Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations

From the New York Times: "The Obama administration distanced itself Wednesday from new standards on breast cancer screening that were recommended this week by a federally appointed task force, saying government insurance programs would continue to cover routine mammograms for women starting at age 40."

The breast cancer screening recommendations produced by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force are posted on the task force website.

Health Secretary Sebelius has issued a brief statement on the new recommendations.

Sources: Moore, M. (19 Nov. 2009). "Missoula doctors pan breast cancer screening decision." Missoulian. A1.
Sack, K., and Kolata, G. (18 Nov. 2009). "Screening Policy Won’t Change, U.S. Officials Say." New York Times.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

From the New York Times: "Democratic leaders in the Senate on Wednesday unveiled their proposal for overhauling the health care system, outlining legislation that they said would cover most of the uninsured while reducing the federal budget deficit."

The text of the new "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" has been posted on the Senate Democrat website. The bill text will replace that of H.R. 3590. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has issued an independent assessment of the new bill.

Source: Pear, R., and Herszenhorn, D.M. (18 Nov. 2009). "Senate Says Health Plan Will Cover Another 31 Million." New York Times.

Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation

From the Washington Post: "President Obama on Thursday told what he called the largest gathering of Native American tribal leaders that 'you will not be forgotten by this White House,' pledging to work with them to address their community's chronic problems with health care, economic development, land management and education."

The White House website has the transcript of the President's remarks at the opening of the Tribal Nations Conference and of the following Q & A session. The White House site also has the text of the Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation.

Source: Wilson, S. (6 Nov. 2009). "'You will not be forgotten,' Obama promises Native American leaders." Washington Post.

Unemployment and Foreclosure Assistance

From the New York Times: "In separate actions to address Americans’ continuing economic hardship, the government moved Thursday to assist long-unemployed workers and struggling businesses, as well as home buyers and homeowners facing foreclosure."

Congress passed H.R.3548, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, this week. The bill will extend unemployment benefits and expand tax breaks for home buyers and for businesses operating at a loss. The President is expected to sign the bill into law today.

Fannie Mae introduced a new Deed for Lease program yesterday. The Fannie Mae site has detailed information about the program.

Source: Calmes, J., and Stout, D. (5 Nov. 2009). "U.S. Readies Jobless Aid and Help on Homes." New York Times.

Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

From the Missoulian: "Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., was the only Democrat on Thursday to vote against a climate change bill that Democrats rammed through a Senate committee - but said he still supports the effort to limit greenhouse gases and pass a bill."

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works reviewed and voted on S.1733, the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. The committee website includes a press release on the committee approval of the bill, the revised chairman's mark, and support letters for the bill.

Source: Dennison, M. (6 Nov. 2009). "Baucus votes against climate change bill, but says he supports it." Missoulian. A1.

Kootenai Creek Fire Hydrology Review

From the Missoulian: "In mid-October, the U.S. Forest Service conducted a Burned Area Emergency Response assessment on the after-effects of the Kootenai Creek fire.

"On Monday, they released a report detailing the burn's effects on watersheds."

The Kootenai Creek Fire Hydrology Report is available on the Bitterroot National Forest website.

Source: Moss, W., Ravalli Republic (3 Nov. 2009). "Report details aftermath of Kootenai Creek fire." Missoulian. B1.

Affordable Health Care for America Act

From the New York Times: "House Democrats on Thursday unveiled their bill to remake the health care system and said they had the votes to pass it. But Republicans said gimmicks had been used to hide the measure's long-term costs."

The text of H.R. 3962, Affordable Health Care for America Act, is available on THOMAS. The full authenticated and signed PDF is also on GPO Access.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a preliminary analysis of the bill, which includes a cost estimate and an estimate of the extension of insurance coverage provided by the bill. The CBO also released a letter to Senator Baucus about the measures the CBO is using to "score" proposals.

Source: Pear, R., and Herszenhorn, D.M. (29 Oct. 2009). "Buoyant Democrats Unveil Health Care Legislation." New York Times.

State Education Standards and NAEP

From the New York Times: "A new federal study shows that nearly a third of the states lowered their academic proficiency standards in recent years, a step that helps schools stay ahead of sanctions under the No Child Left Behind law. But lowering standards also confuses parents about how children's achievement compares with those in other states and countries."

