Adoption USA: A Chartbook of the 2007 National Survey of Adoptive Parents
"This Chartbook presents findings from the 2007 National Survey of Adoptive Parents (NSAP). The NSAP is the first-ever survey to provide representative information about the characteristics, adoption experiences, and wellbeing of adopted children and their families in the United States. All information was reported by the children’s adoptive parents. The findings represent children under age 18 who were adopted and living with neither biological parent. This includes children adopted from foster care, from other domestic sources, and from other countries. Furthermore, the Chartbook includes comparable information on children in the general population for many indicators of well-being, based on data from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH)..."
Saturday, November 28, 2009
HIV Infection Among Injection-Drug Users --- 34 States, 2004--2007
"Injection-drug users (IDUs) acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by sharing drug equipment with HIV-infected persons and by engaging in risky sexual behavior. In 2007, injection-drug use was the third most frequently reported risk factor for HIV infection in the United States, after male-to-male sexual contact and high-risk heterosexual contact (1). To characterize HIV-infected IDUs aged ≥13 years in the United States, CDC analyzed data from the national notifiable disease reporting system for 2004--2007 from the 34 states that had conducted confidential, name-based HIV surveillance since at least 2003. The results of that analysis indicated that, during 2004--2007, 62.2% of IDUs with a new diagnosis of HIV infection were males, 57.5% were blacks or African Americans, and 74.8% lived in urban areas at the time of their HIV diagnosis. In addition, during 2004--2006, approximately 40% of HIV-infected IDUs received late HIV diagnoses (i.e., diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] <12 months after the date of HIV diagnosis). To reduce the prevalence of HIV infection and late HIV diagnosis among IDUs, HIV prevention programs serving IDUs should have comprehensive approaches that incorporate access to HIV testing as part of community-based outreach, drug abuse treatment, and syringe exchange programs..."
"Injection-drug users (IDUs) acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by sharing drug equipment with HIV-infected persons and by engaging in risky sexual behavior. In 2007, injection-drug use was the third most frequently reported risk factor for HIV infection in the United States, after male-to-male sexual contact and high-risk heterosexual contact (1). To characterize HIV-infected IDUs aged ≥13 years in the United States, CDC analyzed data from the national notifiable disease reporting system for 2004--2007 from the 34 states that had conducted confidential, name-based HIV surveillance since at least 2003. The results of that analysis indicated that, during 2004--2007, 62.2% of IDUs with a new diagnosis of HIV infection were males, 57.5% were blacks or African Americans, and 74.8% lived in urban areas at the time of their HIV diagnosis. In addition, during 2004--2006, approximately 40% of HIV-infected IDUs received late HIV diagnoses (i.e., diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] <12 months after the date of HIV diagnosis). To reduce the prevalence of HIV infection and late HIV diagnosis among IDUs, HIV prevention programs serving IDUs should have comprehensive approaches that incorporate access to HIV testing as part of community-based outreach, drug abuse treatment, and syringe exchange programs..."
EPA Releases Guide to Help Scientists Understand Children’s Exposure to Pollutants
" The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released a user-friendly document to help risk assessors understand how children are exposed to pollution. The document, titled “Highlights of the Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook,” serves as a quick-reference guide to the more comprehensive “Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook,” published by EPA in 2008. It will serve as an additional resource for those who work on children’s health issues, which the agency has been highlighting during Children’s Health Month.
EPA developed the reference guide to provide important information necessary for answering questions about exposure through drinking water, breathing, and eating foods, such as:
How much exposure to environmental pollutants might children get if they live or play near contaminated sites?
How much dirt from a child’s hands might s/he inadvertently eat?
How much of a child’s exposure to various pollutants might come from skin contact?
Which age groups (childhood life stages) may inhale or ingest the most and thus may be at higher risks?.."
" The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released a user-friendly document to help risk assessors understand how children are exposed to pollution. The document, titled “Highlights of the Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook,” serves as a quick-reference guide to the more comprehensive “Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook,” published by EPA in 2008. It will serve as an additional resource for those who work on children’s health issues, which the agency has been highlighting during Children’s Health Month.
EPA developed the reference guide to provide important information necessary for answering questions about exposure through drinking water, breathing, and eating foods, such as:
How much exposure to environmental pollutants might children get if they live or play near contaminated sites?
How much dirt from a child’s hands might s/he inadvertently eat?
How much of a child’s exposure to various pollutants might come from skin contact?
Which age groups (childhood life stages) may inhale or ingest the most and thus may be at higher risks?.."
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Comparative Evaluation of Rail and Truck Fuel Efficiency on Competitive Corridors
"This study provides a comparative evaluation of rail and truck fuel economy on corridors and services in which both modes compete..."
"This study provides a comparative evaluation of rail and truck fuel economy on corridors and services in which both modes compete..."
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
National Lake Fish Tissue Study
"Environmental monitoring provides crucial data for describing the condition of the environment and for assessing the effectiveness of pollution control activities. In the 1990s, EPA identified a lack of information necessary to accurately characterize the condition of the Nation’s surface waters and responded by designing a series of statistically-based surveys to produce information on the condition of lakes, streams, rivers, and coastal waters in the United States. The National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue (or National Lake Fish Tissue Study) is one of the statistically-based surveys conducted by EPA since the late 1990s.
This study is a national screening-level survey of chemical residues in fish tissue from lakes and reservoirs in the conterminous United States (lower 48 states), excluding the Laurentian Great Lakes and Great Salt Lake. It is unique among national assessments of fish contamination in lakes because the sampling sites were selected according to a statistical (random) design..."
"Environmental monitoring provides crucial data for describing the condition of the environment and for assessing the effectiveness of pollution control activities. In the 1990s, EPA identified a lack of information necessary to accurately characterize the condition of the Nation’s surface waters and responded by designing a series of statistically-based surveys to produce information on the condition of lakes, streams, rivers, and coastal waters in the United States. The National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue (or National Lake Fish Tissue Study) is one of the statistically-based surveys conducted by EPA since the late 1990s.
This study is a national screening-level survey of chemical residues in fish tissue from lakes and reservoirs in the conterminous United States (lower 48 states), excluding the Laurentian Great Lakes and Great Salt Lake. It is unique among national assessments of fish contamination in lakes because the sampling sites were selected according to a statistical (random) design..."
Estimated County-Level Prevalence of Diabetes and Obesity --- United States, 2007
"Comprehensive disease surveillance systems are important for developing preventive health policies and tracking their impact in populations at high risk. Although existing chronic disease surveillance systems function well at the national or state level, few provide data at the local level, where many policies and interventions ultimately are implemented. To overcome this limitation, Bayesian multilevel models have been applied to reliably estimate disease prevalence at the local level (1). CDC adapted this methodology to estimate diabetes and obesity prevalence in all 3,141 U.S. counties in 2007 (2--4). This report provides an overview of the methodology used and a descriptive analysis of the resulting estimates. The results indicated distinct geographic patterns in diabetes and obesity prevalence in the United States, including high prevalence rates for diabetes (≥10.6%) and obesity (≥30.9%) in West Virginia, the Appalachian counties of Tennessee and Kentucky, much of the Mississippi Delta, and a southern belt extending across Louisiana, Mississippi, middle Alabama, south Georgia, and the coastal regions of the Carolinas. Isolated counties, including tribal lands in the western United States, also had high prevalence of diabetes and obesity. This report demonstrates how model-based estimates can identify areas with populations at high risk, providing local public health officials with important data to assist them in developing targeted programs to reduce diabetes and obesity..."
"Comprehensive disease surveillance systems are important for developing preventive health policies and tracking their impact in populations at high risk. Although existing chronic disease surveillance systems function well at the national or state level, few provide data at the local level, where many policies and interventions ultimately are implemented. To overcome this limitation, Bayesian multilevel models have been applied to reliably estimate disease prevalence at the local level (1). CDC adapted this methodology to estimate diabetes and obesity prevalence in all 3,141 U.S. counties in 2007 (2--4). This report provides an overview of the methodology used and a descriptive analysis of the resulting estimates. The results indicated distinct geographic patterns in diabetes and obesity prevalence in the United States, including high prevalence rates for diabetes (≥10.6%) and obesity (≥30.9%) in West Virginia, the Appalachian counties of Tennessee and Kentucky, much of the Mississippi Delta, and a southern belt extending across Louisiana, Mississippi, middle Alabama, south Georgia, and the coastal regions of the Carolinas. Isolated counties, including tribal lands in the western United States, also had high prevalence of diabetes and obesity. This report demonstrates how model-based estimates can identify areas with populations at high risk, providing local public health officials with important data to assist them in developing targeted programs to reduce diabetes and obesity..."
2009 H1N1-Related Deaths, Hospitalizations and Cases: Details of Extrapolations and Ranges: United States, Emerging Infections Program (EIP) Data
"In order to provide a fuller and more accurate picture of the burden of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on the United States, CDC has developed a methodology to estimate ranges of 2009 H1N1 cases and related hospitalizations and deaths. This method uses raw data on 2009 H1N1 hospitalizations collected through CDC’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP), which conducts surveillance for laboratory-confirmed influenza-related hospitalizations in children and adults in 62 counties covering 13 metropolitan areas of 10 states. The estimated ranges generated by this methodology provide a sense of scale in terms of the burden of disease caused by 2009 H1N1. It may never be possible to validate the accuracy of these figures. The true number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths may lie within the ranges provided or it’s also possible that they may lie outside the ranges.
