DoD Recommendation on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

From the Defense Department press release: "The military can deal effectively with allowing openly gay servicemembers in its ranks, leaders of a working group that studied the issue for the Defense Department told the Senate Armed Services Committee today."

The Department of Defense website has numerous reports relating to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This includes the new "Report of the Comprehensive Review of the Issues Associated with a Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'," a support plan for implementation, and findings from the surveys.

The Senate Armed Services Committee website has information about today's hearing.

Source: Memmott, M. (2 Dec. 2010). "At 'Don't Ask' Hearing: McCain Is Critical Of Report, Mullen Pushes For Repeal." NPR.

Debt Reduction Report

From the New York Times: "Members of President Obama's debt-reduction commission indicated on Wednesday that they were split over their chairmen's far-reaching plan for long-term spending cuts and tax increases, a development that suggests the proposal is more likely to be a framework for next year's debates than the basis for legislation anytime soon."

The final report of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, "The Moment of Truth," is on the commission website.

Source: Calmes, J. (1 Dec. 2010). "As Final Debt Plan Is Released, Signs That the Fight Is Just Beginning." New York Times.

Davis 5 Prescribed Burn - Escaped Fire Review

From the AP: "Deficiencies in the burn plan, disregard for a changing weather forecast and leaving little room for error may have contributed to a prescribed burn this summer that turned into a wildfire, according to a U.S. Forest Service review released Monday."

The Helena National Forest website has the summary report and full report reviewing the Davis 5 Prescribed Burn/Escaped Fire.

Source: Volz, M., Associated Press (22 Nov. 2010). "Report: Burn plan deficient, weather forecast disregarded in Helena wildfire." Missoulian.

Montana Medicaid Part D Waiver Prescription Drug Program

From the Missoulian: "Gov. Brian Schweitzer asked the federal government Tuesday to approve his proposal for Montana residents to buy prescription drugs through the government program Medicaid, potentially saving millions of dollars a year in drug costs.'

The Governor's press release summarizes the issue. More detailed information on the Montana Medicaid Part D Waiver Prescription Drug Program can be found on the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) website. Comments are welcome through December 20, 2010, to:
Dan Peterson, Acute Services Bureau Chief, DPHHS
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604-4210
(406) 444-4144
danpeterson@mt.gov

Source: Dennison, M. (17 Nov. 2010). "Schweitzer asks federal government to allow Medicaid prescriptions for all Montanans." Missoulian.

Governor Schweitzer's 2012-2013 Proposed Budget

From the Missoulian: "Gov. Brian Schweitzer's proposed budget relies heavily on $95 million worth of money transferred from other funds to beef up the state's general fund and balance his spending plan for the next two years."

The Governor's 2012-2013 State Budget is on the State of Montana website.

Source: Johnson, C.S. (17 Nov. 2010). "Montana budget plan relies on $95M in transfers from other state funds." Missoulian. A1.

Debt Commission Proposal

From the Washington Post: "The chairmen of President Obama's bipartisan deficit commission on Wednesday offered an aggressive plan to rebalance the federal budget by curbing increases in Social Security benefits, slashing spending at the Pentagon and other agencies, and wiping out more than $100 billion a year in popular tax breaks for individuals and businesses."

FiscalCommission.gov is the primary source for the work of the bipartisan "Debt Commission." This includes the recent summary proposal for reducing the debt.

Source: Montgomery, L. (11 Nov. 2010). "Deficit panel leaders propose curbs on Social Security, major cuts in spending, tax breaks." Washington Post.

Personal Income Estimates for MSAs

From the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) press release: "Personal income declined in 2009 in most of the nation's metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income declined in 223 MSAs, increased in 134, and remained unchanged in 9 MSAs. On average, MSA personal income fell 1.8 percent in 2009, after rising 2.7 percent in 2008. Personal income growth ranged from 14 percent in Jacksonville, North Carolina to -7.1 percent in Naples, Florida. Inflation, as measured by the national price index for personal consumption expenditures, declined to 0.2 percent in 2009 from 3.3 percent in 2008."