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has the new study: "Mapping State Proficiency Standards Onto NAEP Scales: 2005-2007." More information about the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) can be found on the NCES website.

Source: Dillon, S. (29 Oct. 2009). "Federal Researchers Find Lower Standards in Schools." New York Times.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

From the Washington Post: "When a gay Wyoming college student was slain in 1998, congressional Democrats pledged to broaden the definition of federal hate crimes by the end of that year to include attacks based on sexual orientation.

"The effort instead turned into a decade-long proxy war between liberal groups that want to expand gay rights and conservative groups that do not. But Wednesday, President Obama signed the bill and then hosted a White House reception for gay activists and the parents of the slain student, 21-year-old Matthew Shepard."

The President signed Public Law 111-84, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, on Wednesday, October 28. His statement upon signing the bill is posted on the White House website. The full text of the law is available on THOMAS and will be available on GPO Access soon. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act is incorporated in the bill in Division E.

Source: Bacon, P., Jr. (29 Oct. 2009). "After 10-year dispute, expansion of hate crimes law to gays signed: Move may help Obama quell rising discontent from rights groups." Washington Post.
Drew, C. (28 Oct. 2009). "Victory for Obama Over Military Lobby." New York Times.

Health Reform Bill Round-up

From the New York Times: "After months of relentless courting and suspense, Senator Olympia J. Snowe, Republican of Maine, cast her vote with Democrats on Tuesday as the Senate Finance Committee approved legislation to remake the health care system and provide coverage to millions of the uninsured."

Several bills will go into the final version voted on by the House and Senate. Here are links to the text of these bills:

Senate Finance Committee: America's Healthy Future Act

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee: S. 1679, Affordable Health Choices Act

House bill: H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act

H.R. 3200 information from the House Education and Labor Committee

H.R. 3200 information from the House Energy and Commerce Committee

H.R. 3200 markup by the House Ways and Means Committee

Source: Pear, R., and Herszenhorn, D.M. (13 Oct. 2009). "Republican's Vote Lifts a Health Bill, but Hurdles Remain." New York Times.

Blackfoot River Recreation Management Plan and EA

From the Missoulian: "A draft environmental assessment issued last week considers using permits to control traffic on the 12-mile reach between the Harry Morgan and Russell Gates fishing accesses."

The Draft Recreation Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Blackfoot River is available on the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) website. The site includes a FAQ document, a list of management issues and recommended changes, and information about upcoming open houses. Comments may be mailed to:
Blackfoot River Recreation Management Plan
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804

Source: Chaney, R., and Byron, E., (14 Oct. 2009). "FWP considers floating, camping limits along Blackfoot River." Missoulian. A1.

Sixth Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Plan

From the Missoulian: "Proposals to forego future fossil fuel power plants and wring more conservation savings out of the Pacific Northwest electricity market pleased many attendees at Tuesday night's Northwest Power and Conservation Council public hearing in Missoula."

You can find the draft Sixth Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Plan on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council website. Information on how to comment and an online comment form are available.

Source: Chaney, R. (14 Oct. 2009). "Northwest power plan includes fewer fossil fuel plants, more conservation." Missoulian. A1.

Post Deployment Health Assessment Provision

From the Missoulian: "Legislation sponsored by Rep. Denny Rehberg requiring veterans to undergo face-to-face mental health screenings before deploying to war zones passed the House of Representatives on Thursday."

The requirement is included in the Defense Authorization Act, under Title VII, Subtitle B. You can find the text of H.R.2647 through THOMAS. Individual bills addressing this issue, H.R.2058 and S.711, were introduced by Representative Rehberg and Senator Baucus, respectively, earlier this year.

Source: Kidston, M.J., Helena Independent Record (10 Oct. 2009). "Rehberg bill requiring mental health screening before deployment to war zones passes House." Missoulian.

CBO Analysis of America's Healthy Future Act

From the Washington Post: "Congressional budget analysts gave an important political boost Wednesday to a Senate panel's health-care overhaul, projecting that the $829 billion measure would dramatically shrink the ranks of the uninsured and keep President Obama's pledge that doing so would not add 'one dime' to federal budget deficits."

