The Condition of Education 2007

From the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): "The Condition of Education 2007 summarizes important developments and trends in education using the latest available data. The report presents 48 indicators on the status and condition of education and a special analysis on high school coursetaking. The indicators represent a consensus of professional judgment on the most significant national measures of the condition and progress of education for which accurate data are available. The 2007 print edition includes 48 indicators in five main areas: (1) participation in education; (2) learner outcomes; (3) student effort and educational progress; (4) the contexts of elementary and secondary education; and (5) the contexts of postsecondary education."

You can browse sections of the new Condition of Education on the NCES website or download the whole report as a PDF file.

Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

From the Washington Post: "A Supreme Court once again split by the thinnest of margins ruled yesterday that workers may not sue their employers over unequal pay caused by discrimination alleged to have occurred years earlier.

"The court ruled 5 to 4 that Lilly Ledbetter, the lone female supervisor at a tire plant in Gadsden, Ala., did not file her lawsuit against Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in the timely manner specified by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

Docket no. 05-1074

Questions presented

Supreme Court opinion

Transcript of oral arguments

Merits briefs

Lower court opinion (11th Circuit Court of Appeals)

Source: Barnes, Robert. "Over Ginsburg's Dissent, Court Limits Bias Suits." Washington Post May 30, 2007.

New White House Fact Sheets

From the Washington Post: "President Bush today announced broader sanctions on the government of Sudanese president Lt. Gen. Omar Hassam al-Bashir in an effort to halt violence in the troubled Darfur region, nearly three years after the White House described the conflict there as genocide."

The White House has released several new fact sheets on immigration policy and sanctions against Sudan. Related to the sanctions, the Treasury Department issued an announcement on actions taken against Sudanese assets.

Sources: Abramowitz, Michael, and Debbi Wilgoren. "Bush Intensifies Pressure on Sudan: Economic Measures, U.N. Sanctions Planned." Washington Post May 29, 2007.
Baker, Peter. "Bush Promotes New Immigration Plan." Washington Post May 29, 2007.

Prewar Intelligence Assessments About Postwar Iraq

From the Washington Post: "Months before the invasion of Iraq, U.S. intelligence agencies predicted that it would be likely to spark violent sectarian divides and provide al-Qaeda with new opportunities in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a report released yesterday by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Analysts warned that war in Iraq also could provoke Iran to assert its regional influence and "probably would result in a surge of political Islam and increased funding for terrorist groups" in the Muslim world."

The pre-war assessment about post-war Iraq has been posted on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence website.

Source: Pincus, Walter, and Karen DeYoung. "Analysts' Warnings of Iraq Chaos Detailed: Senate Panel Releases Assessments From 2003." Washington Post May 26, 2007.

Medical Lawsuit Reform Legislation

From the Helena Independent Record: "Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., introduced legislation Thursday that would provide grants to 10 states to set up pilot projects they hope will answer the problem of medical malpractice lawsuits.

"A new system must be developed to bring down malpractice insurance premiums while protecting patient safety and ensuring compensation to those hurt by medical errors, the senators said."

The new bill is S.1481, "A bill to restore fairness and reliability to the medical justice system and promote patient safety by fostering alternatives to current medical tort litigation, and for other purposes." The text of the bill was read into the Congressional Record, beginning on page S6855.

Source: Straub, Noelle. "Baucus co-sponsor of bill on medical-malpractice program." Helena Independent Record May 25, 2007.

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007

From the Washington Post: "Congress sent President Bush a new Iraq funding bill yesterday that lacked troop withdrawal deadlines demanded by liberal Democrats, but party leaders vowed it was only a temporary setback in their efforts to bring home American troops."

The Congress passed H.R. 2206, "U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007," yesterday with Senate vote 181 (80 yeas, 14 nays, 6 not voting). You can find the text of the bill and details on all the changes and votes the bill went through on THOMAS.

In addition to funding for the war in Iraq, the bill includes a minimum wage increase, emergency funding for the Secure Rural Schools Program and wildland fire management (within the "Forest Service" section in Title V), and many other smaller provisions.

Sources: Murray, Shailagh. "Congress Passes Deadline-Free War Funding Bill: Measure Includes Benchmarks for Iraqis." Washington Post May 25, 2007. A01.
Labaton, Stephen. "Congress Passes Increase in the Minimum Wage." New York Times May 25, 2007.
Daly, Matthew. "Congress extends money for timber counties." Missoulian May 25, 2007. A10.

Truth in Lending Amendments

From the Federal Reserve press release: "The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday issued for public comment proposed amendments to Regulation Z (Truth in Lending) that are intended to improve the effectiveness of the disclosures consumers receive in connection with credit card accounts and other revolving credit plans by ensuring that information is provided in a timely manner and in a form that is readily understandable."

The Federal Reserve proposal is included in the press release and information on how to submit comments is also in the release.

Source: Aversa, Jeannine. "Fed wants credit card info more user-friendly." Missoulian May 24, 2007. A4.

Carbon Dioxide Estimate

From the Missoulian : "A mild winter, followed by a cool summer caused U.S. carbon dioxide emissions to decline last year, according to the Energy Department. The results were hailed by the White House as support for its global warming policies."