This methodology is not predictive and cannot be used to forecast the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths that will occur going forward over the course of the pandemic because they are based on actual surveillance data. More information about this methodology is contained in this document."
"In order to provide a fuller and more accurate picture of the burden of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on the United States, CDC has developed a methodology to estimate ranges of 2009 H1N1 cases and related hospitalizations and deaths. This method uses raw data on 2009 H1N1 hospitalizations collected through CDC’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP), which conducts surveillance for laboratory-confirmed influenza-related hospitalizations in children and adults in 62 counties covering 13 metropolitan areas of 10 states. The estimated ranges generated by this methodology provide a sense of scale in terms of the burden of disease caused by 2009 H1N1. It may never be possible to validate the accuracy of these figures. The true number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths may lie within the ranges provided or it’s also possible that they may lie outside the ranges.
This methodology is not predictive and cannot be used to forecast the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths that will occur going forward over the course of the pandemic because they are based on actual surveillance data. More information about this methodology is contained in this document."
New Report Recommends Enhanced Food Tracing Guidelines
"The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) today released a report from the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), which recommends clear objectives be set for all users of a simpler, globally accepted food supply chain that can benefit from existing commercial systems.
CFSAN commissioned the IFT report in 2008 as part of the agency's ongoing examination of food product tracing practices, and its commitment to improve the ability of government and industry to trace commercially distributed food products potentially of risk to U.S. consumers. The IFT is a nonprofit scientific society focusing on the science of food.
Food can become contaminated at many different steps in the supply chain. Experience in conducting foodborne disease outbreak investigations suggests that improved product tracing abilities could help identify products associated with disease more quickly, get risky products off the market faster, and reduce the number of illnesses associated with foodborne illness outbreaks.
The IFT report is part of the public record that FDA will consider in determining ways to improve the ability of government and industry to trace food products throughout all stages of the supply chain..."
"The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) today released a report from the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), which recommends clear objectives be set for all users of a simpler, globally accepted food supply chain that can benefit from existing commercial systems.
CFSAN commissioned the IFT report in 2008 as part of the agency's ongoing examination of food product tracing practices, and its commitment to improve the ability of government and industry to trace commercially distributed food products potentially of risk to U.S. consumers. The IFT is a nonprofit scientific society focusing on the science of food.
Food can become contaminated at many different steps in the supply chain. Experience in conducting foodborne disease outbreak investigations suggests that improved product tracing abilities could help identify products associated with disease more quickly, get risky products off the market faster, and reduce the number of illnesses associated with foodborne illness outbreaks.
The IFT report is part of the public record that FDA will consider in determining ways to improve the ability of government and industry to trace food products throughout all stages of the supply chain..."
FDA To Look Into Safety of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages Agency Sends Letters to Nearly 30 Manufacturers
"The Food and Drug Administration today notified nearly 30 manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages that it intends to look into the safety and legality of their products.
“The increasing popularity of consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages by college students and reports of potential health and safety issues necessitates that we look seriously at the scientific evidence as soon as possible,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of food and drugs.
Of the combined use of caffeine and alcohol among U.S. college students in the few studies on this topic, the prevalence was as high as 26 percent.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, a substance added intentionally to food (such as caffeine in alcoholic beverages) is deemed “unsafe” and is unlawful unless its particular use has been approved by FDA regulation, the substance is subject to a prior sanction, or the substance is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). FDA has not approved the use of caffeine in alcoholic beverages and thus such beverages can be lawfully marketed only if their use is subject to a prior sanction or is GRAS. For a substance to be GRAS, there must be evidence of its safety at the levels used and a basis to conclude that this evidence is generally known and accepted by qualified experts..."
"The Food and Drug Administration today notified nearly 30 manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages that it intends to look into the safety and legality of their products.
“The increasing popularity of consumption of caffeinated alcoholic beverages by college students and reports of potential health and safety issues necessitates that we look seriously at the scientific evidence as soon as possible,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of food and drugs.
Of the combined use of caffeine and alcohol among U.S. college students in the few studies on this topic, the prevalence was as high as 26 percent.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, a substance added intentionally to food (such as caffeine in alcoholic beverages) is deemed “unsafe” and is unlawful unless its particular use has been approved by FDA regulation, the substance is subject to a prior sanction, or the substance is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). FDA has not approved the use of caffeine in alcoholic beverages and thus such beverages can be lawfully marketed only if their use is subject to a prior sanction or is GRAS. For a substance to be GRAS, there must be evidence of its safety at the levels used and a basis to conclude that this evidence is generally known and accepted by qualified experts..."
Fuel Economy Increases as CO2 Decreases
"For the fifth consecutive year, EPA is reporting an increase in fuel efficiency with a corresponding decrease in average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for new cars and light duty trucks. This marks the first time that data for CO2 emissions are included in the annual report, “Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2009”.
“American drivers are increasingly looking for cars that burn cleaner, burn less gas and won’t burn a hole in their wallets,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We’re working to help accelerate this trend with strong investments in clean energy technology – particularly for the cars and trucks that account for almost 60 percent of greenhouse gases from transportation sources. Cleaner, more efficient vehicles can help reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, cut harmful pollution, and save people money -- and it’s clear that’s what the American car buyer wants.”
For 2008, the last year for which EPA has final data from automakers, the average fuel economy value was 21.0 miles per gallon (mpg). EPA projects a small improvement in 2009, based on pre-model year sales estimates provided to EPA by automakers, to 21.1 mpg..."
"For the fifth consecutive year, EPA is reporting an increase in fuel efficiency with a corresponding decrease in average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for new cars and light duty trucks. This marks the first time that data for CO2 emissions are included in the annual report, “Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2009”.
“American drivers are increasingly looking for cars that burn cleaner, burn less gas and won’t burn a hole in their wallets,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We’re working to help accelerate this trend with strong investments in clean energy technology – particularly for the cars and trucks that account for almost 60 percent of greenhouse gases from transportation sources. Cleaner, more efficient vehicles can help reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, cut harmful pollution, and save people money -- and it’s clear that’s what the American car buyer wants.”
For 2008, the last year for which EPA has final data from automakers, the average fuel economy value was 21.0 miles per gallon (mpg). EPA projects a small improvement in 2009, based on pre-model year sales estimates provided to EPA by automakers, to 21.1 mpg..."
CPSC/EPA/HUD/CDC/ATSDR Press Statement on Initial Chinese Drywall Studies
"Since the early spring, the federal government has dedicated significant resources to helping families affected by the drywall issue in their homes. The government has been and continues to be committed to providing answers and solutions to these homeowners. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and numerous state departments of health have been working together to investigate and analyze how Chinese made drywall entered into the country, where it was used, what is in it, and what impact it may have on human health and corrosion of electrical and fire safety components.
This is a complicated problem, and we have several studies and other activities underway
to help bring the best possible science to bear. The first sets of data released today start to
explain differences between Chinese and non-Chinese drywall, but more remains to be
learned. We are sharing what we know at this point and are outlining the next steps as
we continue to work to answer homeowners’ questions about what is causing the effects
reported and observed..."
"Since the early spring, the federal government has dedicated significant resources to helping families affected by the drywall issue in their homes. The government has been and continues to be committed to providing answers and solutions to these homeowners. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and numerous state departments of health have been working together to investigate and analyze how Chinese made drywall entered into the country, where it was used, what is in it, and what impact it may have on human health and corrosion of electrical and fire safety components.
This is a complicated problem, and we have several studies and other activities underway
to help bring the best possible science to bear. The first sets of data released today start to
explain differences between Chinese and non-Chinese drywall, but more remains to be
learned. We are sharing what we know at this point and are outlining the next steps as
we continue to work to answer homeowners’ questions about what is causing the effects
reported and observed..."
EPA Issues Rule to Reduce Water Pollution from Construction Sites
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today issued a final rule to help reduce water pollution from construction sites. The agency believes this rule, which takes effect in February 2010 and will be phased in over four years, will significantly improve the quality of water nationwide.
Construction activities like clearing, excavating and grading significantly disturb soil and sediment. If that soil is not managed properly it can easily be washed off of the construction site during storms and pollute nearby water bodies.
The final rule requires construction site owners and operators that disturb one or more acres to use best management practices to ensure that soil disturbed during construction activity does not pollute nearby water bodies.
In addition, owners and operators of sites that impact 10 or more acres of land at one time will be required to monitor discharges and ensure they comply with specific limits on discharges to minimize the impact on nearby water bodies. This is the first time that EPA has imposed national monitoring requirements and enforceable numeric limitations on construction site stormwater discharges..."
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today issued a final rule to help reduce water pollution from construction sites. The agency believes this rule, which takes effect in February 2010 and will be phased in over four years, will significantly improve the quality of water nationwide.
Construction activities like clearing, excavating and grading significantly disturb soil and sediment. If that soil is not managed properly it can easily be washed off of the construction site during storms and pollute nearby water bodies.
The final rule requires construction site owners and operators that disturb one or more acres to use best management practices to ensure that soil disturbed during construction activity does not pollute nearby water bodies.
In addition, owners and operators of sites that impact 10 or more acres of land at one time will be required to monitor discharges and ensure they comply with specific limits on discharges to minimize the impact on nearby water bodies. This is the first time that EPA has imposed national monitoring requirements and enforceable numeric limitations on construction site stormwater discharges..."
