Talk:Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Act of 675

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Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Act of 675 Brook Vonz [KEP] OP

— 8/01/2025 9:25 PM

Tabled by MGA Malia Marshall Mackenzie as a government bill:

The purpose of this Act is to:

Foster collaboration among Kodiak’s colleges and universities to research earthquake activity, safety, and building resilience.

Provide grants to institutions of higher education to support research into earthquake causes, safety manuals, and new building codes.

Enable higher education institutions to draft building codes designed to enhance earthquake resilience, subject to Assembly approval.

https://kodiak.wiki/wiki/Earthquake_Research_and_Safety_Grant_Act_of_675 The Kodiak Republic Wiki Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Act of 675 The purpose of this Act is to:

Foster collaboration among Kodiak’s colleges and universities to research earthquake activity, safety, and building resilience. Provide grants to institutions of higher education to support research into earthquake causes, safety manuals, and new building codes. Enable higher education institutions to draft buildi... Joanna Sousa [KWA](Juliette/Sil) — 8/01/2025 9:31 PM @Assembly Member ((OOC: Some reason Vonz couldn't get the role to show up when @'ing so that's why I'm doing it)). Brook Vonz [KEP] OP

— 8/01/2025 9:32 PM

Debate is open for the Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Act of 675

@Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] Please make your statements to the Assembly as soon as possible. Joanna Sousa [KWA](Juliette/Sil) pinned a message to this channel. See all pinned messages. — 8/01/2025 9:38 PM Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 8/01/2025 10:31 PM Good Morning everyone,

I present this bill as a response to the Earthquake in Astroburg. I would typically be the one here advocating for lower government spending overall and a smaller government entirely. But the reason why I changed my mind in this case is because of the Earthquake. We are spending millions of dollars to rebuild one of the greatest cities in the nation and knowing what we know from years past. Earthquakes will happen again. We are not putting any standards in place to make sure the disaster in Astroburg doesn't happen again. If we put up the money now to do research into building a better Kodiak and strengthen our building codes, when the next Earthquake comes, less people will lose their lives, less building would be damaged and we would actually be saving money in the long run.

I would also like to thank Andrew Williams who advised me on the creation of this bill but I know he isn't here for... obvious reasons. I am here to answer your questions. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 3:42 AM I rise to ask a question

Good morning Ms. Marshall,

Is there a way to ensure that the reports submitted to the Ministry of Health and Education are accurate and not being submitted fraudulently? What are the penalties if a grant recipient were to submit a fraudulent report?

I sit and wait for the response John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 9/01/2025 4:00 AM This bill is an important step forward in protecting the residents of Kodiak from natural disasters. The formation of the ERSGP is consistent with our primary obligation to preserve public health and promote education through evidence-based programs. I strongly endorse the emphasis on research, public education, and infrastructural resiliency. However, I believe that these grants and initiatives should not be monopolised by privileged universities. To encourage diverse involvement and innovation, smaller, underfunded universities and local organisations must have access to this money as well. As Minister of Health and Education, it has my endorsement. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:02 AM I rise to speak

Good morning Minister,

Would you be able to provide a response to my questions?

Thank you for your time.

I sit to wait for a response Mike Shambles (Temp) — 9/01/2025 4:07 AM Jillian walks into the chamber with a note from Williams.

“As I was a collaborator on this bill, I fully support it and believe it will be great step in the right direction for future disasters. With this research, we will be able to understand and be better prepared on reducing the damage created by Earthquakes.” John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 9/01/2025 4:08 AM Mr Deputy President, I thank the member for the question - even if not initially posed to me. And I'll be happier to answer.

