TCBY: 10% off (55+)
• Tea Room Cafe: 10% off for seniors (50+)
• Traditions Restaurant (East TX): Senior platter meal for $4.71 (50+)
• Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)  Senior age and special offer will vary depending on the restaurant location. Please ask the restaurant for details.
• Whataburger: Free drink w/ purchase of a meal- varies by loc. (55+)

Over 60

• Applebee’s: 10-15% off senior discounts (varies by location) MAY require Golden Apple Card (60+) Update 3/16/15- We have heard rumblings that Applebee’s has discontinued this program- will update once we can verify.
• A&W All American Food: 10% Senior discount varies by location
• Backyard Burger: free drink with purchase
• Captain D’s Seafood: “Happy Wednesday Offer” choice of 8 meals + drink for $4.99 or less- varies by loc. (62+)
• Chili’s: Senior discount offers vary by location
• CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
• Culvers: 10% off senior discount (60+)
• Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
• Friendly’s Restaurants: Breakfast discount varies by location (60+) Senior List readers to confirm
• Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
• Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
• Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
• Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
• Ponderosa Steak Houses: Senior Discounts Vary- Senior menu available (60+)
• Shoney’s: 10% off Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
• Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+) varies by location
• Subway: 10% off (60+)
• Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (60+)
• Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
• Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
• Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
• White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Tax savings over 50

These tax-saving strategies can make saving a little easier as you near retirement. 

• IRA deduction: If you're 50 and over, you can contribute an additional $1,000 to an IRA! 
• 401(k) catch-up contributions: If you're working and 50 or over, you contribute an additional $6,000 tax-deferred to a 401(k). 
• No early withdrawal penalty for IRA accounts: Once you turn age 59 1/2, you can withdraw money from an IRA for any reason without incurring the 10 percent tax. Income tax will be due on withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts at any age, however.
• Bigger standard deduction: In 2016, the standard deduction is $7,850, which is $1,550 more, and for married couples the standard deduction increases to $15,100 for married couples age 65 or older. 
• Higher tax filing threshold: The threshold for being required to file a tax return increases to $11,850 ($23,100 for couples) age 65 and older. 
• Property tax breaks: You may qualify for property or school tax deferrals or exemptions, depending on where you live and your age and income.
• Tax on required minimum distributions: Since after age 70 1/2 you are generally required to withdrawal money from traditional retirement accounts and pay the tax or pay a penalty, if you don't need the money, why not give it to charity? If you are retired and at least age 70 1/2, you can transfer any amount up to $100,000 from an IRA to a qualified charity and avoid income tax on the contribution. If you would give a certain amount to a charity anyway, this is one great way to avoid the tax! 
• HSA contributions: You can transfer $1,000 more a year (a total of $4,350) to a health savings account once you reach age 55 on a high-deductible health plan.
• Medical expenses: A taxpayer who is under 65 can deduct medical expenses exceeding 10% of their AGI, but once you reach age 65, this threshold decreases to 7.5%. Plus, if you are married, if only one of you is over 65, you both get to use this deduction.

Training Opportunity. EMS STUDENTS NEEDED FOR HEALTH CARE AND EMS COURSE

STUDENTS NEEDED FOR HEALTH CARE AND EMS COURSE

The National Fire Academy is recruiting students for its mediated online course August 28 – September 24, 2016. 

The course, M0564 – Challenges for the Future III: Health Care and EMS, is a 4 week EMS/healthcare-focused mediated online course designed to explore the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the evolution of healthcare systems have on their organizations. Students will evaluate the historical formation of modern EMS and the societal safety nets of Social Security and Medicare resulting in the current healthcare system. 

They will evaluate the impact that PPACA has on the emergency services system. Finally, students will evaluate the impact that the PPACA has on the workforce, and consider the implications healthcare innovations will have on their organizations.

The primary audience for this course will include (but not be limited to) experienced company officers and new chief officers.  The secondary audience may be personnel who are involved in the strategic planning process.

Interested applicants should submit FEMA Form 119-25-1, General Admissions Application available for download from http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/admissions/apply.html   

Complete the form, scan it and email it to netcadmissions@fema.dhs.gov or fax it to 301-447-1441. The application period will close July 1, 2016.

If you do not have a Student ID (SID) number, you can get one by registering at:  http://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/admissions/apply.html.


When you are filling out your application, use M0564 – Challenges for the Future III: Health Care and EMS for the title.


For details on this course including course requirements, please view the course syllabus at:  http://nfa.usfa.fema.gov/misc/M0564_Syllabus_Aug_2016.pdf


You will be notified of your acceptance or rejection to this course via email from the NETC Admissions Office.