Economic Stimulus: Issues and Policies
"...Fiscal policy temporarily stimulates the economy through an increase in spending which also, if not offset by increases in revenue, increases the budget deficit. There is a consensus that certain proposals, ones that result in more spending, can be implemented quickly, and leave no long-term effect on the budget deficit, would increase the benefits and reduce the costs of fiscal stimulus relative to other proposals. Economists generally agree that spending proposals are somewhat
more stimulative than tax cuts since part of a tax cut may be saved by the recipients. The most important determinant of the effect on the economy is the stimulus’ size. The recent stimulus package increased the deficit by about 1% of GDP."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The State of the Economy and Issues in Developing an Effective Policy Response
Statement of Douglas E. Elmendorf, Direcotor of the Congressional Budget Office before the Committee on the Budget, U.S. House of Representatives, January 27, 2009.in
Statement of Douglas E. Elmendorf, Direcotor of the Congressional Budget Office before the Committee on the Budget, U.S. House of Representatives, January 27, 2009.in
Monday, January 26, 2009
WhoRunsGov.com
"WhoRunsGov.com offers a unique look at the world of Washington through its key players and personalities. It’s your window into how deals get made and policy is shaped in the new Obama administration that is remaking the nation’s capital.."
A new site of the Washington Post.
"WhoRunsGov.com offers a unique look at the world of Washington through its key players and personalities. It’s your window into how deals get made and policy is shaped in the new Obama administration that is remaking the nation’s capital.."
A new site of the Washington Post.
Getting Beyond Getting Ready for Pandemic Influenza
Report of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Report prepared by by Majority Staff.
Report of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Report prepared by by Majority Staff.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
VOLUNTEERING IN THE UNITED STATES, 2008
"About 61.8 million people, or 26.4 percent of the population, volun-
teered through or for an organization at least once between September
2007 and September 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S.
Department of Labor reported today. Both the level and rate of volun-
teering were essentially unchanged from the prior year..."
"About 61.8 million people, or 26.4 percent of the population, volun-
teered through or for an organization at least once between September
2007 and September 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S.
Department of Labor reported today. Both the level and rate of volun-
teering were essentially unchanged from the prior year..."
FTC Launches Redress Program for Mortgage Loan Victims
"The Federal Trade Commission today announced that the agency returned almost $28 million to consumers this week as a result of a settlement with The Bear Stearns Companies, LLC and EMC Mortgage Corporation. Using the defendants’ records, about 86,000 consumers who had mortgage loans serviced by EMC have been mailed redress checks.
In September 2008, Bear Stearns and EMC agreed to pay $28 million to settle FTC charges that they engaged in unlawful practices in servicing consumers’ home mortgage loans. The companies allegedly misrepresented the amounts borrowers owed, charged unauthorized fees, such as late fees, property inspection fees, and loan modification fees, and engaged in unlawful and abusive collection practices. Consumers who have been mailed redress checks paid unauthorized fees to EMC and/or had a home foreclosed upon by EMC.
EMC consumers with questions should call the redress administrator at 1-877-225-7510."
"The Federal Trade Commission today announced that the agency returned almost $28 million to consumers this week as a result of a settlement with The Bear Stearns Companies, LLC and EMC Mortgage Corporation. Using the defendants’ records, about 86,000 consumers who had mortgage loans serviced by EMC have been mailed redress checks.
In September 2008, Bear Stearns and EMC agreed to pay $28 million to settle FTC charges that they engaged in unlawful practices in servicing consumers’ home mortgage loans. The companies allegedly misrepresented the amounts borrowers owed, charged unauthorized fees, such as late fees, property inspection fees, and loan modification fees, and engaged in unlawful and abusive collection practices. Consumers who have been mailed redress checks paid unauthorized fees to EMC and/or had a home foreclosed upon by EMC.
EMC consumers with questions should call the redress administrator at 1-877-225-7510."
Electric Power Annual, 2007
"n 2007, average retail electricity prices increased 2.6 percent from 8.9 to 9.1 cents per kilowatthour (kWh) This followed a 3-year period during which average fossil fuel prices for electricity generation increased a cumulative 30.2 percent. As fuel prices increased 30.2 percent, the National average retail price of electricity increased 17.0 percent from 7.6 cents per kWh in 2004 to 8.9 per kWh in 2006. Fossil fuel prices increased an additional 7.0 percent in 2007, contributing to the 2.6 percent average retail electricity rate..."
"n 2007, average retail electricity prices increased 2.6 percent from 8.9 to 9.1 cents per kilowatthour (kWh) This followed a 3-year period during which average fossil fuel prices for electricity generation increased a cumulative 30.2 percent. As fuel prices increased 30.2 percent, the National average retail price of electricity increased 17.0 percent from 7.6 cents per kWh in 2004 to 8.9 per kWh in 2006. Fossil fuel prices increased an additional 7.0 percent in 2007, contributing to the 2.6 percent average retail electricity rate..."
Annual Superfund Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2008
"As the amount of funds available for Superfund work continues to diminish, it becomes increasingly imperative for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to spend its Superfund dollars as prudently as possible to achieve maximum benefits from dollars available. This report covers the Fiscal Year 2008 Superfund activity of the EPA Office of Inspector General. The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 requires the Office of Inspector General to annually audit the Superfund program and report the results to Congress.
Although EPA regions have recovered 56 percent of the total Superfund costs from sites reviewed during an evaluation, they could recover more. EPA had not collected as much as $129 million (44 percent), and determined it will not attempt to recover between $30 million and $90 million of that amount. This indicates a potentially significant breakdown in controls over Superfund cost recovery."
"As the amount of funds available for Superfund work continues to diminish, it becomes increasingly imperative for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to spend its Superfund dollars as prudently as possible to achieve maximum benefits from dollars available. This report covers the Fiscal Year 2008 Superfund activity of the EPA Office of Inspector General. The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 requires the Office of Inspector General to annually audit the Superfund program and report the results to Congress.
Although EPA regions have recovered 56 percent of the total Superfund costs from sites reviewed during an evaluation, they could recover more. EPA had not collected as much as $129 million (44 percent), and determined it will not attempt to recover between $30 million and $90 million of that amount. This indicates a potentially significant breakdown in controls over Superfund cost recovery."
Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents
"The Compilation of Presidential Documents collection is composed of the Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents and its predecessor, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents. It is published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) under the authority of the Federal Register Act, (44 U.S.C. Ch. 15")
"The Compilation of Presidential Documents collection is composed of the Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents and its predecessor, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents. It is published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) under the authority of the Federal Register Act, (44 U.S.C. Ch. 15")
2009 Poverty Guidelines
"The poverty thresholds are the original version of the federal poverty measure. They are updated each year by the Census Bureau (although they were originally developed by Mollie Orshansky of the Social Security Administration). The thresholds are used mainly for statistical purposes — for instance, preparing estimates of the number of Americans in poverty each year. (In other words, all official poverty population figures are calculated using the poverty thresholds, not the guidelines.) Poverty thresholds since 1980 and weighted average poverty thresholds since 1959 are available on the Census Bureau’s Web site. For an example of how the Census Bureau applies the thresholds to a family’s income to determine its poverty status, see “How the Census Bureau Measures Poverty” on the Census Bureau’s web site.