First, grant applicants will be obliged to keep extensive financial and project records, which the Ministry will inspect at random. Additionally, independent third-party assessors may be hired to evaluate project outcomes and financial reporting. If a grant recipient is proven to have produced a fake report, they will face harsh consequences. These may include the immediate loss of grant monies, a ban on future participation in government programs, and, if necessary, referral to a criminal inquiry. Finally, this undertaking must not end with research and teaching. The implementation of earthquake-resistant infrastructure and obligatory construction rules must proceed quickly, and the financial burden for these measures must not fall on working people. It is the state's responsibility to protect its residents and guarantee that all communities, urban and rural, are ready for natural disasters. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:11 AM Follow up question, if a recipient files a fraudulent report will they also be required to pay back any monies recieved up to that point? John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 9/01/2025 4:13 AM Yes, absolutely. If a beneficiary is proven to have filed a fake report, they must reimburse all cash received under the grant programme up to that date. The Ministry of Health and Education will seek full compensation for wasted public funds, including legal action if necessary. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:15 AM Mr Deputy President, I would like to thank the minister for his quick response to my questions. My concerns have been eased. I fully support this bill. I believe that it will provide better safety for the citizens of our beloved country. Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 9/01/2025 4:24 AM Marshall looks at Taylor with a perplexed look

We are asking experts to do research. I find it hard to believe that they would deliberately submit something fraudulent Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:26 AM I just want to know that there is a contingency for it in case it happens. Brook Vonz [KEP] OP

— 9/01/2025 4:26 AM

I think this is a great bill but I have some questions.

How does the Ministry of Health and Education determine the recipients of these grants and can you possibly provide the process. There are surely going to be numerous applicants and not everyone is worth it.

Secondly, are earthquake drills going to be a part of school for at least a little while? Brook Vonz [KEP] OP

— 9/01/2025 4:26 AM

I can say the same thing about the CEO Brook whispers to himself Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 9/01/2025 4:31 AM Here is why I am struggling with this question, Science changes and evolves as more information comes out, there is hypothesis where scientist make a sort of guess in how something works and they could be proven wrong later with more research, An assumption about how earthquakes work could be proven wrong later in 5 years due to more research and you want to punish the people who made that hypothesis years before? That doesn't sound right to me

When experts submit reports to the Ministry of Health and Education, I expect that these will be updated overtime as new infromation is found. So... I don't see why we should punish scientest for making wrong hypothesis. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:37 AM I belive that the potential for fraud would be in this item that is expected in reports:

Financial accountability for grant expenditures.

I fear that recipients could attempt to misuse funds and then hide it in their reports. All I want is to make sure that their is a contingency for if such a situation occurs. I understand how science works and that things can change as facts are revealed through research. I also think that the Deputy President raised a great question with his first question. Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 9/01/2025 4:39 AM I think the Ministry can decide itself on which Universities get the fund John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 9/01/2025 4:40 AM ((if you're asking me specifically, as Health and Education Minister, I can give an answer in like 25 minutes)) Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 9/01/2025 4:42 AM The Ministry could audit the grant if it feels that there is fraud Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:42 AM As an idea my concern would probably be something that is looked at during the application process but I will wait for the minister to answer. Tiberius Brown — 9/01/2025 4:42 AM I imagine that any concerns of fraud would be handled primarily by the Treasury and their enforcement services. Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 9/01/2025 4:43 AM I don't think it would be a real problem to be honest, I don't see the motive Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:45 AM Again I state that I support this resolution. I just want to ensure that the tax dollars of our citizens is protected from potential fraud. Thank you for your responses. Tiberius Brown — 9/01/2025 4:46 AM Any time that money is involved, there is a motive. I'm interested to see if the author would be interested in capping the number of eligible universities and providing specific amounts of funding to each. For example, if 5 universities were eligible to receive the grant in a given year, each could be given 2-3 million florins. That would avoid the issue of underfunding a grant because of a flood of applicants. Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 9/01/2025 4:48 AM I'm intersted Tiberius Brown — 9/01/2025 4:49 AM As for Article 3, I believe that building codes, in general, are handled at the regional and municipal level. I would rather have the CRC simply provide resources and suggestions rather than submit legislation, certainly not to the GA. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:51 AM I would be interested in knowing what a "eligible college or university" would be defined as? The current proposal is unclear on that. Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 9/01/2025 4:51 AM @John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] Do you want to set that guidance John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 9/01/2025 4:51 AM I thank the Deputy President for his question,

The Ministry of Health and Education will implement a stringent grant selection process. Applicsnts must submit complete proposals that outlines their aims, methodology, budgets, and potential outcomes. Then a panel of specialists from several sectors, including geology, civil engineering, public health, and education, will assess these proposals based on their value, feasibility, and alignment with the programme's objectives. Preference would be given to collaborate efforts and projects that have practical implications, such as building safety or community preparation.