The BEA, part of the Department of Commerce, has released the new personal income estimates for metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). MSAs in Montana include areas like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls.

Source: Cohen, B. (6 Sept. 2010). "Personal income in Billings drops 1.9%." Billings Gazette.

Infrastructure Renewal and Expansion Plan

From the New York Times: "A combative President Barack Obama rolled out a long-term jobs program Monday that would exceed $50 billion to rebuild roads, railways and runways, and coupled it with a blunt campaign-season assault on Republicans for causing Americans' hard economic times."

The White House website has a fact sheet on the proposed infrastructure expansion and renewal plan: Renewing and Expanding America's Roads, Railways, and Runways.

Source: Pace, J., Associated Press (6 Sept. 2010). "Obama to Call for $50 Billion Spending for Infrastructure." New York Times.

Yellowstone Bear Attack Report

From the Missoulian: "Hunger and internal parasites afflicted a grizzly bear that mauled three campers near Yellowstone National Park, but investigators said Monday those factors failed to explain such aggressive predatory behavior."

You can access the 70-page Soda Butte Campground Attacks Investigation Team Report on the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Recovery website.

Source: Brown, M. (17 Aug. 2010). "Grizzly that killed camper near Yellowstone Park was sick, stressed." Missoulian. B2.

Smith River Recreation Regulations

From the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) press release: "Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on changes to the biennial rule for Smith River State Park and River Corridor.

"The proposed changes reflect the state park's recently updated management plan that provides guidance for managing visitor use on the 59-mile section of river from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge. The plan was adopted in July of 2009 and reflects input from a citizen advisory committee and the public at five open houses, along with comments received during a 45-day public comment period."

The Montana FWP website has the proposed Smith River Biennial Rule. Comments are due by September 24 and can be e-mailed (smithrulecomments@mt.gov) or mailed (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: Smith River Biennial Rule Comments, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701).

The FWP site has additional information on floating the Smith River.

Source: Gouras, M., AP (16 Aug. 2010). "Smith River floaters likely to face new rules." Missoulian.

North Fork Bill

From the Missoulian: "A measure that would ban federal-land mining along Glacier National Park's western edge has passed a major Senate hurdle, and has been expanded to provide water-quality protections for nearby communities."

You can find more about the North Fork Watershed Protection Act, S. 3075, via THOMAS. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing about the bill on April 28th, and Senators Baucus and Tester testified with other witnesses. Senator Tester's website has more information about the latest action on the bill.

Source: Jamison, M. (6 Aug. 2010). "Mining ban on North Fork federal lands clears Senate committee." Missoulian.

Obesity in the U.S.

From NPR: "Not a single state has met national goals set more than a decade ago to reduce obesity to 15 percent of the population. In fact, the problem is growing. In nine states now, one out of every three adults is obese. And it's fair to say the rest of the nation isn't far behind those states."

You can find the new CDC Vital Signs report on adult obesity online. The related Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report article, "State-Specific Obesity Prevalence Among Adults – United States, 2009," has more in-depth information. A CDC press release summarizes key points in the report.

Source: Neighmond, P. (4 Aug. 2010). "CDC: Obesity Is A 'Major Public Health Threat'." NPR.

Smoky Again in Montana

From the Missoulian: "Wet, cool weather over the weekend helped crews contain several wildfires burning in western Montana, but the Packer Meadows blaze continues to cause trouble."

Where's that smoke coming from? In many cases, the smoke people see in Montana's skies is not coming from wildfires in Montana. For a definitive answer, use the Montana Department of Environmental Quality wildfire smoke updates. The daily smoke update reports air quality in the state and typically tells you where the smoke is coming from (today, from fires in British Columbia).

For updates on the Packer Meadows fire and other wildfires, visit InciWeb. The Forest Service Remote Mapping Applications Center gives you a visual overview of wildfires in the U.S.

Source: Chaney, R. (3 Aug. 2010). "Cool weather calms western Montana wildfires." Missoulian.