The Costs of Reducing Greenhouse-Gas Emissions
"Human activities around the world are producing increasingly large quantities of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) resulting from the consumption of fossil fuels and deforestation. Most experts expect that the accumulation of such gases in the atmosphere will result in a variety of environmental changes over time, including a gradual warming of the global climate, extensive changes in regional weather patterns, and significant shifts in the chemistry of the oceans.1 Although the magnitude and consequences of such developments are highly uncertain, researchers generally conclude that a continued increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases would have serious and costly effects.
A comprehensive response to that problem would include a collection of strategies: research to better understand the scientific processes at work and to develop technologies to address them; measures to help the economy and society adapt to the projected warming and other expected changes; and efforts to reduce emissions, averting at least some of the potential damage to the environment and attendant economic losses. Those strategies would all present technological challenges and entail economic costs..."
"Human activities around the world are producing increasingly large quantities of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) resulting from the consumption of fossil fuels and deforestation. Most experts expect that the accumulation of such gases in the atmosphere will result in a variety of environmental changes over time, including a gradual warming of the global climate, extensive changes in regional weather patterns, and significant shifts in the chemistry of the oceans.1 Although the magnitude and consequences of such developments are highly uncertain, researchers generally conclude that a continued increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases would have serious and costly effects.
A comprehensive response to that problem would include a collection of strategies: research to better understand the scientific processes at work and to develop technologies to address them; measures to help the economy and society adapt to the projected warming and other expected changes; and efforts to reduce emissions, averting at least some of the potential damage to the environment and attendant economic losses. Those strategies would all present technological challenges and entail economic costs..."
Hate Crime Statistics 2008
"Statistics released today by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that 7,783 criminal incidents involving 9,168 offenses were reported in 2008 as a result of bias toward a particular race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or disability. Published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Hate Crime Statistics, 2008, includes data about hate crime incidents submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout the nation.
Hate Crime Statistics, 2008, includes the following information:
An analysis of the 7,780 single-bias incidents revealed that 51.3 percent were motivated by a racial bias, 19.5 percent were motivated by a religious bias, 16.7 percent were motivated by a sexual orientation bias, and 11.5 percent were motivated by an ethnicity/national origin bias. One percent involved a bias against a disability.
There were 5,542 hate crime offenses classified as crimes against persons in 2008. Intimidation accounted for 48.8 percent of crimes against persons, simple assaults for 32.1 percent, and aggravated assaults for 18.5 percent. Seven murders were reported as hate crimes.
There were 3,608 hate crime offenses classified as crimes against property; the majority (82.3 percent) were acts of destruction/damage/vandalism. The remaining 17.7 percent of crimes against property consisted of robbery, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, and other offenses.
Of the 6,927 known offenders, 61.1 percent were white and 20.2 percent were black. The race was unknown for 11.0 percent, and other races accounted for the remaining known offenders...
"Statistics released today by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that 7,783 criminal incidents involving 9,168 offenses were reported in 2008 as a result of bias toward a particular race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or disability. Published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Hate Crime Statistics, 2008, includes data about hate crime incidents submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout the nation.
Hate Crime Statistics, 2008, includes the following information:
An analysis of the 7,780 single-bias incidents revealed that 51.3 percent were motivated by a racial bias, 19.5 percent were motivated by a religious bias, 16.7 percent were motivated by a sexual orientation bias, and 11.5 percent were motivated by an ethnicity/national origin bias. One percent involved a bias against a disability.
There were 5,542 hate crime offenses classified as crimes against persons in 2008. Intimidation accounted for 48.8 percent of crimes against persons, simple assaults for 32.1 percent, and aggravated assaults for 18.5 percent. Seven murders were reported as hate crimes.
There were 3,608 hate crime offenses classified as crimes against property; the majority (82.3 percent) were acts of destruction/damage/vandalism. The remaining 17.7 percent of crimes against property consisted of robbery, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, and other offenses.
Of the 6,927 known offenders, 61.1 percent were white and 20.2 percent were black. The race was unknown for 11.0 percent, and other races accounted for the remaining known offenders...
Friday, November 20, 2009
Secretary Napolitano Unveils New Veterans Website Designed to Highlight Veteran Employment and Contracting Opportunities
"Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today unveiled a new website designed to provide a one-stop location for veterans and veterans organizations to learn about DHS' many veteran outreach initiatives and hiring and contracting opportunities.
"This new website reflects the shared commitment across the Department to hiring American veterans," said Secretary Napolitano. "Veterans play a vital role in the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect the nation, and this website will help us build our veteran workforce to more than 50,000 Department-wide by 2012."
Today's announcement comes one day after Secretary Napolitano joined President Obama as he signed an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government, which emphasizes recruiting and training veterans for employment at federal agencies, increasing the veteran workforce within the executive branch and assisting recently hired veterans in making the adjustment to service in a civilian capacity.
The new website, available at www.dhs.gov/veterans, features information for veterans about how to find employment opportunities at DHS, ways to get involved in community-based efforts like Citizen Corps, and special veteran programs such as Operation Warfighter and Wounded Warrior, which provide employment opportunities for severely wounded or recovering service members to assist their transition back to the military or civilian workforce."
"Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today unveiled a new website designed to provide a one-stop location for veterans and veterans organizations to learn about DHS' many veteran outreach initiatives and hiring and contracting opportunities.
"This new website reflects the shared commitment across the Department to hiring American veterans," said Secretary Napolitano. "Veterans play a vital role in the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect the nation, and this website will help us build our veteran workforce to more than 50,000 Department-wide by 2012."
Today's announcement comes one day after Secretary Napolitano joined President Obama as he signed an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government, which emphasizes recruiting and training veterans for employment at federal agencies, increasing the veteran workforce within the executive branch and assisting recently hired veterans in making the adjustment to service in a civilian capacity.
The new website, available at www.dhs.gov/veterans, features information for veterans about how to find employment opportunities at DHS, ways to get involved in community-based efforts like Citizen Corps, and special veteran programs such as Operation Warfighter and Wounded Warrior, which provide employment opportunities for severely wounded or recovering service members to assist their transition back to the military or civilian workforce."
Workplace Injuries and Illness-- 2008
"Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers in 2008 occurred at a rate of 3.9 percent per 100 equivalent full-time workers - a decline from 4.2 cases in 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Similarly, the number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses reported in 2008 declined to 3.7 million cases, compared to 4 million cases in 2007. The total recordable case (TRC) injury and illness incident rate among private industry employers has declined significantly each year since 2003, when estimates from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) were first published using the 2002 North American Industry Classification system (NAICS)"
"Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers in 2008 occurred at a rate of 3.9 percent per 100 equivalent full-time workers - a decline from 4.2 cases in 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Similarly, the number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses reported in 2008 declined to 3.7 million cases, compared to 4 million cases in 2007. The total recordable case (TRC) injury and illness incident rate among private industry employers has declined significantly each year since 2003, when estimates from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) were first published using the 2002 North American Industry Classification system (NAICS)"
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Behind International Rankings of Infant Mortality: How the United States Compares with Europe
"Infant mortality is an important indicator of the health of a nation, and the recent stagnation (since 2000) in the U.S. infant mortality rate has generated concern among researchers and policy makers. The percentage of preterm births in the United States has risen 36% since 1984 (1). In this report we compare infant mortality rates between the United States and Europe. We also compare two factors that determine the infant mortality rate—gestational age-specific infant mortality rates and the percentage of preterm births. U.S. data are from the Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set (2,3), and European data for 2004 are from the recently published European Perinatal Health Report (4). We also examine requirements for reporting a live birth among countries to assess the possible effect of reporting differences on infant mortality data."
"Infant mortality is an important indicator of the health of a nation, and the recent stagnation (since 2000) in the U.S. infant mortality rate has generated concern among researchers and policy makers. The percentage of preterm births in the United States has risen 36% since 1984 (1). In this report we compare infant mortality rates between the United States and Europe. We also compare two factors that determine the infant mortality rate—gestational age-specific infant mortality rates and the percentage of preterm births. U.S. data are from the Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set (2,3), and European data for 2004 are from the recently published European Perinatal Health Report (4). We also examine requirements for reporting a live birth among countries to assess the possible effect of reporting differences on infant mortality data."
Cigarette Smoking Among Adults and Trends in Smoking Cessation --- United States, 2008
"Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States (1). Full implementation of population-based strategies (2) and clinical interventions can educate adult smokers about the dangers of tobacco use and assist them in quitting (3,4). To assess progress toward the Healthy People 2010 objective of reducing the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults to <12% (objective 27-1a) (5), CDC analyzed data from the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that during 1998--2008, the proportion of U.S. adults who were current cigarette smokers declined 3.5% (from 24.1% to 20.6%). However, the proportion did not change significantly from 2007 (19.8%) to 2008 (20.6%). In 2008, adults aged ≥25 years with low educational attainment had the highest prevalence of smoking (41.3% among persons with a General Educational Development certificate [GED] and 27.5% among persons with less than a high school diploma, compared with 5.7% among those with a graduate degree). Adults with education levels at or below the equivalent of a high school diploma, who comprise approximately half of current smokers, had the lowest quit ratios (2008 range: 39.9% to 48.8%). Evidence-based programs known to be effective at reducing smoking should be intensified among groups with lower education, and health-care providers should take education level into account when communicating about smoking hazards and cessation to these patients..."
"Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States (1). Full implementation of population-based strategies (2) and clinical interventions can educate adult smokers about the dangers of tobacco use and assist them in quitting (3,4). To assess progress toward the Healthy People 2010 objective of reducing the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults to <12% (objective 27-1a) (5), CDC analyzed data from the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that during 1998--2008, the proportion of U.S. adults who were current cigarette smokers declined 3.5% (from 24.1% to 20.6%). However, the proportion did not change significantly from 2007 (19.8%) to 2008 (20.6%). In 2008, adults aged ≥25 years with low educational attainment had the highest prevalence of smoking (41.3% among persons with a General Educational Development certificate [GED] and 27.5% among persons with less than a high school diploma, compared with 5.7% among those with a graduate degree). Adults with education levels at or below the equivalent of a high school diploma, who comprise approximately half of current smokers, had the lowest quit ratios (2008 range: 39.9% to 48.8%). Evidence-based programs known to be effective at reducing smoking should be intensified among groups with lower education, and health-care providers should take education level into account when communicating about smoking hazards and cessation to these patients..."
Critical Infrastructure Protection
"The nation's critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) include systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating impact on national security, national economic vitality, or public health and safety. Ensuring CIKR resiliency and protection is essential to our security and way of life.
The Department's Office of Infrastructure Protection leads the coordinated national effort to build resiliency and reduce and mitigate risk across the 18 CIKR Sectors, which include such key areas as food and water, energy, communications and transportation systems, and emergency services. Since the vast majority of the nation's critical infrastructure is privately owned and operated, strong partnerships between government and private industry are essential to achieve these shared goals..."
"The nation's critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) include systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating impact on national security, national economic vitality, or public health and safety. Ensuring CIKR resiliency and protection is essential to our security and way of life.
The Department's Office of Infrastructure Protection leads the coordinated national effort to build resiliency and reduce and mitigate risk across the 18 CIKR Sectors, which include such key areas as food and water, energy, communications and transportation systems, and emergency services. Since the vast majority of the nation's critical infrastructure is privately owned and operated, strong partnerships between government and private industry are essential to achieve these shared goals..."
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
President Obama establishes Interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force
"Attorney General Eric Holder, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairwoman Mary Schapiro today announced that President Barack Obama has established by Executive Order an interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to strengthen efforts to combat financial crime. The Department of Justice will lead the task force and the Department of Treasury, HUD and the SEC will serve on the steering committee. The task force's leadership, along with representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities and inspectors general, will work with state and local partners to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, address discrimination in the lending and financial markets and recover proceeds for victims..."
"Attorney General Eric Holder, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairwoman Mary Schapiro today announced that President Barack Obama has established by Executive Order an interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to strengthen efforts to combat financial crime. The Department of Justice will lead the task force and the Department of Treasury, HUD and the SEC will serve on the steering committee. The task force's leadership, along with representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities and inspectors general, will work with state and local partners to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, address discrimination in the lending and financial markets and recover proceeds for victims..."
Census Bureau Releases 2008 Income and Poverty Estimates for All School Districts and Counties
"The U.S. Census Bureau today released 2008 income and poverty estimates
for every school district and county in the nation. These data,
part of the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) program,
currently represent the only source of Census Bureau income and
poverty data for each of the nation's 3,142 counties and almost 14,000
Title I-eligible school districts.
SAIPE is the only source of single-year income and poverty data for
approximately 1,300 counties and 76 percent of school districts.
Data for areas with population size of less than 20,000 are not expected to
be available from the American Community Survey (ACS)
until late 2010...."
"The U.S. Census Bureau today released 2008 income and poverty estimates
for every school district and county in the nation. These data,
part of the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) program,
currently represent the only source of Census Bureau income and
poverty data for each of the nation's 3,142 counties and almost 14,000
Title I-eligible school districts.
SAIPE is the only source of single-year income and poverty data for
approximately 1,300 counties and 76 percent of school districts.
Data for areas with population size of less than 20,000 are not expected to
be available from the American Community Survey (ACS)
until late 2010...."
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
From: Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau.
Tap the Power: Foreclosure Crisis. compiled by Eileen Snyder< November/December 2009.
"With the collapse of the subprime mortgage market early in 2007, foreclosures reached crisis level, and the crisis continues today. In answer, federal, state, and local governments have implemented programs to help alleviate the problem and stabilize neighborhoods. This bibliography presents a selection of print and online resources about foreclosure and the programs implemented by states and the federal government to help homeowners.."
Tap the Power: Foreclosure Crisis. compiled by Eileen Snyder< November/December 2009.
"With the collapse of the subprime mortgage market early in 2007, foreclosures reached crisis level, and the crisis continues today. In answer, federal, state, and local governments have implemented programs to help alleviate the problem and stabilize neighborhoods. This bibliography presents a selection of print and online resources about foreclosure and the programs implemented by states and the federal government to help homeowners.."
Text and Multimedia Messaging: Emerging Issues for Congress
"...For Congressional policymakers, two major categories of issues have arisen: (1) “same problem,
different platform” and (2) issues stemming from the difficulty in applying existing technical
definitions to a new service, such as whether a text message is sent “phone-to-phone” or using the
phone’s associated email address. There are numerous examples of each. An example of the first
category would be consumer fraud and children’s accessing inappropriate content, which have
existed previously in the “wired world,” but have now found their way to the “wireless world.”
An example of the second category would be that spam sent between two phones or from one
phone to many phones does not fall under the definition of spam in the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003
(Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act, P.L. 108-187);
however, if that same message were to be sent from a phone or computer using the phone’s
associated e-mail address, it would.
The increasing use of text and multimedia messaging has raised several policy issues:
applicability of CAN-SPAM Act to unwanted wireless messages; refusal of some carriers to allow
users to disable text messaging; carrier blocking of Common Short Code messages; deceptive and
misleading Common Short Code programs; protecting children from inappropriate content on
wireless devices; “sexting”; mobile cyberbullying; and balancing user privacy with “Sunshine,”
Open Government, and Freedom of Information Laws."
"...For Congressional policymakers, two major categories of issues have arisen: (1) “same problem,
different platform” and (2) issues stemming from the difficulty in applying existing technical
definitions to a new service, such as whether a text message is sent “phone-to-phone” or using the
phone’s associated email address. There are numerous examples of each. An example of the first
category would be consumer fraud and children’s accessing inappropriate content, which have
existed previously in the “wired world,” but have now found their way to the “wireless world.”
An example of the second category would be that spam sent between two phones or from one
phone to many phones does not fall under the definition of spam in the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003
(Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act, P.L. 108-187);
however, if that same message were to be sent from a phone or computer using the phone’s
associated e-mail address, it would.
The increasing use of text and multimedia messaging has raised several policy issues:
applicability of CAN-SPAM Act to unwanted wireless messages; refusal of some carriers to allow
users to disable text messaging; carrier blocking of Common Short Code messages; deceptive and
misleading Common Short Code programs; protecting children from inappropriate content on
wireless devices; “sexting”; mobile cyberbullying; and balancing user privacy with “Sunshine,”
Open Government, and Freedom of Information Laws."
Household Food Security in the United States, 2008
"More American households had difficulty putting enough food on the table in 2008
In 2008, 85 percent of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year, but 14.6 percent of households were food insecure at least some time during that year, up from 11.1 percent in 2007.
This is the highest recorded prevalence rate of food insecurity since 1995 when the first national food security survey was conducted."
"More American households had difficulty putting enough food on the table in 2008
In 2008, 85 percent of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year, but 14.6 percent of households were food insecure at least some time during that year, up from 11.1 percent in 2007.
This is the highest recorded prevalence rate of food insecurity since 1995 when the first national food security survey was conducted."
Monday, November 16, 2009
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RELEASES ANNUAL LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released its Candidate Notice of Review, a yearly appraisal of the current status of plants and animals that are considered candidates for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Four species have been removed from candidate status, five have been added, and eight have a change in priority from the last review in December 2008. There are now 249 species recognized by the Service as candidates for ESA protection.
Candidate species are plants and animals for which the Service has enough information on their status and threats to propose them as threatened or endangered, but developing a proposed listing rule is precluded by higher priority listing actions..."
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released its Candidate Notice of Review, a yearly appraisal of the current status of plants and animals that are considered candidates for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Four species have been removed from candidate status, five have been added, and eight have a change in priority from the last review in December 2008. There are now 249 species recognized by the Service as candidates for ESA protection.
Candidate species are plants and animals for which the Service has enough information on their status and threats to propose them as threatened or endangered, but developing a proposed listing rule is precluded by higher priority listing actions..."
NOAA Releases Expanded World Ocean Database
"OAA today released the World Ocean Database 2009, the largest, most comprehensive collection of scientific information about the oceans with records dating as far back as 1800. This product is part of the climate services provided by NOAA.
The 2009 database, updated from the 2005 edition, is significantly larger providing approximately 9.1 million temperature profiles and 3.5 million salinity reports. The 2009 database also captures 29 categories of scientific information from the oceans, including oxygen levels and chemical tracers, plus information on gases and isotopes that can be used to trace the movement of ocean currents..."
"OAA today released the World Ocean Database 2009, the largest, most comprehensive collection of scientific information about the oceans with records dating as far back as 1800. This product is part of the climate services provided by NOAA.
The 2009 database, updated from the 2005 edition, is significantly larger providing approximately 9.1 million temperature profiles and 3.5 million salinity reports. The 2009 database also captures 29 categories of scientific information from the oceans, including oxygen levels and chemical tracers, plus information on gases and isotopes that can be used to trace the movement of ocean currents..."
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008
"Information for Researchers and Health Care Professionals
A fact sheet from NHGRI and the Department of Health and Human Services that explains the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) so that investigators and researchers can understand the law and its prohibitions related to discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information."