Yesterday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a a preliminary analysis of the Senate Finance Committee Chairman's mark for the America's Healthy Future Act of 2009. A post of the Director of the CBO summarizes the analysis and highlights key points. You can read the full text of America's Healthy Future Act on the Senate Finance Committee website.

Source: Montgomery, L., and Murray, S. (8 Oct. 2009). "Health-Care Bill Wouldn't Raise Deficit, Report Says: Budget Office Assesses Finance Panel's Plan." Washington Post.

Kulstad v. Maniaci

From the Missoulian: "The Montana Supreme Court Tuesday upheld parental rights for a Missoula woman who'd been part of a same-sex couple that cared for two adopted children, saying she's entitled to joint custody of the kids."

The Montana Supreme Court opinion in Kulstad v. Maniaci is available on the State Law Library of Montana website. Related documents in the case (DA 08-0483) are included in the Montana Supreme Court Cases database.

Source: Dennison, M. (7 Oct. 2009). "Montana Supreme Court upholds parental rights in Missoula same-sex case." Missoulian. A1.

H1N1 Vaccine

From the Missoulian: "Students got the nod for vaccination because the first round of vaccine being delivered to Missoula County comes in nasal spray form. The nasal spray, which contains a live attenuated virus, can only be given to people in good health."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the latest information about the H1N1 virus and information about the new vaccine. This includes the most recent H1N1 vaccination recommendations.

Source: Moore, M. (7 Oct. 2009). "UM dorm residents to receive H1N1 flu vaccine first." Missoulian.

Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook

From the Associated Press: "Staying warm won't be quite as expensive this winter. People who heat with natural gas should do especially well, seeing their lowest bills in five years."

The Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook, produced by the Energy Information Administration, includes Projected Winter Fuel Expenditures by Fuel and Region and detailed information about energy production and consumption.

Source: Hebert, H.J., AP (6 Oct. 2009). "Keeping warm should be a bit cheaper this winter." Google News.

Missoula City Code Title 20

From the Missoulian: "The long-awaited update to outdated development regulations got overwhelming support Monday from the Missoula City Council.

"The council voted 10-2 in favor of the new rulebook, Title 20, a victory for people whose jobs have mired them in the old and tangled rules."

The agenda packet for the October 5, 2009, Missoula City Council meeting includes links to the new Title 20, new Chapter 20.30, and document repealing Title 19. Additional information about the zoning and subdivision regulations update is available on the Missoula city website. The full municipal code (currently with the now-outdated Title 19) is available online.

Source: Szpaller, K. (6 Oct. 2009). "Missoula City Council passes zoning update by 10-2 vote." Missoulian. A1.

Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009

From the Associated Press: "A House-passed bill to give another 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to people from states where the jobless rate is at least 8.5 percent has bogged down in the Senate because of resistance from lawmakers whose states have lower unemployment and would be left out."

You can follow and read the text of H.R.3548, Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009, via THOMAS. The text of Senator Shaheen's letter to Congress recommending extending unemployment benefits in all 50 states is available on the Senator's website. A related bill is S.1647, the Assistance for Unemployed Workers Extension Act.

The latest report on the employment situation in the U.S. has been posted on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) site. The BLS Commissioner's statement provides further information.

Source: Abrams, J., AP (1 Oct. 2009). "Jobless benefits extension hits snag in Senate." Google News.

Discussions of Senate Finance Health Reform Bill

From the New York Times: "After an intense debate that captured the essence of the national struggle over health care, a pivotal Senate committee on Tuesday rejected two Democratic proposals to create a government insurance plan to compete with private insurers."

The Senate Finance Committee is airing their discussion of the bill America's Healthy Future Act of 2009 through streaming video. The committee Legislation page includes the Chairman's Mark of the bill, a list of proposed committee amendments, and analysis documents.

Source: Pear, R., and Calmes, J. (30 Sept. 2009). "Senators Reject Pair of Public Option Proposals." New York Times.

Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

From the Washington Post: "The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will unveil a bill Wednesday that aims to make deep cuts in U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions in the near and long term while setting a limit on the cost of carbon allowances, according to several sources and a close-to-final version of the bill obtained by The Washington Post."

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works website has overview and summary information about the new Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. The site includes a section-by-section summary. The full bill text is posted on Senator Kerry's website.

Source: Eilperin, J. (30 Sept. 2009). "Senators Ready a Bill on Greenhouse Gases: Cuts Deeper Than House's, Carbon Offsets Cheaper." Washington Post.

Fantasy Sports Gambling in Montana

From the Missoulian: "The Montana Lottery's involvement in fantasy sports gambling doesn't comply with state law, a legislative performance audit has concluded."

The Montana Legislative Audit Division released the report on their website: "Fantasy Sports Parimutuel Gambling." A summary version is also available.

Source: Johnson, C.S. (30 Sept. 2009). "Audit: Montana Lottery's involvement with fantasy sports gambling breaks law." Missoulian. A1.

Montana and Yellowstone Fires

You can keep up to date with reports from fires in Montana using Inciweb, an "incident information system" produced through the partnership of Several federal agencies. Inciweb includes quick facts about a fire (such as its size and its cause), a map of the area, and latest reports. The Montana page includes fires in Montana. The fire in Yellowstone, dubbed the Arnica Fire, is listed with Wyoming fires. The Saddle Mountain fire, near Arlee, is not listed on Inciweb at present.

The MODIS Active Fire Mapping Program provides a map of active fires in the U.S. Also, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has information about smoke in Montana and active fires.

Sources: Associated Press (28 Sept. 2009). "UPDATE: Monster fire in Yellowstone Park grows to 14 square miles." Missoulian.
Listoe, A. (28 Sept. 2009). "MacDonald Pass fire kept in check." Helena Independent Record.
Szpaller, K., and Devlin, S. (27 Sept. 2009). "Firefighters hold western Montana blazes in check against strong winds." Missoulian.

Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009

From the New York Times: "The House of Representatives on Thursday passed legislation that expands federal aid to college students while ending federal subsidies to private lenders."

The House passed H.R.3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, with roll call vote 719. The Defund ACORN Act was incorporated into the bill as sections 601 and 602. The text of this amendment, passed with roll call vote 718, is on pages H9699-H9700 of the Congressional Record.

Sources: Hulse, C. (17 Sept. 2009). "House Prohibits Federal Money to Acorn." New York Times.
Levin, T. (17 Sept. 2009). "House Passes Bill to Expand College Aid." New York Times.

Montana Year End Surplus Revision

From the Missoulian: "The state ended the budget year in mid-2009 with a preliminary general fund surplus of $392 million, or nearly $23 million more than the Legislature had projected, a legislative fiscal analyst told a committee Thursday."

The Legislative Fiscal Division issued a FY 2009 Year End General Fund Revenue Update Report yesterday.

Source: Johnson, C. (18 Sept. 2009). "State surplus $23M more than expected, at $392M." Missoulian.

New GAO Border Report

From the New York Times: "Government auditors reported Thursday that the effort to secure the Mexican border with technology and fences has fallen years behind schedule, will cost billions of dollars extra in maintenance costs and has no clear means of gauging whether illegal crossings have been curtailed."

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued the new report: "Secure Border Initiative: Technology Deployment Delays Persist and the Impact of Border Fencing Has Not Been Assessed."

Source: Archibold, R.C. (18 Sept. 2009). "Scathing Report on Border Security Is Issued." New York Times.

America's Healthy Future Act of 2009

From the Missoulian: "Sen. Max Baucus today unveiled his long-awaited health reform bill, which would require all Americans to buy or maintain health insurance starting in 2013."

The Senate Finance Committee website has a PDF of the Chairman's Mark of the new America's Healthy Future Act of 2009. Senator Baucus and Senator Grassley have press releases about the bill.

Sources: Dennison, M. (16 Sept. 2009). "Baucus releases 10-year, $856B national health care reform bill." Missoulian.
Pear, R., and Herszenhorm, D.M. (16 Sept. 2009). "Senate Health Bill Draws Fire on Both Sides." New York Times.