Northern Lights in Montana

From the Missoulian: "Get ready for a solar tsunami. NASA's solar forecast predicts a coronal mass ejection coming our way. No need to take cover, but you might want to head to higher ground just to get a better view."

You can find out more about the solar event and the resulting aurora borealis displays on the NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory blog.

The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center also has information on aurora viewing.

Source: O'Neill, Peggy (4 Aug. 2010). "Aurora borealis to light up Montana's night sky." Missoulian.

Trout Fishing in 2006

From the FWS press release: "An old and familiar Chinese proverb states 'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.' According to Anna Harris, an economist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, if a man has learned to fish for trout he fished an average of 11 days a year in 2006, had an above average education, earned an above average income, spent $4.8 billion in pursuit of his prey, which generated $13.6 billion in economic output and 25 percent of the time — he was a she."

The report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) referenced in the Missoulian is "Trout Fishing in 2006: A Demographic Description and Economic Analysis."

Source: Chaney, R. (6 July 2010). "FWS report says fewer getting hooked on fishing." Missoulian.

McDonald v. City of Chicago

From the Missoulian: "Montana leaders lauded a U.S. Supreme Court decision Monday upholding individual gun rights, but one of the state's top gun rights activists said the ruling is not as important here, as Montana already has strong rights protections."

Senator Tester has a press release on his website relating to the McDonald v. City of Chicago decision. In the release he references an amicus brief he wrote with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison for the case. Representative Rehberg also has a press release on his site relating to the case.

McDonald v. City of Chicago

Docket no. 08-1521

Questions presented

Supreme Court opinion

Merits briefs

Transcript of oral arguments

Source: McKee, J. (29 June 2010). "Montana leaders back high court gun ruling, but it will have little effect in state." Missoulian. A5.

Forest Jobs and Recreation Act

From the Missoulian: "A borrowed bit from an otherwise dead-on-arrival discussion draft could make Montana Sen. Jon Tester's Forest Jobs and Recreation Act work better, the senator said on Thursday."

The latest draft of the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act is posted on Senator Tester's website.

Source: Chaney, R. (18 June 2010). "Tester proposes changes to Montana wilderness, logging bill." Missoulian. A1.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Links

From the Washington Post: "To save time and drilling costs, BP took 'shortcuts' that may have led to the oil rig explosion and the spill in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a letter released Monday by two House Democrats leading an investigation of the disaster."

There is a great deal of information on the Deepwater Horizon rig and oil spill produced and gathered by the federal government. Here are some key sites to review.

Deepwater Horizon Response
This Department of Interior (DOI) site gathers the BP Gulf of Mexico Response Plan, inspection reports, fact sheets from agencies within DOI (such as Fish & Wildlife, USGS, & the Minerals Management Service), and much more.

House Energy & Commerce Committee Investigation of the Deepwater Horizon Rig Oil Spill
This page links to various reports and responses solicited by the House Energy & Commerce Committee, including briefings, testimony, and the information on "shortcuts" reported in the news.

Deepwater Horizon Response
This is the main information clearinghouse about the BP and U.S. administration response to the oil spill.

Deepwater BP Oil Spill
This is the White House compilation of information on the oil spill. It links to the various agencies involved in responding to the spill and provides information on volunteer activities.

Deepwater Horizon Incident, Gulf of Mexico
This page collates information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) related to the spill. This includes spill trajectory maps, damage assessments, and daily updates.

Minerals Management Service's Electronic Reading Room on BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Documents
This online library provides easier access to specific regulatory information related to the Deepwater Horizon rig, such as inspection information, categorical exclusions, and permits.

Source: Mufson, S. and Kornblut, A.E. (15 June 2010). "Lawmakers accuse BP of 'shortcuts'." Washington Post.

Budget Cut Options for 2013 Biennium

From the Missoulian: "Groups representing schools and teachers, human service providers and local governments expressed grave concerns Monday over some options identified as potential ways to help balance the budget in the 2011 Legislature."