The poverty guidelines are the other version of the federal poverty measure. They are issued each year in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The guidelines are a simplification of the poverty thresholds for use for administrative purposes — for instance, determining financial eligibility for certain federal programs. The Federal Register notice with the 2009 poverty guidelines (PDF - 3 pages).
The poverty guidelines are sometimes loosely referred to as the “federal poverty level” (FPL), but that phrase is ambiguous and should be avoided, especially in situations (e.g., legislative or administrative) where precision is important.
Key differences between poverty thresholds and poverty guidelines are outlined in a table under Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). See also the discussion of this topic on the Institute for Research on Poverty’s web site."
"The poverty thresholds are the original version of the federal poverty measure. They are updated each year by the Census Bureau (although they were originally developed by Mollie Orshansky of the Social Security Administration). The thresholds are used mainly for statistical purposes — for instance, preparing estimates of the number of Americans in poverty each year. (In other words, all official poverty population figures are calculated using the poverty thresholds, not the guidelines.) Poverty thresholds since 1980 and weighted average poverty thresholds since 1959 are available on the Census Bureau’s Web site. For an example of how the Census Bureau applies the thresholds to a family’s income to determine its poverty status, see “How the Census Bureau Measures Poverty” on the Census Bureau’s web site.
The poverty guidelines are the other version of the federal poverty measure. They are issued each year in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The guidelines are a simplification of the poverty thresholds for use for administrative purposes — for instance, determining financial eligibility for certain federal programs. The Federal Register notice with the 2009 poverty guidelines (PDF - 3 pages).
The poverty guidelines are sometimes loosely referred to as the “federal poverty level” (FPL), but that phrase is ambiguous and should be avoided, especially in situations (e.g., legislative or administrative) where precision is important.
Key differences between poverty thresholds and poverty guidelines are outlined in a table under Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). See also the discussion of this topic on the Institute for Research on Poverty’s web site."
Thursday, January 22, 2009
REPORT ON THE HISPANIC EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGE IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
"On May 21, 2008, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Naomi C. Earp, in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Michael J. Astrue, announced the creation of a Federal Hispanic Work Group. This event marked the culmination of a series of discussions between the Chair and representatives of the Hispanic federal and EEO communities.
The Hispanic Work Group was directed to examine concerns about federal sector employment including, but not limited to, hiring, leadership development and retention. More importantly, the Work Group was given the responsibility of formulating recommendations designed to enhance and refocus federal Hispanic employment plans, and to remove barriers and level the playing field to encourage greater opportunities for Hispanic applicants and employees throughout the federal government. The Work Group was tasked with issuing a report containing both assessments of the problems, as well as issues and recommendations on how to resolve them. The enclosed report constitutes the Work Group’s recommendations to the EEOC Chair..."
"On May 21, 2008, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Naomi C. Earp, in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Michael J. Astrue, announced the creation of a Federal Hispanic Work Group. This event marked the culmination of a series of discussions between the Chair and representatives of the Hispanic federal and EEO communities.
The Hispanic Work Group was directed to examine concerns about federal sector employment including, but not limited to, hiring, leadership development and retention. More importantly, the Work Group was given the responsibility of formulating recommendations designed to enhance and refocus federal Hispanic employment plans, and to remove barriers and level the playing field to encourage greater opportunities for Hispanic applicants and employees throughout the federal government. The Work Group was tasked with issuing a report containing both assessments of the problems, as well as issues and recommendations on how to resolve them. The enclosed report constitutes the Work Group’s recommendations to the EEOC Chair..."
National Drug Control Strategy, 2009 Annual Report
The first National Drug Control Strategy was issued by the Bush Administration in 2002. Its goal was to reduce youth drug use by 10% in 2 years and by 25% within 5 years. The current report surveyed 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students and found that illicit drug use by teenagers had declined by 25% in the last seven years. Marijuana use has fallen by 25% and other drugs such as MDMA/Ecstasy, LSD, and methamphetamine have dropped significantly.
The first National Drug Control Strategy was issued by the Bush Administration in 2002. Its goal was to reduce youth drug use by 10% in 2 years and by 25% within 5 years. The current report surveyed 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students and found that illicit drug use by teenagers had declined by 25% in the last seven years. Marijuana use has fallen by 25% and other drugs such as MDMA/Ecstasy, LSD, and methamphetamine have dropped significantly.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak
"January 19, 2009: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a very active and dynamic investigation into the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. At this time, the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners have traced sources of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste—a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts—that are both distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in many commercially produced products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream. In addition, PCA peanut butter is distributed to and institutionally served in such settings as long-term care facilities and cafeterias."
"January 19, 2009: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a very active and dynamic investigation into the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. At this time, the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners have traced sources of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste—a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts—that are both distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in many commercially produced products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream. In addition, PCA peanut butter is distributed to and institutionally served in such settings as long-term care facilities and cafeterias."
FEMA: Presidential Transition Team Binder, 2009
"This document, the FEMA 2009 Presidential Transition Binder, consisting of six tabs as described below, is intended to serve as a reference for FEMA leadership and employees to help orient them to its organizational structure, programs, resources, stakeholders, and operations."
"This document, the FEMA 2009 Presidential Transition Binder, consisting of six tabs as described below, is intended to serve as a reference for FEMA leadership and employees to help orient them to its organizational structure, programs, resources, stakeholders, and operations."
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Guide to Protecting the Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) (Draft), Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, January 13, 2009.
"Breaches of personally identifiable information (PII) have increased dramatically over the past few years and have resulted in the loss of millions of records.1 Breaches of PII are hazardous to both individuals and organizations. Individual harms may include identity theft, embarrassment, or blackmail. Organizational harms may include a loss of public trust, legal liability, or high costs to handle the breach. To appropriately protect the confidentiality of PII, organizations should use a risk-based approach; as McGeorge Bundy2 once stated, “If we guard our toothbrushes and diamonds with equal zeal, we will lose fewer toothbrushes and more diamonds.” This document provides guidelines for a risk-based approach to protecting the confidentiality3 of PII..."
