The (Almost) Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The (Almost) Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I’m not ready to fast forward through fall just yet, but I have one early request on my holiday wish list this year, and I’m hoping you can help. My second annual Holiday Card Photo Contest is now underway, and I’m looking for images that capture the beauty and the spirit of the holiday season in the Second Congressional District.

Please help me spread the word about the contest so we can attract even more submissions this year! All Rhode Islanders are invited to participate by sending high-quality photos taken in the Second Congressional District to [email protected]. Photographs should depict winter scenes and be inclusive to all holiday celebrations, and each participant may submit up to THREE entries. More details are available on my Facebook page, and the complete list of contest rules is below.

From snow-covered streets in Burrillville to the wintry waterfront in Westerly, I hope you will share your photos and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. The deadline to submit photos is Thursday, October 20. Eligible photographs will be posted on my Facebook page at Langevin for Congress on Friday, October 21, and the photograph with the most likes by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 28, will be the winner! So start digging through your photo collection – I can’t wait to see the great photographs!

Best of luck!
Jim

Contest Rules:

-Photos must be high quality, with a resolution of at least 300dpi
-Original photo size must be at least 5×7″
-Photos must be taken by the person submitting the photo, and must be taken in the Second Congressional District
-Amateur and professional photographers are both welcome to submit entries
-The last day to submit photos is Thursday, October 20
-By submitting your photo to the contest, you are giving Langevin for Congress permission to use your photo without compensation

Warwick Beacon: WPD to use $375K grant to hire 3 Community Engagement Officers

Originally Published by The Warwick Beacon 10/11/2016

Warwick and Portsmouth and Police Departments will hire additional law enforcement officers to enhance school-based policing and community engagement efforts in their respective communities under a $625,000 grant announced Oct. 7 by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline. 

The federal grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, which awarded $119 million in grants to police departments nationwide this week as part of the COPS Hiring Program, or CHP.

Warwick Police is being awarded $375,000 to hire three Community Engagement Officers to build relationships and trust through community engagement, and especially to help the WPD address mental health issues in the community.  While the WPD has developed and implemented strategies to work with students who are prone to criminal behavior due to mental health issues, the new officers will help the department work with community partners and stakeholders to extend community outreach and help young adults who are out of school and need assistance.

“Even with tight budgets, public safety must be our top priority.  This federal funding will help Portsmouth and Warwick meet that goal by hiring additional police officers for the community,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee in a statement.

“These awards will help put more Rhode Island police officers in our neighborhoods to fight crime and keep our schools safe,” said Whitehouse. “Congratulations to the Warwick and Portsmouth Police Departments on these well-deserved grants, and for your commitment to the communities you serve.”

“Public safety is always a top priority, and COPS grants have consistently helped police departments across the state to be funded and staffed at adequate levels. Congratulations to Warwick and Portsmouth on successfully competing for these federal dollars, which will significantly aid in their efforts to keep Rhode Islanders safe,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.

Launched in 1994, the COPS Hiring Program provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire, preserve, and/or rehire police officers and helps local police departments increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.

Morning Consult: Russia’s Role in Political Hacking: What They’re Saying So Far

By Amir Nasr

Overshadowed by the fast-paced news dumps of the “Trump Tapes,” the second presidential debate and WikiLeaks releases was a massive joint announcement Friday from the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that the U.S. intelligence community is “confident” the Russian government orchestrated hacks on the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

DHS and the office of the DNI said that the hacks and subsequent disclosure of the emails were “intended to interfere with the US election process.”

“The recent disclosures of alleged hacked e-mails on sites like DCLeaks.com and WikiLeaks and by the Guccifer 2.0 online persona are consistent with the methods and motivations of Russian-directed efforts,” the joint statement said. “We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia’s senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.”

While various news outlets reported U.S. intelligence were confident of Kremlin involvement in the hacking of the Democratic Party organizations, this marked the first time the government publicly blamed Russia for meddling in the U.S. election.

Members of Congress from both parties wanted to see a stop to the interference now that the acknowledgment was public.

Senate Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) called on the government to put a stop to Russia’s activities. “If it does not, we must develop a strong response,” she said.

Feinstein said: ““The statement released by the Department of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence closely mirrors my joint statement with Congressman Adam Schiff, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. The administration’s acknowledgement that Russian intelligence agencies are attempting to influence the U.S. election and undermine public confidence conveys the seriousness of the threat. Attempted hacking of our election system is intolerable, and it’s critical to convince the Russian government to cease these activities. If it does not, we must develop a strong response.”

Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Chairman Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) said he plans to introduce legislation that would require the White House to investigate the Russian cyber-criminals and “aggressively pursue sanctions when appropriate,” according to a Friday release.