The "U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Energy Sources: 2006 Flash Estimate" was released yesterday by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The full report will be released in November 2007. The 2005 estimate is on the EIA website.

Source: Hebert, H. Josef. "Carbon dioxide emissions down in 2006." Missoulian May 24, 2007. A2.

Brucellosis Testing

From the Billings Gazette: "Montana ranchers get to keep their brucellosis-free status for now, although the state remains in danger of losing the favored rating as the federal and state investigation continues.

"Final tests Wednesday showed that 190 cattle on the Bruce Malcolm ranch near Emigrant were clean of brucellosis even though several of the seven Montana cows found carrying the disease came from this herd."

You can keep up with Montana brucellosis developments through the Montana Department of Livestock website. The Greater Yellowstone Area Bison Brucellosis Information page includes the latest testing results and brucellosis-related reports.

Other background information can be found on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Brucellosis page.

Source: Falstad, Jan. "Emigrant ranch's cattle pass brucellosis test." Billings Gazette May 24, 2007.

Winkelman v. Parma City School District

From the New York Times: "The Supreme Court ruled today that parents of children with disabilities need not hire lawyers if they want to sue public school districts over their children's special-education needs."

Winkelman v. Parma City School District
Docket no. 05-983

Questions presented

Supreme Court opinion

Transcript of oral arguments

Merits briefs

Source: Stout, David. "Supreme Court Rules on Education Lawsuits." New York Times May 21, 2007.

Hearing on Law Enforcement in Indian Country

From the Missoulian: "Despite tragically high rates of crime against American Indians, the Bureau of Indian Affairs receives only about 30 percent of the funding it needs for law enforcement, federal officials testified at a congressional hearing Thursday."

An oversight hearing on law enforcement in Indian Country was held by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on May 17, 2007. The hearing webpage includes links to prepared testimony from witnesses and an archived webcast.

Source: Straub, Noelle. "Officials say BIA lacks funding for police." Missoulian May 18, 2007.

Preliminary Report from May 12 Plane Crash

From the Missoulian: "Federal investigators have found no apparent mechanical problems with an airplane that crashed near Marion last weekend, killing five people."

The preliminary report and synopsis of the May 12, 2007, plane crash in Marion, MT, is now on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) website.

Source: "Early investigation shows no mechanical problems in plane crash." Missoulian May 18, 2007.

GAO Report on Passenger Screening

From the Missoulian: "The Homeland Security Department is breaking the law by not telling the public exactly how personal information is used to screen international travelers, including Americans, congressional investigators said Wednesday."

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report on passenger screening yesterday: "Aviation Security: Efforts to Strengthen International Passenger Prescreening are Under Way, but Planning and Implementation Issues Remain." The full report and a summary report are available on the GAO site.

Source: Kerr, Jennifer C. "GAO: Homeland Security breaking privacy laws." Missoulian May 17, 2007. A4.

New Population Estimates by Race, Hispanic Origin, Sex, and Age

From the Census Bureau press release: " The nation's minority population reached 100.7 million, according to the national and state estimates by race, Hispanic origin, sex and age released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. A year ago, the minority population totaled 98.3 million."

Other highlights from the new data are included in the press release. Detailed tables can be found on the Population Estimates section of the Census Bureau website.

Bill on Residency Requirements for U.S. Attorneys

From the Helena Independent Record: "Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester are co-sponsoring legislation to repeal the measure that allows U.S. attorneys like William Mercer to live outside the district where they work."

Senate bill 1379 was introduced on Monday by Senator Feinstein and was co-sponsored by Senators Baucus and Tester. The text of the bill is available on THOMAS and GPO Access.

Source: Straub, Noelle. "Bill seeks end to Mercer's dual roles." Helena Independent Record May 12, 2007.

World Bank Report on Wolfowitz

From the Washington Post: "A World Bank committee charged Monday that Paul D. Wolfowitz violated ethical and governance rules as bank president by showing favoritism to his companion in 2005. In response, the Bush administration mounted a last-ditch global campaign to save Mr. Wolfowitz from being ousted from office."

The second report of the ad hoc group investigating the possible ethics violation by World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has been posted on the World Bank website.

Source: Weisman, Steven R. "Bank's Report Says Wolfowitz Violated Ethics." Washington Post May 15, 2007.

End of 2007 Special Session

From the Missoulian: "The 2007 Montana Legislature wrapped up its special session Tuesday, finally thrashing out a state budget that includes big spending increases, $150 million-plus in tax rebates or cuts, and a new energy development plan."

The 2007 special session ended yesterday, and six bills are on the way to the Governor for signature:

House Bill 2: General appropriations act

House Bill 3: Tax incentives for energy development (fiscal note)

House Bill 4: Long-range building bill

House Bill 6: Generally revise laws applicable to legislature and legislator

House Bill 9: $400 rebate for property taxes paid, tax relief (fiscal note)

Senate Bill 2: Revise education laws (fiscal note)

You can view the other bills considered in the 2007 special session, including the term limits revision which failed to pass, through the LAWS database.