"Information for Researchers and Health Care Professionals
A fact sheet from NHGRI and the Department of Health and Human Services that explains the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) so that investigators and researchers can understand the law and its prohibitions related to discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information."
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Job Loss and Infrastructure Job Creation Spending 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, which is a lagging economic indicator, did not start to rise until May 2008 when it jumped 0.5 percentage points to 5.5%. By December 2008, the
unemployment rate exceeded 7.0% and well over 600,000 jobs were lost—the biggest monthly decrease since December 1974, when another deep recession was taking place. These labor market indicators and comments equating the latest recession to
the Great Depression intensified congressional interest in passage of legislation early in 2009 aimed at encouraging creation of new jobs and warding off further
loss of jobs. (See CRS Report R40655, The Labor Market During the Great Depression and the Current Recession.)
To mitigate all but one recession since the 1960s, Congress chose to increase
federal spending on infrastructure. (See CRS Report 92-939, Countercyclical Job Creation Programs.) But, there are a number of issues associated with using expenditures on public works to quickly create jobs in times of recession.
(See CRS Report R40107, The Role of Public Works Infrastructure in Economic Stimulus.)..."
"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, which is a lagging economic indicator, did not start to rise until May 2008 when it jumped 0.5 percentage points to 5.5%. By December 2008, the
unemployment rate exceeded 7.0% and well over 600,000 jobs were lost—the biggest monthly decrease since December 1974, when another deep recession was taking place. These labor market indicators and comments equating the latest recession to
the Great Depression intensified congressional interest in passage of legislation early in 2009 aimed at encouraging creation of new jobs and warding off further
loss of jobs. (See CRS Report R40655, The Labor Market During the Great Depression and the Current Recession.)
To mitigate all but one recession since the 1960s, Congress chose to increase
federal spending on infrastructure. (See CRS Report 92-939, Countercyclical Job Creation Programs.) But, there are a number of issues associated with using expenditures on public works to quickly create jobs in times of recession.
(See CRS Report R40107, The Role of Public Works Infrastructure in Economic Stimulus.)..."
CDC Estimates of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Cases, Hospitalizations and Deaths in the United States, April – October 17, 2009
"..When the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak began in April 2009, CDC began reporting the number of laboratory-confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths associated with 2009 H1N1 flu in the United States that were reported by states to CDC. These initial case counts, and subsequent ongoing laboratory-confirmed reports of hospitalizations and deaths, are thought to represent a significant undercount of the actual number of 2009 H1N1 flu cases in the United States. A paper in Emerging Infectious Diseases authored by CDC staff entitled “Estimates of the Prevalence of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, United States, April–July 2009” reported on a study to estimate the prevalence of 2009 H1N1 based on the number of laboratory-confirmed cases reported to CDC. Correcting for under-ascertainment, the study found that every case of 2009 H1N1 reported from April – July represented an estimated 79 total cases, and every hospitalized case reported may have represented an average of 2.7 total hospitalized people. Since that time, CDC has been working to develop a way to estimate, in an ongoing way, the impact of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on the U.S. in terms of 2009 H1N1 cases, hospitalizations and deaths...
CDC estimates that between 14 million and 34 million cases of 2009 H1N1 occurred between April and October 17, 2009. The mid-level in this range is about 22 million people infected with 2009 H1N1.
CDC estimates that between about 63,000 and 153,000 2009 H1N1-related hospitalizations occurred between April and October 17, 2009. The mid-level in this range is about 98,000 H1N1-related hospitalizations.
CDC estimates that between about 2,500 and 6,000 2009 H1N1-related deaths occurred between April and October 17, 2009. The mid-level in this range is about 3,900 2009 H1N1-related deaths."
"..When the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak began in April 2009, CDC began reporting the number of laboratory-confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths associated with 2009 H1N1 flu in the United States that were reported by states to CDC. These initial case counts, and subsequent ongoing laboratory-confirmed reports of hospitalizations and deaths, are thought to represent a significant undercount of the actual number of 2009 H1N1 flu cases in the United States. A paper in Emerging Infectious Diseases authored by CDC staff entitled “Estimates of the Prevalence of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, United States, April–July 2009” reported on a study to estimate the prevalence of 2009 H1N1 based on the number of laboratory-confirmed cases reported to CDC. Correcting for under-ascertainment, the study found that every case of 2009 H1N1 reported from April – July represented an estimated 79 total cases, and every hospitalized case reported may have represented an average of 2.7 total hospitalized people. Since that time, CDC has been working to develop a way to estimate, in an ongoing way, the impact of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on the U.S. in terms of 2009 H1N1 cases, hospitalizations and deaths...
CDC estimates that between 14 million and 34 million cases of 2009 H1N1 occurred between April and October 17, 2009. The mid-level in this range is about 22 million people infected with 2009 H1N1.
CDC estimates that between about 63,000 and 153,000 2009 H1N1-related hospitalizations occurred between April and October 17, 2009. The mid-level in this range is about 98,000 H1N1-related hospitalizations.
CDC estimates that between about 2,500 and 6,000 2009 H1N1-related deaths occurred between April and October 17, 2009. The mid-level in this range is about 3,900 2009 H1N1-related deaths."
Federal Employees’ Retirement System: Legislation Enacted in the 111th Congress
"... On October 28, 2009, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2647, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (P.L. 111-84). Title XI and Title XIX of P.L. 111-
84 contain provisions that affect the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the
Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS). P.L. 111-84:
• allows federal agencies to appoint individuals receiving annuities under CSRS or
FERS to temporary, part-time positions within the federal government without
reducing the individual’s salary by the amount of the annuity, as is usually
required under title 5 of the United States Code.
• requires the computation of an annuity under the Federal Employees’ Retirement
System to include an employee’s unused sick leave in his or her length of service;
• allows certain redeposits to the Civil Service Retirement System for periods of
service between October 1990 and February 1991 to exclude interest payments;
• requires CSRS annuities for employees whose careers include part-time service
to be computed under the same rules that apply to part-time annuities under
FERS;
• allows former employees who withdrew contributions to the FERS at the time of
separation from federal service to redeposit those contributions, plus interest, to
the FERS in the event that they are re-employed by the federal government; and
• allows certain service performed as an employee of the District of Columbia to
be credited as federal service for purposes of determining retirement benefits."
"... On October 28, 2009, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2647, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (P.L. 111-84). Title XI and Title XIX of P.L. 111-
84 contain provisions that affect the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the
Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS). P.L. 111-84:
• allows federal agencies to appoint individuals receiving annuities under CSRS or
FERS to temporary, part-time positions within the federal government without
reducing the individual’s salary by the amount of the annuity, as is usually
required under title 5 of the United States Code.
• requires the computation of an annuity under the Federal Employees’ Retirement
System to include an employee’s unused sick leave in his or her length of service;
• allows certain redeposits to the Civil Service Retirement System for periods of
service between October 1990 and February 1991 to exclude interest payments;
• requires CSRS annuities for employees whose careers include part-time service
to be computed under the same rules that apply to part-time annuities under
FERS;
• allows former employees who withdrew contributions to the FERS at the time of
separation from federal service to redeposit those contributions, plus interest, to
the FERS in the event that they are re-employed by the federal government; and
• allows certain service performed as an employee of the District of Columbia to
be credited as federal service for purposes of determining retirement benefits."
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Social Media and Web 2.0 at the National Archives
"The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has launched some Web 2.0 technologies and has signed agreements to create NARA sites on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Flickr. NARA is using these tools and sites to create new ways of communicating with the public and look forward to your feedback..."
"The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has launched some Web 2.0 technologies and has signed agreements to create NARA sites on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Flickr. NARA is using these tools and sites to create new ways of communicating with the public and look forward to your feedback..."
Innovative Ideas for Revitalizing the LIHTC Market
"Given the adverse impact of the current economic conditions on homeownership, the development of rental housing is becoming increasingly important, not only to provide homes for families, but also to help stabilize neighborhoods.
The Federal Reserve System, because of its interest in maintaining economic stability, has long had an interest in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, a major source of capital for the development of rental housing. The Fed’s Community Affairs function is particularly focused on stability and opportunity in
low-income communities. This includes sustaining the production of affordable rental units during the economic downturn. To that end, the Board of Governors’ and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Affairs functions have commissioned a series of short articles by practitioners and experts to highlight their ideas for bolstering the LIHTC program..."
This publication presents six ideas to strengthen the LIHTC market. John Wuest reviews the St. Louis Equity
Fund’s strategies to continue developing LIHTC projects despite the market downturn
"Given the adverse impact of the current economic conditions on homeownership, the development of rental housing is becoming increasingly important, not only to provide homes for families, but also to help stabilize neighborhoods.
The Federal Reserve System, because of its interest in maintaining economic stability, has long had an interest in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, a major source of capital for the development of rental housing. The Fed’s Community Affairs function is particularly focused on stability and opportunity in
low-income communities. This includes sustaining the production of affordable rental units during the economic downturn. To that end, the Board of Governors’ and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Affairs functions have commissioned a series of short articles by practitioners and experts to highlight their ideas for bolstering the LIHTC program..."
This publication presents six ideas to strengthen the LIHTC market. John Wuest reviews the St. Louis Equity
Fund’s strategies to continue developing LIHTC projects despite the market downturn
Federal Reserve announces final rules prohibiting institutions from charging fees for overdrafts on ATM and one-time debit card transactions
"The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced final rules that prohibit financial institutions from charging consumers fees for paying overdrafts on automated teller machine (ATM) and one-time debit card transactions, unless a consumer consents, or opts in, to the overdraft service for those types of transactions.