Fiscal Division staff reports for the 2009-2010 Interim are on the Montana Legislature site. The most recent budget projections are included with the materials for the Finance Committee meeting of June 14 & 15, 2010. These include the most recent General Fund Update, 2013 budget planning overviews, and the possible budget cuts reported in the news:

State Wide Options

General Government

Public Health & Human Services

Natural Resources & Transportation

Judicial Branch, Law Enforcement & Justice

Education

Sources: Johnson, C.S. (14 June 2010). "Groups alarmed by potential cuts to state budget." Missoulian.
Johnson, C.S. (14 June 2010). "Governor's office, Montana Legislature looking at similar deficit estimates." Missoulian.

Kagan Nominated to Supreme Court

From the New York Times: "President Obama introduced Solicitor General Elena Kagan on Monday as his choice to become the nation's 112th justice of the Supreme Court, hailing her as a 'one of the nation's foremost legal minds,' as he girded for a battle over whether it takes a judge to serve on the court.

The White House website has the full announcement and a transcript of President Obama's remarks on the nomination.

The Office of the Solicitor General is part of the Department of Justice. The website includes a description of that office and a brief biography of Kagan.

The Senate Judiciary Committee already has information about the nomination on their website. The site also links to extensive materials collected during Kagan's Solicitor General nomination and confirmation process. These materials include responses to the committee's questionnaire, publications, speeches, testimony, policy statements, and interviews.

Source: Baker, P., and Zeleny, J. (10 May 2010). "Obama Chooses Kagan, Scholar but Not Judge, for Court Seat." New York Times.

Environmental Cancer Risk Report

From the New York Times: "A dire government report on cancer risks from chemicals and other hazards in the environment has drawn criticism from the American Cancer Society, which says government experts are overstating their case."

The new report, "Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk, What We Can Do Now," is on the President's Cancer Panel website.

Source: Grady, D. (6 May 2010). "U.S. Panel Criticized as Overstating Cancer Risks." New York Times.

Fair Housing Choice in Missoula

From the Missoulian: "Neighborhoods in Missoula remain segregated by wealth, a separation that's a hurdle to fair housing.

"That's one assessment in a report released Thursday, 'Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.' The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires state and local governments that receive housing and development money to periodically complete such an 'analysis of impediments.'"

The Draft 2010 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing is on the Missoula Office of Planning and Grants website.

The report references the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Planning Guide, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

Source: Szpaller, K. (23 April 2010). "Report says Missoula housing segregated based on wealth." Missoulian.

Ft. Hood Review Recommendations

From the Department of Defense press release: "Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has directed the Defense Department immediately to implement 26 interim recommendations of an independent panel he appointed to look into the Nov. 5 shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, Pentagon officials said today."

The Defense Department website has a list of interim recommendations stemming from the Ft. Hood review. The independent review report, Protecting the Force: Lessons from Fort Hood, is also on the DoD site.

Source: Murray, M. (16 April 2010). "DOD orders fixes after Ft. Hood tragedy." MSNBC.

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

From BBC News: "Flights across much of Europe will be severely disrupted well into Saturday because of drifting ash ejected from a volcano in Iceland, officials say."

There's a lot in the news about the impact of the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland. The Global Volcanism Program, affiliated with the Smithsonian, has information about this specific volcano. Also, the USGS Volcano Hazards Program has background information on volcanic ash. The Program describes tephra and what volcanic ash can do to aircraft.

Source: "Volcanic ash: Flight chaos to continue into weekend." (16 April 2010). BBC News.

Proposed Postal Service Changes

From the Washington Post: "The U.S. Postal Service's current business model 'is not viable' and the mail agency should make deeper job and wage cuts, hire more part-time staff and consider outsourcing operations, according to a draft of a government audit acquired by The Federal Eye."

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, "U.S. Postal Service: Strategies and Options to Facilitate Progress toward Financial Viability," is now up on the GAO site.

The USPS Strategic Planning Office has documents about the proposed Action Plan and 5-day model. Related information, such as Docket N2010-1, may be found on the Postal Regulatory Commission website.

Source: O'Keefe, E. (12 April 2010). "GAO: Postal Service business 'not viable'." Washington Post.