The “news is further evidence of what happens when the Obama Administration fails to take the cyber threat seriously. That is why I plan to introduce legislation that builds upon my North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act by mandating the Administration sanction Russia’s bad actors who are responsible for malicious cyber activities,” Gardner said in a statement. “Russia’s interference with American democracy is a direct threat to our political process, and it may only be the tip of the iceberg. It is imperative that Russia’s behavior is met with strength in the form of aggressive sanctions to show the world that its cybercrimes will not be tolerated.”

House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) called on the U.S. to work with European allies that Russia had targeted with similar hacking operations to develop a response protecting the country from further intrusions.

“I applaud the Administration’s decision to publicly name Russia as the source of hacks into U.S. political institutions,” Schiff said in a Friday statement. “We should now work with our European allies who have been the victim of similar and even more malicious cyber interference by Russia to develop a concerted response that protects our institutions and deters further meddling. All of us should be gravely concerned when a foreign power like Russia seeks to undermine our democratic institutions, and we must do everything in our power to guard against it. This is why Senator Feinstein and I have been urging state election officials to take every precaution and to avail themselves of the cyber expertise offered by the Department of Homeland Security.”

Co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) said the U.S. will “hold [Russia] President [Vladimir] Putin directly accountable for his misguided attempts to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt,” in a Saturday statement.

“Cyber attacks on the people and processes central to our democracy cannot go unchecked. These actions threaten to undermine the American peoples’ faith in our elections, and I commend President Obama identifying Russia as the perpetrator of such hacks,” Langevin said in the statement. “Russia’s expanding information warfare operations and interference in democracies – here and abroad – are intended to destabilize. But I have faith in the citizens of the United States and our allies and their ability to stand resilient in the face of these deceitful attacks. We will stand united with our NATO partners to turn back these attempts to undermine our freedom.”

Block Island Times: USDA programs help island business

Block Island Times: USDA programs help island business

By Renée Meyer
On Wed. October 5, representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture visited Block Island. The day started with a program at Town Hall to educate community leaders and members of the general public on Rural Development Programs and culminated with an award ceremony at the Block Island Grocery.

Due to its small population, Block Island qualifies for all of the USDA’s Rural Development programs, which fall into four categories: water and environmental programs, community facilities, business and cooperative programs, and housing programs. There are three mechanisms by which the USDA facilitates projects – direct loans, guaranteed loans, and grants.

After an introduction by First Warden Ken Lacoste, USDA State Director Scott Soares provided an overview of the Rural Development Program and its role in Rhode Island. In the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, 2016, the USDA spent $37 million on programs in Rhode Island. About half of that was spent on housing programs, and half of that was spent in Washington County. Despite the amounts, many eligible organizations are not aware of the programs the USDA has to offer. Soares said that on Block Island, the USDA’s programs could possibly assist with the capping of the old landfill, the roll-out of broadband, and energy issues. “We’re looking at ways to work with Block Island to get at critical community infrastructure needs,” he said.

The USDA’s programs are not set in stone. Recent endeavors in Rhode Island have concentrated on food accessibility programs and the agency is now looking at ways it can assist in the opioid crises. Soares said that every year the programs get “tweaked.”

At the larger end of the scale, some programs are for municipalities to build infrastructure in the areas of water and sewage systems, solid waste programs and storm drainage. Help for rural businesses comes in the form of loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. Rural Business Development Grants are available to help small businesses in rural communities although they come in the form of “pass through” grants awarded to municipalities or not-for-profits as opposed to individual businesses. These can be used for job training and technical assistance, land acquisition and development and “farm labor housing.” There are even programs that provide assistance to low income individuals over 62 for emergency home repairs involving health and safety.

It was the REAP program that Block Island Grocery owner Mary Jane Balser most recently has taken advantage of. REAP grants will fund 25 percent of an energy efficiency project, and the BIG has been awarded two such grants – one for purchasing and installing high efficiency LED lighting at $8,238, and one for replacing refrigeration equipment and compressor upgrades in the amount of $20,000.

Balser said she was amazed at how much energy the store saved with the lighting alone. Instead of fluorescent lights that were on all of the time, the LED lights are on sensors so that only the amount of light that is needed is used. Just from replacing the lighting, the store has saved 35.6 percent of “their historical energy consumption.” The refrigeration component added an additional savings of 9.7 percent. She lauded the staff of the USDA for their assistance in applying for the programs.

Before being eligible for a REAP grant, one must perform a feasibility study, and USDA Energy Specialist Anne Correia said that other state agencies could assist with those, such as the RI Office of Energy Efficiency, which last year offered free energy audits for homes and businesses on Block Island.

After the meeting at Town Hall, the five representatives from the USDA reconvened at the Block Island Grocery where they and U.S. Representative James Langevin presented Balser with a Sustainable Energy Recognition Award. Balser thanked Langevin for coming out to the island and for the work he does on its behalf. “I’m proud of the island,” said Langevin. “I always brag about the island to my colleagues.”