Before opting in, the consumer must be provided a notice that explains the financial institution's overdraft services, including the fees associated with the service, and the consumer's choices. The final rules, along with a model opt-in notice, are issued under Regulation E, which implements the Electronic Fund Transfer Act..."
"The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced final rules that prohibit financial institutions from charging consumers fees for paying overdrafts on automated teller machine (ATM) and one-time debit card transactions, unless a consumer consents, or opts in, to the overdraft service for those types of transactions.
Before opting in, the consumer must be provided a notice that explains the financial institution's overdraft services, including the fees associated with the service, and the consumer's choices. The final rules, along with a model opt-in notice, are issued under Regulation E, which implements the Electronic Fund Transfer Act..."
FDA Issues 2009 FDA Food Code
"The Food and Drug Administration today announced the publication of the new FDA Food Code, a model code and reference document that provides a scientifically sound technical and legal basis for regulating the retail and food service segment of the food industry. The 2009 FDA Food Code is a key component of the President’s overall public-health-focused food safety framework for maintaining a safe food supply.
State, city, county, tribal, and territorial agencies regulate more than 1 million restaurants, retail food stores, and vending and food service operations in institutions such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and child care centers. The model FDA Food Code provides the basis for most of those agencies’ licensing, inspection, and enforcement activities, as well as serves as a model for their food statutes, regulations, and ordinances.
Release of the FDA Food Code provides all levels of government with practical, science-based guidance and manageable, enforceable provisions for mitigating known risks of foodborne illness. The FDA Food Code also serves as a reference document for the retail food industry..."
Food Code 2009
"The Food and Drug Administration today announced the publication of the new FDA Food Code, a model code and reference document that provides a scientifically sound technical and legal basis for regulating the retail and food service segment of the food industry. The 2009 FDA Food Code is a key component of the President’s overall public-health-focused food safety framework for maintaining a safe food supply.
State, city, county, tribal, and territorial agencies regulate more than 1 million restaurants, retail food stores, and vending and food service operations in institutions such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and child care centers. The model FDA Food Code provides the basis for most of those agencies’ licensing, inspection, and enforcement activities, as well as serves as a model for their food statutes, regulations, and ordinances.
Release of the FDA Food Code provides all levels of government with practical, science-based guidance and manageable, enforceable provisions for mitigating known risks of foodborne illness. The FDA Food Code also serves as a reference document for the retail food industry..."
Food Code 2009
Preventing and Treating Diabetes: Health Insurance Reform and Diabetes in America
"Skyrocketing health care costs leave an increasing number of Americans uninsured
or with less meaningful coverage than they need and deserve—especially the 24
million Americans with diabetes. The results of a recent survey found that 72 million, or 41 percent, of nonelderly adults have accumulated medical debt or experienced difficulty paying medical bills in the past year – 61 percent of
whom had insurance.2 Any medical event, like the diagnosis of diabetes, could
place a person at risk for potentially devastating financial costs, even if they
have health insurance.
The prevalence of diabetes more than doubled over two decades from 1986 to 2006, making diabetes the fifth deadliest disease in the nation.4 And its prevalence is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure continue to rise.
Families with a member who has diabetes not only shoulder the emotional burden of caring for a sick loved one, but also the economic burden of the growing cost for treatment. Diabetes cost the United States $174 billion in 2007, an increase of
$8 billion per year over the last 5 years. The total cost is a combination of
$116 billion in direct costs of treatment and $58.3 billion in indirect costs of
lost productivity.
Americans diagnosed with diabetes, whether insured or not, face significant and sometimes devastating hurdles to receiving timely, affordable treatment in our
health care system. Health insurance reform seeks to eliminate these hurdles to ensure that people with diabetes, along with all other Americans, get the quality, affordable health care they deserve."
"Skyrocketing health care costs leave an increasing number of Americans uninsured
or with less meaningful coverage than they need and deserve—especially the 24
million Americans with diabetes. The results of a recent survey found that 72 million, or 41 percent, of nonelderly adults have accumulated medical debt or experienced difficulty paying medical bills in the past year – 61 percent of
whom had insurance.2 Any medical event, like the diagnosis of diabetes, could
place a person at risk for potentially devastating financial costs, even if they
have health insurance.
The prevalence of diabetes more than doubled over two decades from 1986 to 2006, making diabetes the fifth deadliest disease in the nation.4 And its prevalence is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure continue to rise.
Families with a member who has diabetes not only shoulder the emotional burden of caring for a sick loved one, but also the economic burden of the growing cost for treatment. Diabetes cost the United States $174 billion in 2007, an increase of
$8 billion per year over the last 5 years. The total cost is a combination of
$116 billion in direct costs of treatment and $58.3 billion in indirect costs of
lost productivity.
Americans diagnosed with diabetes, whether insured or not, face significant and sometimes devastating hurdles to receiving timely, affordable treatment in our
health care system. Health insurance reform seeks to eliminate these hurdles to ensure that people with diabetes, along with all other Americans, get the quality, affordable health care they deserve."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Aging and Health: The Challenges of Entitlement Growth
Selected charts illustrating the growth of entitlements through 2018.
Selected charts illustrating the growth of entitlements through 2018.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Selected Characteristics of Baby Boomers 42 to 60 Years Old in 2006
Most recent Census Bureau report on the baby boomer population.
Most recent Census Bureau report on the baby boomer population.
House Report 111-330 to accompany for H.R. 3962,the Affordable Health Care for America Act
"PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 3962) TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE,
QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS AND REDUCE THE GROWTH IN HEALTH CARE SPENDING, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 3961) TO
AMEND TITLE XVIII OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT TO REFORM THE MEDICARE SGR PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR PHYSICIANS."
"PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 3962) TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE,
QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS AND REDUCE THE GROWTH IN HEALTH CARE SPENDING, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 3961) TO
AMEND TITLE XVIII OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT TO REFORM THE MEDICARE SGR PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR PHYSICIANS."
Poverty in the United States: 2008
"In 2008, 39.8 million people were counted as poor in the United States—an increase of 2.6 million persons from 2007, and nearly the largest number of persons counted as poor since 1960. The poverty rate, or percent of the population considered poor under the official definition, was reported at 13.2%; up from 12.5% in 2007, and the highest rate since 1997. The recent increase in poverty reflects the worsened economic conditions since the onset of the economic recession in December 2007. Many expect poverty to rise further next year, and it will likely remain comparatively high even after the economy begins to recover. The incidence of poverty varies
widely across the population according to age, education, labor force attachment, family living arrangements, and area of residence, among other factors. Under the official poverty definition, an average family of four was considered poor in 2008 if its pre-tax cash income for the year was below $22,025. This report will be updated on an annual basis, following release of U.S. Census Bureau annual income and poverty estimates."
"In 2008, 39.8 million people were counted as poor in the United States—an increase of 2.6 million persons from 2007, and nearly the largest number of persons counted as poor since 1960. The poverty rate, or percent of the population considered poor under the official definition, was reported at 13.2%; up from 12.5% in 2007, and the highest rate since 1997. The recent increase in poverty reflects the worsened economic conditions since the onset of the economic recession in December 2007. Many expect poverty to rise further next year, and it will likely remain comparatively high even after the economy begins to recover. The incidence of poverty varies
widely across the population according to age, education, labor force attachment, family living arrangements, and area of residence, among other factors. Under the official poverty definition, an average family of four was considered poor in 2008 if its pre-tax cash income for the year was below $22,025. This report will be updated on an annual basis, following release of U.S. Census Bureau annual income and poverty estimates."
Presidential Terms and Tenure: Perspectives and Proposals for Change
"...Although the length of the presidential term was decided after spirited debate at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, and the 22nd Amendment provides term limits for the President, proposed constitutional amendments that would alter these provisions are occasionally introduced in Congress. One proposal, which would lengthen the President and Vice President’s terms to six years, was introduced frequently through the 103rd Congress. Some six-year term amendments proposed limiting the President to a single term, while others allowed for two terms, or no limit at all. Another category of amendment, which continues to be introduced in most Congresses, would repeal the 22nd Amendment. H.J.Res. 5, introduced in the 111th Congress by Representative José
E. Serrano, falls into this category. H.J.Res. 5 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, but no further action has been taken to date."
"...Although the length of the presidential term was decided after spirited debate at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, and the 22nd Amendment provides term limits for the President, proposed constitutional amendments that would alter these provisions are occasionally introduced in Congress. One proposal, which would lengthen the President and Vice President’s terms to six years, was introduced frequently through the 103rd Congress. Some six-year term amendments proposed limiting the President to a single term, while others allowed for two terms, or no limit at all. Another category of amendment, which continues to be introduced in most Congresses, would repeal the 22nd Amendment. H.J.Res. 5, introduced in the 111th Congress by Representative José
E. Serrano, falls into this category. H.J.Res. 5 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, but no further action has been taken to date."
Income of Americans Aged 65 and Older, 1968 to 2008
"This CRS report presents data collected by the Census Bureau in the Current Population Survey from 1969 through 2009 about the employment status and the sources and amounts of income received by people aged 65 and older. The report focuses on the sources and amounts of income received by individuals aged 65 and older and by households in which either the household head or the household head’s spouse (if present) was 65 or older in the year of the survey..."