Regarding your second point, earthquake drills are a great idea. Incorporating them into school curricula will be a top objective of this Ministry to increase safety awareness among students and staff. The Ministry will collaborate with schools to develop exercises and instructional programmes specific to local hazards. John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 9/01/2025 4:54 AM They must be recognised by the Ministry of Health and Education as meeting the national standard for academic and research excellence.

Have relevant expertise, such as faculties or departments in geology, engineering, environmental science, or public health.

Provide a complete proposal including their research objectives, techniques, and collaborations with other universities or organisations. Brook Vonz [KEP] OP

— 9/01/2025 4:58 AM

Thank you for your answer Mr. Minister and your answer removed any doubts of mine. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 4:59 AM Thank you Minister for defining that. John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 9/01/2025 5:00 AM I am happy to answer any further inquiries should they arise. Senator Sanders — 9/01/2025 5:21 AM This seems to be a common sense bill. I have no qualms with it Spade Wilson [CAP] — 9/01/2025 5:37 AM Great bill actually, I say it’s helpful to research more about earthquakes. But it’s missing the part where you investigate the Marxist Space Laser Society’s involvement in it! Where’s the part that studies the Commie Socialist’s plot using advanced satellites?! Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 5:41 AM thinks this guy is absolutely insane and wonders how he ever got elected Spade Wilson [CAP] — 9/01/2025 5:43 AM His entire constituency is insane too lmao John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 9/01/2025 5:44 AM Wedgewood sighs and mumbles under his breath

To answer your question, Mr Spade, at least in my capacity as Health and Education Minister:

While I appreciate your zeal for investigating all possible causes of earthquakes, the law prioritises evidence-based research and practical safety measures for Kodiak residents. Our goal is to prioritise scientific collaboration, public education, and infrastructure resilience in order to protect people and property. If you have specific, credible evidence to back up your concerns, I invite you to submit it through the proper channels for consideration. The Ministry remains dedicated to resolving legitimate concerns in a transparent and accountable manner. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 9/01/2025 5:45 AM feels for the mental health of his constituents Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 9/01/2025 6:30 AM That is a different bill Spade, I will leave you to write that. Malia laughs to herself Joanna Sousa [KWA](Juliette/Sil) — 9/01/2025 11:11 AM I'm all for expanding research into such critical areas.

In this day and age I'm surprised Article V does not suggest that Earthquake Awareness/Safety material also be created on the Ministry website as another distribution avenue.

Brown: I'm interested to see if the author would be interested in capping the number of eligible universities and providing specific amounts of funding to each. For example, if 5 universities were eligible to receive the grant in a given year, each could be given 2-3 million florins. That would avoid the issue of underfunding a grant because of a flood of applicants.


Fair piont.

I belive that the potential for fraud would be in this item that is expected in reports:

Financial accountability for grant expenditures.

I fear that recipients could attempt to misuse funds and then hide it in their reports. All I want is to make sure that their is a contingency for if such a situation occurs. I understand how science works and that things can change as facts are revealed through research


Also a fair point, but we must also be careful that we don't allow the Ministry to simply claim fraud if they disagree with a body of research. It's important to note that 'incorrect hypotheses' isn't fraud of course, and fraud is more in line with the misuse of funds as stated.

For instance, spending the grant money on a completely different body of research - an audit won't pick that up day 1, as it won't be run day 1. So the misuse would have already occured - the Ministry should be authorised to investigate and audit as such, legislatively in Article IV, and if the GA desires even refer it elsewhere to action (I think someone suggested the Ministry of Revenue and Treasury), who can then claw back the funding - and/or go to the courts if needed of their own initiative (the specifics here do not need to be legislated).

We are asking experts to do research. I find it hard to believe that they would deliberately submit something fraudulent


No one is infallible. Everyone needs money to do their research. Wouldn't be the first time in Kodiak a researcher has doctored their findings.