The award reads in part: “Block Island Grocery is an example of environmental stewardship and a contributor to USDA’s overall mission of improving the quality of life for rural communities across the United States.”

Lacoste added that the BIG should also be recognized for providing employment and groceries to year-round families. Balser said she employs about 25 people in the off-season, and 100 during the summers.

A clearly delighted Balser led Langevin and the USDA team through the store, showing off her projects. When it came to explaining the changes in the coolers, she said: “They don’t drink just milk anymore.  They drink Silk, soy and almond.” She even got Langevin to go inside the cooler for more show and tell.

But gratitude for the grants and the award was not the only thing on Balser’s mind. She thanked Langevin for being so accessible, and for visiting the island as frequently as he does, and praised the staff of the USDA for their helpfulness in obtaining the grants. And before the congressman left, she made sure to give him a smooch in the wine aisle.

Applications for USDA grants under $20,000 are due by Oct. 31, 2016 and by March 31, 2017 for grants over $20,000. Loans and loan guarantees may be applied for at any time of the year. For more information, go to the USDA’s website at www.rd.usda.gov.

Block Island Times: Cybersecurity takes center stage

Block Island Times: Cybersecurity takes center stage

By Cassius Shuman

Citing the importance of cybersecurity and the employment opportunities it can provide, U.S. Rep. James Langevin (D) said, “It’s a an important issue, and a security threat that presents many challenges.” Langevin discussed that subject, and a few others, when he visited with the staff of The Block Island Times on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

“We should all have a healthy concern about cybersecurity in this country,” said Langevin. “Nobody uses the internet more than in the United States.”

Langevin, who is co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, said that online security and global terrorism are the country’s two major threats. He noted that “raising awareness, cyber hygiene and password protection” are essential to protection from cyber threats.

Langevin said one of the “more vulnerable” internet networks in this country is the voter registration system. “The FBI and Homeland Security have evidence that the Russians, or foreign entities, have certainly been probing, trying to look into our voter registration system,” he said. “So everyone is working overtime to protect those systems. The state of Rhode Island, as well as the federal government, is working closely with Homeland Security to ensure that the voter registration systems are as safe and secure as possible.”

“The real danger is that they could undermine confidence in the country’s election system,” added Langevin. They could do that “by sewing doubt into whether an election outcome is genuine, legitimate, etc.”

With regard to Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump joking that Russia should hack into Hilary Clinton’s email server, Langevin said he thought Trumps remark was “outrageous, highly objectionable and very disappointing. It’s another example of bringing the election, and campaign, to a new low.”

Langevin said that while cybersecurity presents its challenges, it also can provide job opportunities. “It’s a jobs issues we need to focus on. It’s an opportunity for our young people,” he said, “because we don’t have nearly enough people going into the Information Technology or cybersecurity fields. I hope that our young people will consider that as an option.”

Langevin noted that “there are a number of programs” he supports related to cyber-based careers. “CyberPatriot is one of those programs,” he said. “It’s a competition for kids that are good with computers. There’s also the Cyber Corps program. It’s a joint program between the Department of Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation.”

“We need more support for these programs,” added Langevin, noting his support of the Every Student Succeeds Act (2015), which is a new federal education law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (2001). “We have a skills gap in our state, and across the country.”

On Sept. 15, Langevin filed legislation called the Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development Act, which is aimed at ensuring extension of federal tax credits for offshore wind energy projects from 2019 to 2025. “It’s all complementary” in providing tax incentives for the offshore and renewable energy businesses in the northeast. “Sen. (Sheldon) Whitehouse is working with us on this,” he said. “He’ll be introducing the companion bill.”

Langevin said that he tries “to come out to Block Island whenever possible.” He noted that the boat ride was a little “rough” coming over to the island on Wednesday. “But I’m a guy who likes a little turbulence on an airplane, so I don’t mind a bumpy ride,” he said.

Warwick Beacon: Doing his own survey

Warwick Beacon: Doing his own survey

By The Warwick Beacon

As part of Rhode Island Manufacturing Week and his ongoing program to visit area businesses, Congressman James Langevin visited Astra Nova just over the Warwick line in West Warwick Tuesday afternoon. The manufacturer of data visualization technology employs 250 in Rhode Island and is a major supplier of highly technical high-speed printers used in aircraft. Langevin said he is amazed by the “talented people” he’s met on his business tours and that the experience has reinforced his belief that “manufacturing is not dead; it has become advanced and high tech. We need to get the word out to many young people that this is an option.” As part of the tour, Langevin asked employees where they had graduated. At Astra Nova he found graduates of New England Institute of Technology, CCRI and the Coventry Career and Technical Center. Explaining the functions of a device that monitors various systems to the congressman are Daniel Ricci, Alex Lamake and the company’s president and CEO Gregory Woods. (Warwick Beacon photo)