"This CRS report presents data collected by the Census Bureau in the Current Population Survey from 1969 through 2009 about the employment status and the sources and amounts of income received by people aged 65 and older. The report focuses on the sources and amounts of income received by individuals aged 65 and older and by households in which either the household head or the household head’s spouse (if present) was 65 or older in the year of the survey..."
Health Reform and the 111th Congress
"..The health reform bills being considered by the House and Senate committees of principle jurisdiction focus on simultaneously expanding private and public coverage options. Some of the other bills introduced in the 111th Congress take a similar approach to health reform. Additionally, other bills have focused on other solutions, attempting to expand coverage using one of the following approaches:
• Largely replace existing coverage with a national government-provided health
insurance program (or a national health service).
• Expand existing public programs for certain individuals.
• Expand privately sponsored coverage.
• Encourage state-based reforms.
• Simultaneously expand private and public coverage options.
This report presents basic background on health insurance that may be useful to legislators considering health insurance reforms. It describes reform approaches and provides brief descriptions of health insurance reform bills introduced in the 111th Congress, as well as some of the general principles currently being considered by the Congress. The potential impact of the various approaches and bills is not analyzed in this report, however. As a result, it does not provide evaluations of how well different bills, once enacted, would meet their objectives. This report will be updated periodically to reflect recent congressional activity in health reform."
"..The health reform bills being considered by the House and Senate committees of principle jurisdiction focus on simultaneously expanding private and public coverage options. Some of the other bills introduced in the 111th Congress take a similar approach to health reform. Additionally, other bills have focused on other solutions, attempting to expand coverage using one of the following approaches:
• Largely replace existing coverage with a national government-provided health
insurance program (or a national health service).
• Expand existing public programs for certain individuals.
• Expand privately sponsored coverage.
• Encourage state-based reforms.
• Simultaneously expand private and public coverage options.
This report presents basic background on health insurance that may be useful to legislators considering health insurance reforms. It describes reform approaches and provides brief descriptions of health insurance reform bills introduced in the 111th Congress, as well as some of the general principles currently being considered by the Congress. The potential impact of the various approaches and bills is not analyzed in this report, however. As a result, it does not provide evaluations of how well different bills, once enacted, would meet their objectives. This report will be updated periodically to reflect recent congressional activity in health reform."
U.S. EPA Makes Available Data on Compliance with Hazardous Waste, Air Regulations
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new information on EPA and state enforcement of hazardous waste and air regulations. In addition, the EPA posted data that allows the public, for the first time, to compare toxic releases with compliance data from facilities. This is part of EPA’s ongoing commitment to increase transparency and promote the public’s right to know by improving access to available data.
EPA made available new summary reports and data from 2004 through 2008 on EPA and state enforcement program performance with Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements. The reports include online graphs, trend information on enforcement and compliance in each state, and comparative reports. Data such as compliance monitoring activity, violations discovered, enforcement actions taken, and penalties assessed are available..."
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new information on EPA and state enforcement of hazardous waste and air regulations. In addition, the EPA posted data that allows the public, for the first time, to compare toxic releases with compliance data from facilities. This is part of EPA’s ongoing commitment to increase transparency and promote the public’s right to know by improving access to available data.
EPA made available new summary reports and data from 2004 through 2008 on EPA and state enforcement program performance with Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements. The reports include online graphs, trend information on enforcement and compliance in each state, and comparative reports. Data such as compliance monitoring activity, violations discovered, enforcement actions taken, and penalties assessed are available..."
THE HISTORY OF THE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY GUIDELINES
"This report provides a history of the child pornography guidelines. The child pornography guidelines have existed since their initial promulgation in 1987, and they have been substantively amended nine times. These revisions were prompted by, among other things, statutory changes, the United States Sentencing Commission’s independent analysis, and public comment. This report is the first step in an ongoing examination of the child pornography guidelines."
"This report provides a history of the child pornography guidelines. The child pornography guidelines have existed since their initial promulgation in 1987, and they have been substantively amended nine times. These revisions were prompted by, among other things, statutory changes, the United States Sentencing Commission’s independent analysis, and public comment. This report is the first step in an ongoing examination of the child pornography guidelines."
Friday, November 6, 2009
A Preliminary Analysis of a Substitute Amendment to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act
"This evening, CBO released a preliminary analysis of a substitute amendment to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, proposed by Representative John Boehner, the Republican Leader in the House of Representatives. CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimate that the amendment would reduce federal deficits by $68 billion over the 2010-2019 period; it would also slightly reduce federal budget deficits in the following decade, relative to those projected under current law, with a total effect during that decade that is in a broad range between zero and one-quarter percent of gross domestic product..."
"This evening, CBO released a preliminary analysis of a substitute amendment to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, proposed by Representative John Boehner, the Republican Leader in the House of Representatives. CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimate that the amendment would reduce federal deficits by $68 billion over the 2010-2019 period; it would also slightly reduce federal budget deficits in the following decade, relative to those projected under current law, with a total effect during that decade that is in a broad range between zero and one-quarter percent of gross domestic product..."
FDA Unveils Safe Use Initiative that Targets Preventable Harm from Medication Use
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the Safe Use Initiative, a program aimed at reducing the likelihood of preventable harm from medication use.
“Too many people suffer unnecessary injuries from avoidable medication misuse, errors and other problems. The FDA is launching the Safe Use Initiative to develop targeted solutions for reducing these injuries,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D.
Millions of people are harmed every year from inappropriate medication use. Many injuries occur as a result of incomplete access to information about a drug, a patient, or the patient’s condition.
Other preventable sources of harm include unintentional misuse of medications, medication abuse, and attempts at self harm. Unintended exposure to prescription medications such as opioid drugs can cause harm, even death, in a single dose, if taken by someone other than the patient who was prescribed the medication..."
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the Safe Use Initiative, a program aimed at reducing the likelihood of preventable harm from medication use.
“Too many people suffer unnecessary injuries from avoidable medication misuse, errors and other problems. The FDA is launching the Safe Use Initiative to develop targeted solutions for reducing these injuries,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D.
Millions of people are harmed every year from inappropriate medication use. Many injuries occur as a result of incomplete access to information about a drug, a patient, or the patient’s condition.
Other preventable sources of harm include unintentional misuse of medications, medication abuse, and attempts at self harm. Unintended exposure to prescription medications such as opioid drugs can cause harm, even death, in a single dose, if taken by someone other than the patient who was prescribed the medication..."
Weathering the High Cost of Heating Your Home
"Whether you heat your home with oil, natural gas or electricity, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has tips to help you save money and stay warm this winter. The FTC enforces the Appliance Labeling Rule, which requires EnergyGuide labels on certain appliances, including furnaces, boilers and heat pumps. The label lets you know how energy efficient a model is compared to others like it..."
"Whether you heat your home with oil, natural gas or electricity, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has tips to help you save money and stay warm this winter. The FTC enforces the Appliance Labeling Rule, which requires EnergyGuide labels on certain appliances, including furnaces, boilers and heat pumps. The label lets you know how energy efficient a model is compared to others like it..."
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Nationwide Gravesite Locator
"Search for burial locations of veterans and their family members in VA National Cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, various other military and Department of Interior cemeteries, and for veterans buried in private cemeteries when the grave is marked with a government grave marker.
The Nationwide Gravesite Locator includes burial records from many sources. These sources provide varied data; some searches may contain less information than others. Information on veterans buried in private cemeteries was collected for the purpose of furnishing government grave markers, and we do not have information available for burials prior to 1997..."
"Search for burial locations of veterans and their family members in VA National Cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, various other military and Department of Interior cemeteries, and for veterans buried in private cemeteries when the grave is marked with a government grave marker.
The Nationwide Gravesite Locator includes burial records from many sources. These sources provide varied data; some searches may contain less information than others. Information on veterans buried in private cemeteries was collected for the purpose of furnishing government grave markers, and we do not have information available for burials prior to 1997..."
National Institute on Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Easy to Read Publications
Selected easy to read publications on diabetes, digestive diseases, kidney disease and urologic disorders.
Selected easy to read publications on diabetes, digestive diseases, kidney disease and urologic disorders.
Spotlight on Statistics: Health Care
"Health care touches the lives of nearly everyone in the United States at some point. For example, many are born in the delivery wing of a hospital, while others enjoy their golden years in an assisted living facility. Between these two points, whether you obtain medical insurance through your employer, seek consultation with a doctor about an illness, fill a prescription at the pharmacy, take a day of sick leave from work—or just wonder how you will pay for it all—almost everyone rubs elbows with the U.S. health care system. This Spotlight uses BLS data to shed some light on what is happening in this dynamic and interesting field. Read on to explore these data and discover the "diagnosis" on health care industries and occupations as well as the "prognosis" on future employment!.."
"Health care touches the lives of nearly everyone in the United States at some point. For example, many are born in the delivery wing of a hospital, while others enjoy their golden years in an assisted living facility. Between these two points, whether you obtain medical insurance through your employer, seek consultation with a doctor about an illness, fill a prescription at the pharmacy, take a day of sick leave from work—or just wonder how you will pay for it all—almost everyone rubs elbows with the U.S. health care system. This Spotlight uses BLS data to shed some light on what is happening in this dynamic and interesting field. Read on to explore these data and discover the "diagnosis" on health care industries and occupations as well as the "prognosis" on future employment!.."