"Breaches of personally identifiable information (PII) have increased dramatically over the past few years and have resulted in the loss of millions of records.1 Breaches of PII are hazardous to both individuals and organizations. Individual harms may include identity theft, embarrassment, or blackmail. Organizational harms may include a loss of public trust, legal liability, or high costs to handle the breach. To appropriately protect the confidentiality of PII, organizations should use a risk-based approach; as McGeorge Bundy2 once stated, “If we guard our toothbrushes and diamonds with equal zeal, we will lose fewer toothbrushes and more diamonds.” This document provides guidelines for a risk-based approach to protecting the confidentiality3 of PII..."
Change has come to WhiteHouse.gov
"Welcome to the new WhiteHouse.gov. I'm Macon Phillips, the Director of New Media for the White House and one of the people who will be contributing to the blog.
A short time ago, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and his new administration officially came to life. One of the first changes is the White House's new website, which will serve as a place for the President and his administration to connect with the rest of the nation and the world.
Millions of Americans have powered President Obama's journey to the White House, many taking advantage of the internet to play a role in shaping our country's future. WhiteHouse.gov is just the beginning of the new administration's efforts to expand and deepen this online engagement."
"Welcome to the new WhiteHouse.gov. I'm Macon Phillips, the Director of New Media for the White House and one of the people who will be contributing to the blog.
A short time ago, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and his new administration officially came to life. One of the first changes is the White House's new website, which will serve as a place for the President and his administration to connect with the rest of the nation and the world.
Millions of Americans have powered President Obama's journey to the White House, many taking advantage of the internet to play a role in shaping our country's future. WhiteHouse.gov is just the beginning of the new administration's efforts to expand and deepen this online engagement."
Friday, January 16, 2009
WILDLIFE STRIKES TO CIVIL AIRCRAFT IN THE UNITED STATES, 1990–2007
"A mixed flock of blackbirds (red-winged blackbirds, common grackles, brown
-headed cowbirds) and European starlings descend into a wooded roosting area at dusk, less than 2 miles from a southern USA airport, 11 January 2007. Over 500 million blackbirds and starlings from Canada and the northern USA migrate to the southern USA each winter where they gather nightly in numerous roosts in marshes
and woodlots. Flight lines of birds entering to and departing from these roost
sites at dusk and dawn can pose a serious risk to aircraft at nearby airports. Airports should work with nearby communities to prevent large bird roosts from developing near airports. Photo, S. Stopak, USDA.
The most deadly civil (62 human fatalities, Massachusetts 1960) and military (34
fatalities, Netherlands 1996) bird strikes were caused by flocks of starlings."
"A mixed flock of blackbirds (red-winged blackbirds, common grackles, brown
-headed cowbirds) and European starlings descend into a wooded roosting area at dusk, less than 2 miles from a southern USA airport, 11 January 2007. Over 500 million blackbirds and starlings from Canada and the northern USA migrate to the southern USA each winter where they gather nightly in numerous roosts in marshes
and woodlots. Flight lines of birds entering to and departing from these roost
sites at dusk and dawn can pose a serious risk to aircraft at nearby airports. Airports should work with nearby communities to prevent large bird roosts from developing near airports. Photo, S. Stopak, USDA.
The most deadly civil (62 human fatalities, Massachusetts 1960) and military (34
fatalities, Netherlands 1996) bird strikes were caused by flocks of starlings."
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Annual CDC Report Finds High Burden of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Especially among Women and Racial Minorities
"Reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the United States exceeded 1.4 million in 2007, according to an annual report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These diseases continue to be the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the nation and pose persistent and preventable threats to fertility in the United States.
The report, Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2007, shows persistent racial disparities across these and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and a particularly heavy burden of disease among women. The report also finds continued increases in syphilis. This disease, while once on the verge of elimination, began re-emerging as a threat in 2001 and increased 15.2 percent between 2006 and 2007."
"Reported cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the United States exceeded 1.4 million in 2007, according to an annual report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These diseases continue to be the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the nation and pose persistent and preventable threats to fertility in the United States.
The report, Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2007, shows persistent racial disparities across these and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and a particularly heavy burden of disease among women. The report also finds continued increases in syphilis. This disease, while once on the verge of elimination, began re-emerging as a threat in 2001 and increased 15.2 percent between 2006 and 2007."
The Role of the 25 Percent Revenue Offset in Estimating the Budgetary Effects of Legislation
"When excise taxes, customs duties, and other types of “indirect” taxes are
imposed on goods and services, they tend to reduce income for workers or
business owners in the taxed industry and for others throughout the economy. Consequently, revenue derived from existing “direct” tax sources—such as
individual and corporate income taxes and payroll taxes—will also be reduced.
To approximate that effect, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), and the Treasury Department’s Office of Tax Analysis (OTA) apply a 25 percent offset when estimating the net revenue that legislation imposing some form of indirect tax is expected to generate. In other words, the estimated proceeds from the indirect tax are reduced by 25 percent to account for the resulting reductions in income and payroll taxes. The offset is made
in addition to accounting for behavioral responses to the new tax."
"When excise taxes, customs duties, and other types of “indirect” taxes are
imposed on goods and services, they tend to reduce income for workers or
business owners in the taxed industry and for others throughout the economy. Consequently, revenue derived from existing “direct” tax sources—such as
individual and corporate income taxes and payroll taxes—will also be reduced.
To approximate that effect, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), and the Treasury Department’s Office of Tax Analysis (OTA) apply a 25 percent offset when estimating the net revenue that legislation imposing some form of indirect tax is expected to generate. In other words, the estimated proceeds from the indirect tax are reduced by 25 percent to account for the resulting reductions in income and payroll taxes. The offset is made
in addition to accounting for behavioral responses to the new tax."
GPO Study of Regional Depositories
"The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) was directed by the Joint Committee on Printing (JCP) to determine the extent to which public access via the FDLP may be impaired by current or projected organizational, financial, technological, or other conditions affecting regional depository libraries. The study was delivered to the JCP and per their request GPO identified the report as "draft" and posted it on the FDLP Desktop for comment. The final report to the JCP was transmitted on January 6, 2009. Below you will find links to the final and draft reports as well as related working documents."
"The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) was directed by the Joint Committee on Printing (JCP) to determine the extent to which public access via the FDLP may be impaired by current or projected organizational, financial, technological, or other conditions affecting regional depository libraries. The study was delivered to the JCP and per their request GPO identified the report as "draft" and posted it on the FDLP Desktop for comment. The final report to the JCP was transmitted on January 6, 2009. Below you will find links to the final and draft reports as well as related working documents."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
An Investigation of Allegations of Politicized Hiring and Other Improper Personnel Actions in the Civil Rights Division
"Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) into allegations that political or ideological affiliations were considered in hiring, transferring, and assigning cases to career attorneys in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (Department). Career attorney positions in the Department are subject to the merit system principles of the Civil Service Reform Act, which prohibit discrimination in the federal work place based on, among other things, political affiliation. See 5 U.S.C. § 2301, et seq. Complaints that politics was affecting the attorney hiring process in the Civil Rights Division received widespread public attention in April 2007 as a result of allegations by Civil Rights Division employees that Bradley S. Schlozman, a former senior Division official, hired lawyers for career positions based on their political or ideological affiliations..."
"Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) into allegations that political or ideological affiliations were considered in hiring, transferring, and assigning cases to career attorneys in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (Department). Career attorney positions in the Department are subject to the merit system principles of the Civil Service Reform Act, which prohibit discrimination in the federal work place based on, among other things, political affiliation. See 5 U.S.C. § 2301, et seq. Complaints that politics was affecting the attorney hiring process in the Civil Rights Division received widespread public attention in April 2007 as a result of allegations by Civil Rights Division employees that Bradley S. Schlozman, a former senior Division official, hired lawyers for career positions based on their political or ideological affiliations..."
Firm Size Data(Small Business Adm.)
"This website provides data on businesses with and without employees. These are referred to as “employer firms” and “nonemployer firms.” Employer firms have the lion’s share of receipts and payroll, while nonemployer firms are far more numerous.
The U.S. Census Bureau provides Advocacy with data on employer firm size in the Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB). In these data, a firm is defined as the aggregation of all establishments owned by a parent company (within a geographic location and/or industry) that have some annual payroll. A firm may be located in one or more places..."
"This website provides data on businesses with and without employees. These are referred to as “employer firms” and “nonemployer firms.” Employer firms have the lion’s share of receipts and payroll, while nonemployer firms are far more numerous.
The U.S. Census Bureau provides Advocacy with data on employer firm size in the Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB). In these data, a firm is defined as the aggregation of all establishments owned by a parent company (within a geographic location and/or industry) that have some annual payroll. A firm may be located in one or more places..."
Federal Agencies Issue Draft Guidance for Industry Good Importer Practices
"The U. S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Transportation and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative today issued draft guidance for industry titled “Good Importer Practices.” The guidance is designed to provide guidance to importers on steps they can take to help ensure imported products are in compliance with applicable U.S. statutes and regulations."
"The U. S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Transportation and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative today issued draft guidance for industry titled “Good Importer Practices.” The guidance is designed to provide guidance to importers on steps they can take to help ensure imported products are in compliance with applicable U.S. statutes and regulations."
FEMA Releases Hurricane Ike Impact Report
"Before Hurricane Ike made landfall, people knew that it was going to be big, and that the recovery process was likely to be among the most complex the nation has ever experienced. In anticipation of this event, a federal, state and local initiative focusing on recovery commenced. One of the outcomes of this effort is the Hurricane Ike Impact Report.
The Hurricane Ike Impact Report is being made available to the public today. The report was initiated and coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This report is intended to be a living document that will change as more information becomes known. It is a snapshot of our current understanding of the impacts brought about by Hurricane Ike..."
"Before Hurricane Ike made landfall, people knew that it was going to be big, and that the recovery process was likely to be among the most complex the nation has ever experienced. In anticipation of this event, a federal, state and local initiative focusing on recovery commenced. One of the outcomes of this effort is the Hurricane Ike Impact Report.
The Hurricane Ike Impact Report is being made available to the public today. The report was initiated and coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This report is intended to be a living document that will change as more information becomes known. It is a snapshot of our current understanding of the impacts brought about by Hurricane Ike..."
The Quiet Revolution e President’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative: A Seven-Year Progress Report
"On January 29, 2001, President George W. Bush signed the fi rst two Executive Orders of his Administration, creating the White House Offi ce of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) and similar offi ces within fi ve Federal agencies. The President’s goal was to eliminate government barriers inhibiting partnerships with faith-based and grassroots charities and to strengthen the work of America’s armies of compassion in tackling society’s toughest problems.
Exactly seven years later, on January 29, 2008, President Bush visited the Jericho Program in Baltimore to commemorate the profound changes his Faith-Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) has brought to government, the nonprofi t sector, communities, and individual lives both at home and abroad. This report chronicles the remarkable progress achieved during the past seven years, as the President’s
signature compassion agenda moved from vision to reality."
"On January 29, 2001, President George W. Bush signed the fi rst two Executive Orders of his Administration, creating the White House Offi ce of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) and similar offi ces within fi ve Federal agencies. The President’s goal was to eliminate government barriers inhibiting partnerships with faith-based and grassroots charities and to strengthen the work of America’s armies of compassion in tackling society’s toughest problems.
Exactly seven years later, on January 29, 2008, President Bush visited the Jericho Program in Baltimore to commemorate the profound changes his Faith-Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) has brought to government, the nonprofi t sector, communities, and individual lives both at home and abroad. This report chronicles the remarkable progress achieved during the past seven years, as the President’s
signature compassion agenda moved from vision to reality."
Stalking Victimization in the United States
"Presents findings on nonfatal stalking victimization in the U.S., based on the largest data collection of such behavior to date. Data were collected in a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and sponsored by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). Topics covered in the report are stalking and harassment prevalence rates by demographic characteristics, offender characteristics, victim-offender relationship, duration of stalking, cyberstalking, protection measures, and emotional impact. The report also includes data on whether victim sought help from others, involvement of a weapon, injuries, other crimes perpetrated by the stalker, and response by the criminal justice system.
"Presents findings on nonfatal stalking victimization in the U.S., based on the largest data collection of such behavior to date. Data were collected in a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and sponsored by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). Topics covered in the report are stalking and harassment prevalence rates by demographic characteristics, offender characteristics, victim-offender relationship, duration of stalking, cyberstalking, protection measures, and emotional impact. The report also includes data on whether victim sought help from others, involvement of a weapon, injuries, other crimes perpetrated by the stalker, and response by the criminal justice system.
FBI Releases Bank Crime Statistics for Third Quarter of 2008
"Today the FBI released bank crime statistics for the third quarter of calendar year 2008. Between July 1, 2008 and September 30, 2008, there were 1,358 robberies of financial institutions¹, as well as 14 burglaries and four larcenies. This represents 1,376 reported violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute, a decrease from the second quarter’s total of 1,443 and first quarter’s total of 1,641."
"Today the FBI released bank crime statistics for the third quarter of calendar year 2008. Between July 1, 2008 and September 30, 2008, there were 1,358 robberies of financial institutions¹, as well as 14 burglaries and four larcenies. This represents 1,376 reported violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute, a decrease from the second quarter’s total of 1,443 and first quarter’s total of 1,641."
DHS Reminds Visa Waiver Program Travelers of ESTA Requirements Effective Today
"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today reminded travelers from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries that they are now required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement, effective today, applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under the VWP...
ESTA is a web-based system, initially launched in August 2008, that determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the VWP prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. To date, more than 1.2 million ESTA applications have been received, and more than 99.6 percent of applicants have been approved, most within seconds...