Minister Wedgewood's statements regarding Ministry grant selection...


I'm comfortable with this and generally advocate for the Ministry to have the authority to dictate selection process themselves anyway.

Funding


I'd even suggest more funding if the GA would will a little bump, 15 or 20 million? I assume this is quarterly.

Keeping in mind not all of this will be grant money, perhaps the funding article needs to explicitly state that x is for administration, and y is for grant money. With the grant money being the majority of course. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 11/01/2025 4:05 AM Parliamentary inquiry @Brook Vonz [KEP] is it to early to motion for a vote on this? Thank you Brook Vonz [KEP] OP

— 11/01/2025 4:34 AM

Yes, the minimum before a motion to vote is three days after the start of the debate. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 11/01/2025 12:07 PM Thank Deputy President for your quick response. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 12/01/2025 5:14 AM @Assembly President I motion to vote on this bill ((or @Brook Vonz [KEP] whoever it is that is overseeing this bill.)) Brook Vonz [KEP] OP

— 12/01/2025 5:19 AM

I would like to keep debating this bill for a few days more. I would like to see an answer from the author to Presidents Sousa statements and if any more members have any more concerns since only a small pool commented. If any more motions come up in two or few days we will move onto voting. Nate Taylor [NUP] — 12/01/2025 5:20 AM Ok sounds good Bryan Reynholm [KWA] — 12/01/2025 8:26 PM I would ask that the proposal be edited to follow the established format - dot points should be presented as third order statements. eg 3.2 Proposed building codes must:

Be supported by research and evidence. Be submitted to the General Assembly for debate, approval, and potential enactment.

should be

3.2 - Proposed building codes must: 3.2.1 - Be supported by research and evidence. 3.2.2 - Be submitted to the General Assembly for debate, approval, and potential enactment. I also note the funding section does not establish a time increment. While traditionally funding is per quarter, it still must be written into law. If we assume the funding is quarterly, I am sceptical that 40 million florins would be adequate to fund such a program at any meaningful speed. It would take years to generate research at this level of funding. Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 13/01/2025 1:27 AM So I raised funing to 20 million, how many do you beleive minister @John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] do you think 3 universities need to run their program John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 13/01/2025 8:48 AM "I would perhaps estimate between 8 to 12 Million Florins, if we are going for a larger estimate. A loser estimate could be 3 to 7 million." Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 14/01/2025 10:04 AM So we would expect maybe 4 programs atr 5 million, does that sound fair John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 14/01/2025 10:05 AM "Yes, I believe that's a reasonable expectation." Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 14/01/2025 10:22 AM I will write it into the bill Malia Mackenzie Marshall [CAP] — 14/01/2025 1:17 PM @Assembly President I made the changes to the bill, I would like to motion to vote if there is no other objections John Dundas Wedgewood [KWA] — 14/01/2025 1:20 PM "I will second, Madame President" Nate Taylor [NUP] — 14/01/2025 3:50 PM I will third that motion to vote. Brook Vonz [KEP] OP

— 14/01/2025 3:54 PM

Motion accepted, we will move onto voting. @Assembly President ; ) EasyPoll APP

— 14/01/2025 3:55 PM

Question Does the General Assembly approve the Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Act?

Choices

letter_a: Aye
letter_b: Nay
letter_c: Abstain

Final Result

letter_a: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░ | 69.6% (16)
letter_b: ▓▓░░░░░░░░ | 21.7% (5)
letter_c: ▓░░░░░░░░░ | 8.7% (2)

23 votes from 23 users

Settings

stopwatch: Poll already ended (3 hours ago)
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lock: No other votes allowed

Poll ID: d6bfeb02 Joanna Sousa [KWA](Juliette/Sil) — 14/01/2025 3:56 PM @Assembly Member Motion was accepted and the vote commences now. Ensure you review the proposed act prior to voting. Joanna Sousa [KWA](Juliette/Sil) — Today at 6:26 PM Earthquake Research and Safety Grant Act has been approved by the General Assembly with 16 Ayes, 5 Nays, 2 Abstains. The archives and law code shall be updated accordingly.

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