New Vehicle Emission and Efficiency Standards

From the EPA press release: "Responding to one of the first major directives of the Obama Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today jointly established historic new federal rules that set the first-ever national greenhouse gas emissions standards and will significantly increase the fuel economy of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States. The rules could potentially save the average buyer of a 2016 model year car $3,000 over the life of the vehicle and, nationally, will conserve about 1.8 billion barrels of oil and reduce nearly a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the lives of the vehicles covered."

The EPA website has the final rule and related information on the new fuel and emission standards.

Source: Broder, J.M. (1 April 2010). "U.S. Issues Limits on Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Cars." New York Times.

March 2010 Employment Numbers

From NPR: "Non-farm payrolls rose in March for only the second time since the start of the recession, the Labor Department reported Friday, but the unemployment rate held steady at 9.7 percent."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website has the latest Employment Situation update. The Chair of Economic Advisors, Christina Romer, issued a statement on the new employment numbers. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner gave an interview on Thursday about the unemployment situation.

Sources: Goldstein, J. (2 April 2010). "Jobs Outlook: 'We've Turned The Corner'." NPR.org.
Neuman, S. (2 April 2010). "Jobs Added, But Unemployment Rate Unchanged." NPR.org.

2010 Census Response Rate

From the Helena Independent Record: "It may have been April Fools' Day, but Thursday also marked 'Census Day,' and no prank was pulled on the number of Montana households that had returned their questionnaires on time."

You can see the response rate percentage for states, counties, and local areas on the Census Bureau's Take 10 Map. Census data is used to allocate federal funding to states, counties, and municipalities; to help make decisions about infrastructure planning; and to apportion Congressional seats (the original reason the Census is mandated in the Constitution). If you have not received your Census form by April 12th, contact one of the 2010 Census Toll-free help lines. You can find answers to common questions about the Census on the 2010 Census website.

Source: Kidston, M.J. (2 April 2010). "Montana census participation on par with nation." Helena Independent Record.

Passage of Health Care Reform

From the New York Times: "House Democrats approved a far-reaching overhaul of the nation’s health system on Sunday, voting over unanimous Republican opposition to provide medical coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans after an epic political battle that could define the differences between the parties for years."

If you missed part of the action yesterday or want to dig deeper, here are some key links on the passage of the Health Care reform bill, the reconciliation bill, and summaries of the bills' impacts.

The key pieces of legislation are:
H.R.3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
H.R.4872, the Reconciliation Act of 2010

You can find how members of Congress voted on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also referred to as the Senate health care bill), the motion to recommit, and the Reconciliation Act through THOMAS.

A video and transcript of the President's statement after the passage of the bill is posted on the White House website.

The text of the President's pending executive order relating to restrictions of federal funding for abortion is also on the White House website.

Need a summary of what the passage of the bills means in the near term and long term? NPR has produced some helpful summaries in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation (a nonpartisan health-care policy research organization).

Source: Pear, R., and Herszenhorn, D.M. (21 March 2010). "Obama Hails Vote on Health Care as Answering ‘the Call of History’." New York Times.
Herszenhorn, D.M. (22 March 2010). "Senate Preparing to Take Up Reconciliation Bill." New York Times.

Otter Creek Information

From the Missoulian: "The state Land Board, undeterred by anti-mining protesters who disrupted the meeting for 45 minutes until they were arrested, voted 3-2 Thursday to approve leasing 570 million tons of state-owned coal for development of a mine in southeastern Montana's Otter Creek Valley."

The Montana State Land Board has a webpage dedicated to the Otter Creek issue. This includes a link to Otter Creek-related files.

Source: Dennison, M. (19 March 2010). "Land Board approves $86M Otter Creek coal deal; Missoula protesters arrested." Missoulian.

GAO Report on Aviation Safety

From the Washington Post: "President Obama's push to deploy body-imaging scanners at airports will cost U.S. taxpayers roughly $3 billion over eight years, congressional investigators report, but it is unclear whether the controversial devices would have caught the man who allegedly tried to blow up a Detroit-bound jetliner with explosives hidden in his underwear."