The National Flood Insurance Program: Factors Affecting Actuarial Soundness
"The vast majority of homes and small commercial buildings that are insured against flood
damage in the United States are covered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP),
which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the
Department of Homeland Security. Although the flood insurance program had been largely
self-sustaining in the past, it had to borrow about $17 billion from the federal Treasury to pay
claims after the catastrophic hurricanes of 2005. That borrowing has highlighted questions
about the program’s financial health, including the actuarial soundness of the premium rates
charged on policies that are not explicitly subsidized and the cost of paying claims for properties that have suffered multiple flood losses.
This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) paper—prepared at the request of the Ranking
Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs—explains how
FEMA sets “full-risk” (actuarially based) premium rates for the flood insurance program. The
paper then discusses various reasons for concern that those rates may not be adequate to cover
the total expected costs associated with the program’s full-risk policies. The report also
addresses other aspects of the NFIP, including the impact of insured properties that have
flooded more than once and the U.S. market for flood insurance from private companies. In
keeping with CBO’s mandate to provide objective, impartial analysis, this report makes no
recommendations..."
"The vast majority of homes and small commercial buildings that are insured against flood
damage in the United States are covered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP),
which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the
Department of Homeland Security. Although the flood insurance program had been largely
self-sustaining in the past, it had to borrow about $17 billion from the federal Treasury to pay
claims after the catastrophic hurricanes of 2005. That borrowing has highlighted questions
about the program’s financial health, including the actuarial soundness of the premium rates
charged on policies that are not explicitly subsidized and the cost of paying claims for properties that have suffered multiple flood losses.
This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) paper—prepared at the request of the Ranking
Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs—explains how
FEMA sets “full-risk” (actuarially based) premium rates for the flood insurance program. The
paper then discusses various reasons for concern that those rates may not be adequate to cover
the total expected costs associated with the program’s full-risk policies. The report also
addresses other aspects of the NFIP, including the impact of insured properties that have
flooded more than once and the U.S. market for flood insurance from private companies. In
keeping with CBO’s mandate to provide objective, impartial analysis, this report makes no
recommendations..."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
FDA Publishes Guidance on Diagnostic Tests for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today published a guidance document that should help manufacturers develop diagnostic tests for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Although there are not any FDA-approved or cleared tests that diagnose this specific infection, during this pandemic, manufacturers can submit a request to the FDA for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). If granted, the EUA will allow the test to be used during the national public health emergency declared by Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in April. This guidance document outlines what information the FDA recommends that manufacturers include in these EUA requests.
The EUA authority allows the FDA to authorize use of unapproved or uncleared medical products or unapproved or uncleared uses of approved or cleared medical products following a declaration of emergency, when certain criteria are met. The authorization ends when the declaration of emergency is terminated or the authorization is revoked by the FDA.
The EUA authority is part of Project BioShield, which became law in July 2004.
While the FDA encourages manufacturers to submit appropriate premarket applications for these tests, the agency also recognizes that it may not be possible to generate complete clinical validation data that would normally be included in an application. However, this guidance outlines information the FDA recommends be included, and the FDA gives these requests thorough and careful review to protect the public health..."
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today published a guidance document that should help manufacturers develop diagnostic tests for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Although there are not any FDA-approved or cleared tests that diagnose this specific infection, during this pandemic, manufacturers can submit a request to the FDA for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). If granted, the EUA will allow the test to be used during the national public health emergency declared by Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in April. This guidance document outlines what information the FDA recommends that manufacturers include in these EUA requests.
The EUA authority allows the FDA to authorize use of unapproved or uncleared medical products or unapproved or uncleared uses of approved or cleared medical products following a declaration of emergency, when certain criteria are met. The authorization ends when the declaration of emergency is terminated or the authorization is revoked by the FDA.
The EUA authority is part of Project BioShield, which became law in July 2004.
While the FDA encourages manufacturers to submit appropriate premarket applications for these tests, the agency also recognizes that it may not be possible to generate complete clinical validation data that would normally be included in an application. However, this guidance outlines information the FDA recommends be included, and the FDA gives these requests thorough and careful review to protect the public health..."
Healthy Animals, October 2009
"Welcome to Healthy Animals, an online compilation of animal health-related research news put out each quarter by the Information Staff of the Agricultural Research Service. ARS is the chief scientific agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Each issue profiles one aspect of ARS research. Links take readers to detailed stories on new findings important to the health of livestock, poultry and fish. And a list of all ARS research laboratories that work to improve animal health is just a click away."
"Welcome to Healthy Animals, an online compilation of animal health-related research news put out each quarter by the Information Staff of the Agricultural Research Service. ARS is the chief scientific agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Each issue profiles one aspect of ARS research. Links take readers to detailed stories on new findings important to the health of livestock, poultry and fish. And a list of all ARS research laboratories that work to improve animal health is just a click away."
School Enrollment in the United States: 2008
"Could a recent trend toward two-year colleges be leading to an all-time high in enrollment? These tables examine a host of details about school enrollment for the population 3 years and older by social and economic characteristics, including age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, type of school, labor force status of mothers with school-age children, type of family, employment status of those enrolled in vocational courses, income levels, children of foreign-born and more.."
View full report
"Could a recent trend toward two-year colleges be leading to an all-time high in enrollment? These tables examine a host of details about school enrollment for the population 3 years and older by social and economic characteristics, including age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, type of school, labor force status of mothers with school-age children, type of family, employment status of those enrolled in vocational courses, income levels, children of foreign-born and more.."
View full report
Review of HUD’s Process for Monitoring Recipient Reporting for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) includes $13.61 billion for projects and programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Recovery Act created the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board (Board) to coordinate and conduct oversight of covered funds to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The Board has required the Inspector General community to evaluate Federal agencies’ process for monitoring recipient reporting of Recovery Act funds for the quarter ending September 30, 2009. The audit reports are to be issued to their agencies no later than October 30, 2009. The reports will also be submitted to the Board, which will compile the results and issue a consolidated report with recommendations for improvement across the Federal government..."
"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) includes $13.61 billion for projects and programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Recovery Act created the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board (Board) to coordinate and conduct oversight of covered funds to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The Board has required the Inspector General community to evaluate Federal agencies’ process for monitoring recipient reporting of Recovery Act funds for the quarter ending September 30, 2009. The audit reports are to be issued to their agencies no later than October 30, 2009. The reports will also be submitted to the Board, which will compile the results and issue a consolidated report with recommendations for improvement across the Federal government..."
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Subsidizing Infrastructure Investment with Tax-Preferred Bonds
"The federal government supports infrastructure investment in a variety of ways. It spends money directly, makes grants to state and local governments for their capital spending and, through the tax system, subsidizes the borrowing of both of those levels of government as well as certain private entities to finance infrastructure projects. However, the most common means of providing a tax subsidy for infrastructure investment—by offering a tax exemption for interest on state and local bonds—is generally viewed to be an inefficient way to subsidize state and local borrowing, largely because the revenue cost to the federal government may
exceed the interest-cost subsidy provided to state and local governments by a substantial amount.
To inform the Congress in its deliberations about federal infrastructure policy, this study assesses the role of tax preferences in infrastructure investment in the United States. It discusses the types of tax preferences for state and local bonds, reports the amount of such debt that has been issued for infrastructure projects undertaken by the public and private sectors, and estimates the importance of that debt financing to infrastructure investment. It also considers how the current system of tax preferences—which historically has relied primarily on tax exemptions for interest income on debt issued by states and localities—might change as a result of greater use of tax-credit bonds..."
"The federal government supports infrastructure investment in a variety of ways. It spends money directly, makes grants to state and local governments for their capital spending and, through the tax system, subsidizes the borrowing of both of those levels of government as well as certain private entities to finance infrastructure projects. However, the most common means of providing a tax subsidy for infrastructure investment—by offering a tax exemption for interest on state and local bonds—is generally viewed to be an inefficient way to subsidize state and local borrowing, largely because the revenue cost to the federal government may
exceed the interest-cost subsidy provided to state and local governments by a substantial amount.
To inform the Congress in its deliberations about federal infrastructure policy, this study assesses the role of tax preferences in infrastructure investment in the United States. It discusses the types of tax preferences for state and local bonds, reports the amount of such debt that has been issued for infrastructure projects undertaken by the public and private sectors, and estimates the importance of that debt financing to infrastructure investment. It also considers how the current system of tax preferences—which historically has relied primarily on tax exemptions for interest income on debt issued by states and localities—might change as a result of greater use of tax-credit bonds..."
CBP's Ability to Detect Biological and Chemical Threats in Maritime Cargo Containers[Redacted]
"The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-296) by amendment to the Inspector General Act of 1978. This is one of a series of audit, inspection, and special reports prepared as part of our oversight responsibilities to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within the department.
This report addresses the strengths and weaknesses of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s capability to target and detect biological and chemical threats in maritime cargo containers. It is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions, direct observations, and a review of applicable documents.
The recommendations herein have been developed to the best knowledge available to our office, and have been discussed in draft with those responsible for implementation. We trust this report will result in more effective, efficient, and economical operations. We express our appreciation to all of those who contributed to the preparation of this report."
"The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-296) by amendment to the Inspector General Act of 1978. This is one of a series of audit, inspection, and special reports prepared as part of our oversight responsibilities to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within the department.
This report addresses the strengths and weaknesses of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s capability to target and detect biological and chemical threats in maritime cargo containers. It is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions, direct observations, and a review of applicable documents.
The recommendations herein have been developed to the best knowledge available to our office, and have been discussed in draft with those responsible for implementation. We trust this report will result in more effective, efficient, and economical operations. We express our appreciation to all of those who contributed to the preparation of this report."
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