The citizens or nationals of the following countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Eight of these countries joined the VWP in 2008, and their citizens and nationals have been required to comply with an ESTA since their designation as VWP participants: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Malta."
"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today reminded travelers from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries that they are now required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement, effective today, applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under the VWP...
ESTA is a web-based system, initially launched in August 2008, that determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the VWP prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. To date, more than 1.2 million ESTA applications have been received, and more than 99.6 percent of applicants have been approved, most within seconds...
The citizens or nationals of the following countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Eight of these countries joined the VWP in 2008, and their citizens and nationals have been required to comply with an ESTA since their designation as VWP participants: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Malta."
Friday, January 9, 2009
Abraham Lincoln: A Resource Guide
"The digital collections of the Library of Congress contain a wide variety of material associated with Abraham Lincoln, including the complete Abraham Lincoln Papers from the Manuscript Division. This resource guide compiles links to digital materials related to Lincoln such as manuscripts, letters, broadsides, government documents, and images that are available throughout the Library of Congress Web site. In addition, it provides links to external Web sites focusing on Lincoln and a bibliography containing selected works for both general and younger readers."
Find digital collection for other presidents at:
Presidents of the United States:Resource Guides
"The digital collections of the Library of Congress contain a wide variety of material associated with Abraham Lincoln, including the complete Abraham Lincoln Papers from the Manuscript Division. This resource guide compiles links to digital materials related to Lincoln such as manuscripts, letters, broadsides, government documents, and images that are available throughout the Library of Congress Web site. In addition, it provides links to external Web sites focusing on Lincoln and a bibliography containing selected works for both general and younger readers."
Find digital collection for other presidents at:
Presidents of the United States:Resource Guides
Thursday, January 8, 2009
IRS Begins Tax Season 2009 with Steps to Help Financially Distressed Taxpayers; Promotes Credits, e-File Options
"The Internal Revenue Service today kicked off the 2009 tax filing season by announcing a number of new steps to help financially distressed taxpayers maximize their refunds and speed payments while providing additional help to people struggling to meet their tax obligations.
IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of several new tax credits and deductions this filing season and announced a major enhancement to the Free File program that will allow nearly all taxpayers to e-file for free and accelerate their refunds...
The IRS reminds taxpayers who are behind on tax payments and need assistance to contact the phone numbers listed on their IRS correspondence. There could be additional help available for these taxpayers facing unusual hardship situations.
Among the areas where the IRS can provide assistance:
*
Postponement of Collection Actions: IRS employees will have greater authority to suspend collection actions in certain hardship cases where taxpayers are unable to pay. This includes instances when the taxpayer has recently lost a job, is relying solely on Social Security or welfare income or is facing devastating illness or significant medical bills. If an individual has recently encountered this type of financial problem, IRS assistors may be able to suspend collection without documentation to minimize burden on the taxpayer.
*
Added Flexibility for Missed Payments: The IRS is allowing more flexibility for previously compliant individuals in existing Installment Agreements who have difficulty making payments because of a job loss or other financial hardship. The IRS may allow a skipped payment or a reduced monthly payment amount without automatically suspending the Installment Agreement. Taxpayers in a difficult financial situation should contact the IRS.
*
Additional Review for Offers in Compromise on Home Values: An Offer in Compromise (OIC), an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayer’s tax debt for less than the full amount owed, may be a viable option for taxpayers experiencing economic difficulties. However, the equity taxpayers have in real property can be a barrier to an OIC being accepted. With the uncertainty in the housing market, the IRS recognizes that the real-estate valuations used to assess ability to pay may not be accurate. So in instances where the accuracy of local real-estate valuations is in question or other unusual hardships exist, the IRS is creating a new second review of the information to determine if accepting an offer is appropriate.
*
Prevention of Offer in Compromise Defaults: Taxpayers who are unable to meet the periodic payment terms of an accepted OIC will be able to contact the IRS office handling the offer for available options to help them avoid default.
*
Expedited Levy Releases: The IRS will speed the delivery of levy releases by easing requirements on taxpayers who request expedited levy releases for hardship reasons. Taxpayers seeking expedited releases for levies to an employer or bank should contact the IRS number shown on the notice of levy to discuss available options. When calling, taxpayers requesting a levy release due to hardship should be prepared to provide the IRS with the fax number of the bank or employer processing the levy.
Taxpayers with financial problems who discover they can’t pay when they file their 2008 tax returns also have options available. IRS.gov has a list of What If? scenarios that deal with payment and other financial problems. These scenarios, in question-and-answer format, provide information on specific actions taxpayers can take. Taxpayers unable to pay in full can likewise contact the IRS to discuss additional options to pay."
"The Internal Revenue Service today kicked off the 2009 tax filing season by announcing a number of new steps to help financially distressed taxpayers maximize their refunds and speed payments while providing additional help to people struggling to meet their tax obligations.
IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of several new tax credits and deductions this filing season and announced a major enhancement to the Free File program that will allow nearly all taxpayers to e-file for free and accelerate their refunds...
The IRS reminds taxpayers who are behind on tax payments and need assistance to contact the phone numbers listed on their IRS correspondence. There could be additional help available for these taxpayers facing unusual hardship situations.
Among the areas where the IRS can provide assistance:
*
Postponement of Collection Actions: IRS employees will have greater authority to suspend collection actions in certain hardship cases where taxpayers are unable to pay. This includes instances when the taxpayer has recently lost a job, is relying solely on Social Security or welfare income or is facing devastating illness or significant medical bills. If an individual has recently encountered this type of financial problem, IRS assistors may be able to suspend collection without documentation to minimize burden on the taxpayer.
*
Added Flexibility for Missed Payments: The IRS is allowing more flexibility for previously compliant individuals in existing Installment Agreements who have difficulty making payments because of a job loss or other financial hardship. The IRS may allow a skipped payment or a reduced monthly payment amount without automatically suspending the Installment Agreement. Taxpayers in a difficult financial situation should contact the IRS.
*
Additional Review for Offers in Compromise on Home Values: An Offer in Compromise (OIC), an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayer’s tax debt for less than the full amount owed, may be a viable option for taxpayers experiencing economic difficulties. However, the equity taxpayers have in real property can be a barrier to an OIC being accepted. With the uncertainty in the housing market, the IRS recognizes that the real-estate valuations used to assess ability to pay may not be accurate. So in instances where the accuracy of local real-estate valuations is in question or other unusual hardships exist, the IRS is creating a new second review of the information to determine if accepting an offer is appropriate.
*
Prevention of Offer in Compromise Defaults: Taxpayers who are unable to meet the periodic payment terms of an accepted OIC will be able to contact the IRS office handling the offer for available options to help them avoid default.