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has the new report: "Aviation Security: TSA Is Increasing Procurement and Deployment of the Advanced Imaging Technology, but Challenges to This Effort and Other Areas of Aviation Security Remain."

Source: Hsu, S.S. (18 March 2010). "GAO says airport body scanners may not have thwarted Christmas Day bombing." Washington Post.

CBO Score of Health Care Bill

From the Washington Post: "An emerging compromise on health care between House and Senate Democrats would cost $940 billion over the next decade and expand insurance coverage to an additional 32 million Americans, congressional budget analysts said Thursday. Their preliminary report suggests the two-part legislation would bring the nation closer to universal health coverage than at any time in its history."

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued an estimate of the cost and savings of the Health Care bill currently under consideration. The estimate considers elements of H.R. 4872 and H.R. 3590.

Source: Kane, P., and Montgomery, L.A., (18 March 2010). "CBO: $940 billion health bill would help cut deficit over 10 years." Washington Post.

National Broadband Plan

From the New York Times: "The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday characterized its Congressionally mandated 'national broadband plan' as a much-needed step for keeping the United States competitive."

The new National Broadband Plan has been posted on a separate domain: Broadband.gov. On the site you can read the plan, test your broadband speed connection, and find background information.

Source: Stelter, B. (16 March 2010). "F.C.C. Says Adoption of New Broadband Plan Is Vital." New York Times.

C-Span Video Library

From the New York Times: "Researchers, political satirists and partisan mudslingers, take note: C-Span has uploaded virtually every minute of its video archives to the Internet."

The C-Span Video Library goes back to 1979. You can browse by program or topic, search for video by date, search by person, and more. This is a useful tool for those searching for what was said on the floor of the House or Senate on a given date (and to hear the tone) or those who want to watch older committee hearings. C-Span receives no funding from the federal government but has been created as a public service and public access tool by a non-profit company of the cable television industry.

Source: Stelter, B. (15 March 2010). "C-Span Puts Full Archives on the Web." New York Times.

Jobs Bill Progress

From the Washington Post: "Aided by a handful of Republicans, Senate Democratic leaders on Monday kept alive a $15 billion job-creation measure and are poised to pass the measure later this week."

The article refers to roll call vote 23 for H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Senate Amendment SA 3310 was proposed as amended text for the bill.

Source: Pershing, B. (23 Feb. 2010). "Senate advances job-creation bill with GOP help." Washington Post.

Stimson Proposed Remediation Settlement

From the Missoulian: "Thursday was a significant day in the story of the historic Milltown Dam removal and cleanup of the Blackfoot River.

"Stimson Lumber Co. agreed to remove a cooling pond that is contaminated with PCBs and other toxins, along with a berm that was built out into the river at its former lumber mill in Bonner."

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) website has the settlement agreement, work plan, and related documents:

Administrative Order on Consent for Cooling Pond Removal at Stimson Bonner Mill

Work Plan Part 1 of 3

Work Plan Part 2 of 3

Work Plan Part 3 of 3

Action Memorandum

Buyer Concurrence

Source: Cohen, B. (19 Feb. 2010). "Stimson Lumber Co. agrees to clean up toxic cooling pond at Bonner mill site." Missoulian.

President's Health Care Reform Proposal

From the Washington Post: "President Obama signaled his determination to forge ahead with a Democratic vision of comprehensive health-care reform as he unveiled on Monday an ambitious proposal that would extend coverage to 31 million people, raise taxes on the wealthy and ratchet up regulations on insurers."

The White House website has information on the President's health care reform proposal.

Sources: MacGillis, A., and Goldstein, A. (23 Feb. 2010). "Obama offers new health-care reform proposal." Washington Post.
Dennison, M. (23 Feb. 2010). "Montana congressional delegation divided on Obama's new health care plan." Missoulian.
Cohen, J. (22 Feb. 2010). "The public's take on 'the president's proposal'." Washington Post.