Source: Dennison, Mike. "Session ends with completed budget." Missoulian May 16, 2007. A1.

New Postage Prices Go Into Effect

From the U.S. Postal Service press release: "The Board of Governors set Monday, May 14, as the effective date for new rates and fees for all classes of mail except Periodicals, which is delayed until July 15."

New pricing details are available on the USPS website.
First-Class letters: $0.41 (first ounce); $0.17 (each additional ounce)
First-Class Large Envelopes: $0.80 (first ounce); $0.17 (each additional ounce)
First-Class packages: $1.13 (first ounce); $0.17 (each additional ounce)
Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes: $8.95
Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes: $4.60

Mining Law Reform Legislation

From the Billings Gazette: "A key House chairman introduced legislation Thursday to overhaul the 1872 mining law and require companies to pay an 8 percent royalty on gold, uranium and other minerals taken from public lands."

You can follow the progress of H.R. 2262, "To modify the requirements applicable to locatable minerals on public domain lands, consistent with the principles of self-initiation of mining claims, and for other purposes," through THOMAS. Representative Rahall's statement introducing the measure begins on page E1012 of the Congressional Record.

Source: Straub, Noelle. "New bill seeks royalties from mineral mines." Billings Gazette May 11, 2007.

New Iraq Funding Bill

From the Washington Post: "A House Democratic proposal introduced yesterday that would give President Bush half of the money he has requested for the war effort, with a vote in July on whether to approve the rest, hinges on progress in meeting political benchmarks that Iraq has thus far found difficult to achieve."

The text of newly introduced House Bill 2206, "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes," is available through THOMAS.

In a briefing today, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow indicated the President would veto the new bill since it contains "restrictions on funding."

Sources: DeYoung, Karen, and Jonathan Weisman. "House Bill Ties War Funding to Iraq Benchmarks: Measure Would Free Half the Money Now, Require a Second Vote for Approval in July." Washington Post May 9, 2007. A07
Abramowitz, Michael. "Bush Threatens Veto of New Iraq Bill." Washington Post May 9, 2007.

May 2007 Special Session of the Montana Legislature

From the Missoulian: "The Schweitzer administration Tuesday revealed more details about its agenda for this week's special legislative session - and said some tax cuts and school-funding increases may depend on whether certain revenue becomes available."

The Governor's official proclamation calling for a special session includes the parameters for the session and intended legislation. A list of all introduced and unintroduced bills for the May 2007 special session is available on the LAWS database.

In related news, the Governor vetoed three additional bills yesterday:

House Bill 798: Revise energy impact funding for natural resource development and cessation

House Bill 822: Generally revise biodiesel and ethanol laws

Senate Bill 407: Authorizing emergency discharges of coal bed methane water

Sources: Dennison, Mike. "Governor reveals session plans." Missoulian May 9, 2007. A1.
Johnson, Charles S. "Governor vetoes three more bills." Helena Independent Record May 9, 2007.

Bush Vetoes War Funding Bill

From the Washington Post: "President Bush vetoed legislation to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq Tuesday night in a historic showdown with Congress over whether the unpopular and costly war should end or escalate."

President Bush's statement to the House of Representatives regarding why he vetoed H.R. 1591, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act, 2007, is available on the White House website. The site also includes a transcript of the President's speech just after vetoing the bill.

This afternoon the House of Representatives failed to overturn the veto in roll call vote 276.

Source: Flaherty, Anne, and Jennifer Loven. "Bush Vetoes Troop Withdrawal Bill." Washington Post May 2, 2007.

National Wildland Fire Outlook

From the Billings Gazette: "Predicted warmer and possibly drier conditions this summer could set the stage for another busy fire season in Montana, fire officials said Tuesday.

"A mild winter and early melting snowpack play a role, they said, but the fate of the season largely hinges on summer rain, lightning and other local weather conditions."

The new National Wildland Fire Outlook is now on the National Interagency Fire Center website. The Current Wildland Fire Information page includes links to a seasonal fire outlook map and monthly outlook information.

Source: "Chance of big summer fires 'significant': Climate experts predict warmer, dry weather." Billings Gazette May 2, 2007.

Fish and Wildlife Service Audit

From the Missoulian: "MacDonald was rebuked by the department's inspector general, who told Congress in a report last month that she broke federal rules and should face punishment for leaking information about endangered species to private groups."

The report from the Department of Interior Inspector General is not currently available on the Office of the Inspector General website, but the report has been reposted on non-profit websites like the Center for Biological Diversity.

Source: Daly, Matthew. "Interior head accused of meddling in reports resigns: Official pushed changes on sturgeon findings." Missoulian May 2, 2007. A3.

Country Reports on Terrorism 2006

From the State Department briefing: "Besides meeting the congressional requirements, the 2006 Report aims to inform, to stimulate constructive debate and to enhance our collective dynamic understanding of the global terrorist threat. It should serve as a reference tool to inform policy makers, the American public and our international partners about our efforts, progress and challenges in the war on terrorism."

The 2006 Country Reports on Terrorism are now available on the State Department website.

Source: Lee, Matthew. "Report: Terror attacks, death on the rise." Missoulian May 1, 2007. A10.