*
Expedited Levy Releases: The IRS will speed the delivery of levy releases by easing requirements on taxpayers who request expedited levy releases for hardship reasons. Taxpayers seeking expedited releases for levies to an employer or bank should contact the IRS number shown on the notice of levy to discuss available options. When calling, taxpayers requesting a levy release due to hardship should be prepared to provide the IRS with the fax number of the bank or employer processing the levy.
Taxpayers with financial problems who discover they can’t pay when they file their 2008 tax returns also have options available. IRS.gov has a list of What If? scenarios that deal with payment and other financial problems. These scenarios, in question-and-answer format, provide information on specific actions taxpayers can take. Taxpayers unable to pay in full can likewise contact the IRS to discuss additional options to pay."
National Assessment of Adult Literacy
"The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) assessed the English literacy skills of a nationally representative sample of 18,500 U.S. adults (age 16 and older) residing in private households. NAAL is the first national assessment of adult literacy since the 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS). The NAAL and NALS produced direct estimates of Prose, Document, and Quantitative literacy, each reported on a 0 to 500 scale and on four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Intermediate, and Proficient based on this scale. This report, describes the statistical methodology used to produce the model-dependent—indirect—estimates of the percentages of adults at the lowest literacy level for individual states and counties for 1992 and 2003. The county and state indirect estimates themselves are provided at the NAAL website http://nces.ed.gov/NAAL (the state indirect estimates are also provided in appendices to this report). The measure chosen for the indirect estimation is the percentage of adults lacking Basic prose literacy skills (BPLS). The literacy of adults who lack BPLS ranges from being unable to read and understand any written information in English to being able to locate easily identifiable information in short, commonplace prose text, but nothing more advanced. It should be noted that adults who were not able to take the assessment because they were not able to communicate in English or Spanish (i.e. language barrier cases) are included in the indirect estimates and classified as lacking BPLS because they can be considered to be at the lowest level of English literacy."
"The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) assessed the English literacy skills of a nationally representative sample of 18,500 U.S. adults (age 16 and older) residing in private households. NAAL is the first national assessment of adult literacy since the 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS). The NAAL and NALS produced direct estimates of Prose, Document, and Quantitative literacy, each reported on a 0 to 500 scale and on four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Intermediate, and Proficient based on this scale. This report, describes the statistical methodology used to produce the model-dependent—indirect—estimates of the percentages of adults at the lowest literacy level for individual states and counties for 1992 and 2003. The county and state indirect estimates themselves are provided at the NAAL website http://nces.ed.gov/NAAL (the state indirect estimates are also provided in appendices to this report). The measure chosen for the indirect estimation is the percentage of adults lacking Basic prose literacy skills (BPLS). The literacy of adults who lack BPLS ranges from being unable to read and understand any written information in English to being able to locate easily identifiable information in short, commonplace prose text, but nothing more advanced. It should be noted that adults who were not able to take the assessment because they were not able to communicate in English or Spanish (i.e. language barrier cases) are included in the indirect estimates and classified as lacking BPLS because they can be considered to be at the lowest level of English literacy."
2008 Green Book
"Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), today announced the release of the 2008 edition of “Background Material and Data on the Programs within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means,” informally known as the Green Book.
The Green Book provides updated data and information on programs within the Committee’s jurisdiction, such as Medicare, Social Security, Unemployment Compensation, Foster Care and welfare. Additionally, it includes a discussion of related issues, such as the well-being of the elderly and of children and families. Since its first publication in 1981, the Green Book has become a valued reference guide for legislators, administrators, researchers and interested citizens.
Upon completion, individual chapters of this volume will be accessible on the Committee’s website (http://waysandmeans.house.gov ). The first of these completed sections, Child Support Enforcement Program, was posted today. Once all sections have been completed, a printed edition of the entire book will be made available for purchase from the Government Printing Office."
"Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), today announced the release of the 2008 edition of “Background Material and Data on the Programs within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means,” informally known as the Green Book.
The Green Book provides updated data and information on programs within the Committee’s jurisdiction, such as Medicare, Social Security, Unemployment Compensation, Foster Care and welfare. Additionally, it includes a discussion of related issues, such as the well-being of the elderly and of children and families. Since its first publication in 1981, the Green Book has become a valued reference guide for legislators, administrators, researchers and interested citizens.
Upon completion, individual chapters of this volume will be accessible on the Committee’s website (http://waysandmeans.house.gov ). The first of these completed sections, Child Support Enforcement Program, was posted today. Once all sections have been completed, a printed edition of the entire book will be made available for purchase from the Government Printing Office."
EPA Issues Interim Drinking Water Health Advisory for Perchlorate
"On October 10, 2008, the Agency issued a preliminary determination for perchlorate in the Federal Register for public review and comment (USEPA, 2008a). The notice described the Agency’s preliminary decision that there is not a "meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction" through a national drinking water regulation. Based on the comments that it received, EPA believes that it would benefit once again from NRC input regarding perchlorate, this time in the context of the application of the physiologicallybased pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and assumptions regarding sensitive populations in development of the interim HA level. Thus in 2009, EPA will engage the NRC to provide additional advice.
The Agency is issuing this interim health advisory to assist state and local officials in advance of a final regulatory determination. EPA expects to issue a final health advisory concurrent with the final regulatory determination for perchlorate."
"On October 10, 2008, the Agency issued a preliminary determination for perchlorate in the Federal Register for public review and comment (USEPA, 2008a). The notice described the Agency’s preliminary decision that there is not a "meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction" through a national drinking water regulation. Based on the comments that it received, EPA believes that it would benefit once again from NRC input regarding perchlorate, this time in the context of the application of the physiologicallybased pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and assumptions regarding sensitive populations in development of the interim HA level. Thus in 2009, EPA will engage the NRC to provide additional advice.
The Agency is issuing this interim health advisory to assist state and local officials in advance of a final regulatory determination. EPA expects to issue a final health advisory concurrent with the final regulatory determination for perchlorate."
Job Loss and Infrastructure Job Creation During the Recession
"After the long economic expansion that characterized much of the current decade, the nation entered its eleventh postwar recession in December 2007. The unemployment rate rose from 5.0% in that month to 6.7% in November 2008, the latest data released to date by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A majority of those unemployed in November—some 6 out of 10 million people—had been laid off by their employers. In November 2008 alone, employment at nonfarm businesses fell by 533,000, marking the biggest one-month drop recorded by the BLS Current Employment Statistics program since December 1974..."
"After the long economic expansion that characterized much of the current decade, the nation entered its eleventh postwar recession in December 2007. The unemployment rate rose from 5.0% in that month to 6.7% in November 2008, the latest data released to date by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A majority of those unemployed in November—some 6 out of 10 million people—had been laid off by their employers. In November 2008 alone, employment at nonfarm businesses fell by 533,000, marking the biggest one-month drop recorded by the BLS Current Employment Statistics program since December 1974..."