2010 Census Inspector General Report

From the Washington Post: "Thousands of workers hired last year for temporary positions by the U.S. Census Bureau were trained and paid but never worked for the agency, while others who fulfilled assignments overbilled for travel expenses, according to an audit released Tuesday."

The website of the Commerce Department Inspector General has the report: "2010 Census: Quarterly Report to Congress, February 2010."

Source: O'Keefe, E. (17 Feb. 2010). "Census workers who did no work were paid." Washington Post.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Reports

From the New York Times: "Mr. Obama's appearance was part of an intensive effort by the White House to sell Americans on the virtues of the stimulus bill. This week, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., cabinet secretaries and other administration officials are fanning out to 35 communities across the country, where they are talking up the measure and announcing new programs, like the one unveiled by Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood on Wednesday to pay for 50 new projects."

The White House released the Annual Report to the President on Progress Implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 today. This includes information about the distribution of ARRA funds and impact of those measures.

The White House blog also references reports of the Council of Economic Advisers. In particular, chapter 2 of the Economic Report of the President addresses "Rescuing the Economy from the Great Recession."

Source: Stolberg, S.G. (17 Feb. 2010). "Obama Starts Push to Cast Stimulus Bill as a Success." New York Times.

Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act

From the Washington Post: "The top Democrat and Republican on the Senate Finance Committee released a draft of the chamber's jobs bill Thursday, vowing to maintain the 'bipartisan character' of their negotiations going forward."

The Senate Finance Committee website has the draft Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. The committee site also has a press release summarizing the key contents of the bill.

Senator Reid's website lists the key initiatives he would prefer to highlight in an abbreviated jobs bill.

Sources: Pershing, B. (12 Feb. 2010). "Max Baucus, Charles Grassley unveil $85B jobs bill." Washington Post.
Hulse, C., and Herszenhorn, D.M. (12 Feb. 2010). "Deal on Jobs Shows Limits of Push for Bipartisanship." New York Times.

Tribal Economic Development Bonds

From the Associated Press: "Seventy-six American Indian tribes across the country will share $1 billion in economic stimulus money to help create jobs and revitalize Indian communities."

The Treasury Department announced new Tribal Economic Development Bonds. In Montana, these bonds will have an impact on the Chippewa Cree Tribe and the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes.

Source: Daly, M. AP (11 Feb. 2010). "American Indian Tribes Get $1B in Stimulus Funds." ABC News.

Flathead Watershed Area Order

From the Missoulian: "British Columbia's government has formalized its promise to protect wildlands north of Glacier National Park, signing a legislative order that effectively bans mining in the Canadian Flathead."

The Missoulian has posted a copy of the Flathead Watershed Area Order. The recent Speech from the Throne, opening the the Second Session, Thirty-Ninth Parliament of British Columbia, alludes to the order. The order indicates that it draws on the B.C. Environment and Land Use Act.

Source: Jamison, M. (11 Feb. 2010). "British Columbia formalizes order banning Canadian Flathead mining, energy development." Missoulian. A1.

Montana General Fund Revenue Update

From the Missoulian: "The state's general fund budget will be in the red by mid-2011, a new revenue forecast predicted Monday.

"The Montana Legislature's chief revenue forecaster, Terry Johnson, estimated the state would face a $62.5 million general fund budget deficit by June 30, 2011, as tax collections continue to fall."

The February 8, 2010, General Fund Revenue Update is available on the Montana Legislative Fiscal Division website.

Source: Johnson, C.S. (9 Jan. 2010). "Montana budget faces mid-2011 deficit, forecaster says." Missoulian.

2011 Federal Budget

From the New York Times: "The budget projects that the deficit will peak at nearly $1.6 trillion in the current fiscal year, a post-World War II record, and then decline but remain at economically troublesome levels over the remainder of the decade. In the coming fiscal year 2011, which begins in October, the projected shortfall would be under $1.3 trillion."

You can find the 2011 budget on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website. The site includes the budget broken down by department, analytical tables, historical comparisons, recommended budget cuts, and other supplemental information.

Source: Calmes, J. (1 Feb. 2010). "In $3.8 Trillion Budget, Obama Pivots to Trim Future Deficits." New York Times.