The Budget and Economic Outlook, Fiscal Years 2009- 2019
"This volume is one of a series of reports on the state of the budget and the economy that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issues each year. It satisfies the requirement of section 202(e) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 for CBO to submit to the Committees on the Budget periodic reports about fiscal policy and to provide baseline projections of the federal budget. Because economic and budgetary circumstances have changed significantly in recent months, this report is being released several weeks earlier than usual to aid the new Congress in its deliberations. In accordance with CBO’s mandate to provide impartial analysis,
the report makes no recommendations."
"This volume is one of a series of reports on the state of the budget and the economy that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issues each year. It satisfies the requirement of section 202(e) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 for CBO to submit to the Committees on the Budget periodic reports about fiscal policy and to provide baseline projections of the federal budget. Because economic and budgetary circumstances have changed significantly in recent months, this report is being released several weeks earlier than usual to aid the new Congress in its deliberations. In accordance with CBO’s mandate to provide impartial analysis,
the report makes no recommendations."
Monday, January 5, 2009
FEDERAL-STATE UNIVERSAL SERVICE JOINT BOARD STAFF RELEASES MONITORING REPORT
"The staff of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service has
released its most recent Monitoring Report on Universal Service. This report reflects
information on the telephone industry filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through June 2008. This report, with a few exceptions, reflects data filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by the telephone industry for the year 2007 and prior years.
The report released today addresses the various universal service support
mechanisms, which amounted to about $7 billion in 2007. In 2007, disbursements
among the four categories of universal service mechanisms were: 61.6% for high-cost support; 26.0% for schools and libraries support; 11.8% for low-income support; and 0.5% for rural health care support."
"The staff of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service has
released its most recent Monitoring Report on Universal Service. This report reflects
information on the telephone industry filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through June 2008. This report, with a few exceptions, reflects data filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by the telephone industry for the year 2007 and prior years.
The report released today addresses the various universal service support
mechanisms, which amounted to about $7 billion in 2007. In 2007, disbursements
among the four categories of universal service mechanisms were: 61.6% for high-cost support; 26.0% for schools and libraries support; 11.8% for low-income support; and 0.5% for rural health care support."
Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0 Through 18 Years --- United States, 2009
"The recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0 through 18 years and the catch-up immunization schedule for 2009 have been approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians."
"The recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0 through 18 years and the catch-up immunization schedule for 2009 have been approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians."
Income, Earnings, andPoverty Data from the 2007 American Community Survey
"This report presents data on income, earnings, and poverty by detailed socioeconomic characteristics for the United States, states, and lower levels of geography based on information collected in the 2006 and 2007 American Community
Surveys (ACS). A description of the ACS is provided in the text box “What Is the American Community Survey?”."
Aavailable also as a print publication in MPL's federal depository colection at:
C3.2:P94 Income, Earnings, and Poverty Data from the 2007 American Community Survey.
"This report presents data on income, earnings, and poverty by detailed socioeconomic characteristics for the United States, states, and lower levels of geography based on information collected in the 2006 and 2007 American Community
Surveys (ACS). A description of the ACS is provided in the text box “What Is the American Community Survey?”."
Aavailable also as a print publication in MPL's federal depository colection at:
C3.2:P94 Income, Earnings, and Poverty Data from the 2007 American Community Survey.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Global Climate Change: Three Policy Perspectives
"The 1992 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change requires that
signatories, including the United States, establish policies for constraining future
emission levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2). The George
H. W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush Administrations each drafted action plans
in response to requirements of the convention. These plans have raised significant
controversy and debate...
This paper examines three starting points from which a U.S. response to the
convention is being framed. These starting points, or policy “lenses,” lead to
divergent perceptions of the issue with respect to uncertainty, urgency, costs, and
government roles. They also imply differing but overlapping processes and actions
for possible implementation, thus shaping recommendations of policy advocates
concerning the federal government’s role in reducing greenhouse gases..."
"The 1992 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change requires that
signatories, including the United States, establish policies for constraining future
emission levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2). The George
H. W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush Administrations each drafted action plans
in response to requirements of the convention. These plans have raised significant
controversy and debate...
This paper examines three starting points from which a U.S. response to the
convention is being framed. These starting points, or policy “lenses,” lead to
divergent perceptions of the issue with respect to uncertainty, urgency, costs, and
government roles. They also imply differing but overlapping processes and actions
for possible implementation, thus shaping recommendations of policy advocates
concerning the federal government’s role in reducing greenhouse gases..."
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Perspectives on the Top 20 Emitters and Developed Versus
Developing Nations
"Using the World Resources Institute (WRI) database on greenhouse gas
emissions and related data, this report examines two issues. The first issue is the
separate treatment of developed and developing nations under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.
This distinction has been a pivotal issue affecting U.S. climate change policy. The
second issue is the continuing difficulty of the current approach designed to address
climate change through limiting greenhouse gas emissions to a specified percentage
of baseline emissions (typically 1990). The data permit examination of alternative
approaches, such as focusing on per capita emissions or the greenhouse gas emission
intensity (measured as emissions per unit of economic activity)..."
Developing Nations
"Using the World Resources Institute (WRI) database on greenhouse gas
emissions and related data, this report examines two issues. The first issue is the
separate treatment of developed and developing nations under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.
This distinction has been a pivotal issue affecting U.S. climate change policy. The
second issue is the continuing difficulty of the current approach designed to address
climate change through limiting greenhouse gas emissions to a specified percentage
of baseline emissions (typically 1990). The data permit examination of alternative
approaches, such as focusing on per capita emissions or the greenhouse gas emission
intensity (measured as emissions per unit of economic activity)..."
Friday, January 2, 2009
Million-Dollar Farms in the New Century
"Million-dollar farms—those with annual sales of at least $1 million—accounted for about half of U.S. farm sales in 2002, up from a fourth in 1982 (with sales measured in constant 2002 dollars). By 2006, million-dollar farms, accounting for 2 percent of all U.S. farms, dominated U.S. production of high-value crops, milk, hogs, poultry, and beef. The shift to million-dollar farms is likely to continue because they tend to be more profitable than smaller farms, giving them a competitive advantage. Most million-dollar farms (84 percent) are family farms, that is, the farm operator and relatives of the operator own the business. The million-dollar farms organized as nonfamily corporations tend to have no more than 10 stockholders."
"Million-dollar farms—those with annual sales of at least $1 million—accounted for about half of U.S. farm sales in 2002, up from a fourth in 1982 (with sales measured in constant 2002 dollars). By 2006, million-dollar farms, accounting for 2 percent of all U.S. farms, dominated U.S. production of high-value crops, milk, hogs, poultry, and beef. The shift to million-dollar farms is likely to continue because they tend to be more profitable than smaller farms, giving them a competitive advantage. Most million-dollar farms (84 percent) are family farms, that is, the farm operator and relatives of the operator own the business. The million-dollar farms organized as nonfamily corporations tend to have no more than 10 stockholders."
National, state economic crises deepen(Wisconsin)
"Following the confirmation of a national recession that began in December 2007, key state indicators show the Wisconsin economy has also entered a recession, according to the quarterly Wisconsin Economic Outlook released today by the Department of Revenue. The freezing of the credit market and drop in foreign demand are the major factors driving the economic crisis, which has worsened significantly since the August outlook.
State employment will continue to decline due to sizable job losses in the Manufacturing and Trade, Transportation and Utilities sectors. Total state employment is expected to decrease by 0.6% in 2008 and 2.2% in 2009, and begin recovery toward 2010. Wisconsin personal income growth, which had grown steadily over the last three years, is expected to stall in 2009."
"Following the confirmation of a national recession that began in December 2007, key state indicators show the Wisconsin economy has also entered a recession, according to the quarterly Wisconsin Economic Outlook released today by the Department of Revenue. The freezing of the credit market and drop in foreign demand are the major factors driving the economic crisis, which has worsened significantly since the August outlook.
State employment will continue to decline due to sizable job losses in the Manufacturing and Trade, Transportation and Utilities sectors. Total state employment is expected to decrease by 0.6% in 2008 and 2.2% in 2009, and begin recovery toward 2010. Wisconsin personal income growth, which had grown steadily over the last three years, is expected to stall in 2009."
Federal Reserve Mortgage-Backed Securities Purchase
"The Federal Reserve on Tuesday announced that it expects to begin operations in early January under the previously announced program to purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and that it has selected private investment managers to act as its agents in implementing the program.
Under the MBS purchase program, the Federal Reserve will purchase MBS backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae; the program is being established to support the mortgage and housing markets and to foster improved conditions in financial markets more generally.
Further information regarding the structure and operation of the MBS purchase program is provided in the attached set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)."
"The Federal Reserve on Tuesday announced that it expects to begin operations in early January under the previously announced program to purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and that it has selected private investment managers to act as its agents in implementing the program.
Under the MBS purchase program, the Federal Reserve will purchase MBS backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae; the program is being established to support the mortgage and housing markets and to foster improved conditions in financial markets more generally.
Further information regarding the structure and operation of the MBS purchase program is provided in the attached set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)."
Disaster Assistance.gov
"DisasterAssistance.gov is an easy to use website that consolidates disaster information in one place. Currently, 17 U.S. Government agencies, which sponsor more than 40 forms of disaster assistance, contribute to the website. You can apply for many forms of assistance with a single, online application. Your application information is shared only with those agencies that you identify and is protected by the highest levels of security. Ultimately, DisasterAssistance.gov will speed the application process and allow you to check the progress of your application online.
To see a list of agencies and learn more about the forms of assistance they offer, please visit our Federal Agency Benefits page.
"DisasterAssistance.gov is an easy to use website that consolidates disaster information in one place. Currently, 17 U.S. Government agencies, which sponsor more than 40 forms of disaster assistance, contribute to the website. You can apply for many forms of assistance with a single, online application. Your application information is shared only with those agencies that you identify and is protected by the highest levels of security. Ultimately, DisasterAssistance.gov will speed the application process and allow you to check the progress of your application online.
To see a list of agencies and learn more about the forms of assistance they offer, please visit our Federal Agency Benefits page.
Privacy Policy Guidance Memorandum(DHS)
"...The FIPPs form the basis of the Department’s privacy compliance policies and procedures governing the use of personally identifiable information (PII). These principles are:
Transparency, Individual Participation, Purpose Specification, Data Minimization, Use Limitation, Data Quality and Integrity, Security, and Accountability and Auditing. DHS uses the FIPPs to assess and enhance privacy protections by analyzing the nature and purpose of the collection of PII to fulfill DHS’s mission and how the Department can best provide privacy protections in light of these principles."
"...The FIPPs form the basis of the Department’s privacy compliance policies and procedures governing the use of personally identifiable information (PII). These principles are:
Transparency, Individual Participation, Purpose Specification, Data Minimization, Use Limitation, Data Quality and Integrity, Security, and Accountability and Auditing. DHS uses the FIPPs to assess and enhance privacy protections by analyzing the nature and purpose of the collection of PII to fulfill DHS’s mission and how the Department can best provide privacy protections in light of these principles."
Reduced Hospitalizations for Acute Myocardial Infarction After Implementation of a Smoke-Free Ordinance — City of Pueblo, Colorado, 2002–2006
"Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) has immediate adverse cardiovascular effects, and prolonged exposure can cause coronary heart disease(1). Nine studies have reported that laws making indoor workplaces and public places smoke-free were associated with rapid, sizeable reductions in hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (2–7). However, most studies examined hospitalizations for 1 year or less after laws were implemented; thus, whether the observed effect was sustained over time was unknown. The Pueblo Heart Study examined the impact of a municipal smoke-free ordinance in the city of Pueblo, Colorado, that took effect on July 1, 2003 (3). The rate of AMI hospitalizations for city residents decreased 27%, from 257 per 100,000 person-years during the 18 months before the ordinance’s implementation to 187 during the 18 months after it(the Phase I post-implementation period).* This report extends that analysis for an additional 18 months through June 30, 2006 (the Phase II post-implementation period). The rate of AMI hospitalizations among city residents continued to decrease to 152 per 100,000 person-years, a decline of 19% and 41% from the Phase I post-implementation and pre-implementation period, respectively. No significant changes were observed in two comparison areas. These findings suggest that smoke-free policies can result in reductions in AMI hospitalizations that are sustained over a 3-year period and that these policies are important in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with heart disease..."
"Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) has immediate adverse cardiovascular effects, and prolonged exposure can cause coronary heart disease(1). Nine studies have reported that laws making indoor workplaces and public places smoke-free were associated with rapid, sizeable reductions in hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (2–7). However, most studies examined hospitalizations for 1 year or less after laws were implemented; thus, whether the observed effect was sustained over time was unknown. The Pueblo Heart Study examined the impact of a municipal smoke-free ordinance in the city of Pueblo, Colorado, that took effect on July 1, 2003 (3). The rate of AMI hospitalizations for city residents decreased 27%, from 257 per 100,000 person-years during the 18 months before the ordinance’s implementation to 187 during the 18 months after it(the Phase I post-implementation period).* This report extends that analysis for an additional 18 months through June 30, 2006 (the Phase II post-implementation period). The rate of AMI hospitalizations among city residents continued to decrease to 152 per 100,000 person-years, a decline of 19% and 41% from the Phase I post-implementation and pre-implementation period, respectively. No significant changes were observed in two comparison areas. These findings suggest that smoke-free policies can result in reductions in AMI hospitalizations that are sustained over a 3-year period and that these policies are important in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with heart disease..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