Fish Creek Environmental Assessment

From the Missoulian: "As the proposed Fish Creek state park starts seeking public input, one comment is already generating echoes: What about the mineral rights?"

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has the Fish Creek Environmental Assessment. "Comments should be directed: by mail to Region 2 FWP, Attn: Fish Creek EA or by email to FishCreek@mt.gov. Comments must be received by FWP no later than 5 p.m. on February 19, 2010."

Source: Chaney, R. (31 Jan. 2010). "Proposed Fish Creek park project faces debate on mineral rights." Missoulian.

2010 State of the Union Address

From the New York Times: "At a grim time, Americans tonight saw a jaunty and optimistic President Obama. Even as he acknowledged the difficulty the country was facing – and for that matter, the difficulty his presidency was facing – Mr. Obama's speech tonight was filled with optimism and at times carefully measured defiance."

The White House website has the transcript of the President's State of the Union address. The site describes initiatives discussed in the speech. There is also video of the full speech and clips on specific topics.

Source: Nagourney, A., et al. (27 Jan. 2010). "Recapping the President's Speech." New York Times.

Middle Class Task Force Initiatives

From the New York Times: "Previewing a theme that is sure to dominate his State of the Union address this week, Mr. Obama unveiled a package of modest initiatives intended to help families pay for child care, save for retirement, pay off student loans and care for elderly parents."

The White House website has information about the Middle Class Task Force. This includes a list of policy initiatives announced yesterday and the full transcript of yesterday's meeting.

Source: Stolberg, S.A., and Baker, P. (25 Jan. 2010). "Obama's Measures for Middle Class." New York Times.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

From the Missoulian: "Montana's nearly century-old ban on corporate donations to political candidates appears vulnerable to being challenged and overturned after a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday, attorneys said.

"By a 5-4 vote, the court ruled that the government cannot ban corporate spending in elections of candidates and overturned precedents that had forbidden corporations from using their profits to support or oppose candidates."

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
Docket no. 08-205

Questions presented

Supreme Court opinion

Merits briefs

Transcript of oral arguments (Reargued)

Lower court opinion (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, 07-2240)

Sources: Liptak, A. (21 Jan. 2010). "Justices, 5-4, Reject Corporate Spending Limit." New York Times.
Johnson, C.S. (22 Jan. 2010) "U.S. Supreme Court ruling puts Montana campaign finance law in jeopardy." Missoulian. A1.
Urbina, I. (22 Jan. 2010). "24 States’ Laws Open to Attack After Campaign Finance Ruling." New York Times

Revision of Critical Habitat for Bull Trout

From the Missoulian: "On Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reversed Bush administration policy and published new rules to help recover the fish, which requires cold, clear water to survive. The change covers large portions of Montana's mountain waterways."

A Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) press release summarizes the critical habitat revision. The FWS bull trout page covers the issue in more depth and provides access to the proposed critical habitat revision documents, including the text of the proposed rule.

Comments may be made through Regulations.gov (docket FWS-R1-ES-2009-0085) through March 12, 2010.

Source: Chaney, R. (14 Jan. 2010). "Feds propose expanding bull trout habitat in Montana, Northwest." Missoulian. A1.

Montana Accountability Partnership

From the state press release: "Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced the Montana Accountability Partnership (MAP) contest, an idea contest to encourage both state employees and the public to help the state save money. The contest winner will receive a one ounce palladium coin donated by the Stillwater Mine. The one ounce coin is worth about $420 today."

Montanans can submit ideas through the form on the Governor's website.

Source: Johnson, C.S. (14 Jan. 2010). "Schweitzer asks for ideas on how to reduce state spending while maintaining services." Missoulian. B1.

Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative

From the Associated Press: "The Justice Department on Monday ordered prosecutors in 33 states to step up their efforts to combat persistently high violent crime on Indian reservations, particularly offenses against women and children."

The Justice Department website has a press release about the reforms, and the Office of the Deputy has the specific memorandum about the Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative (PDF).

Sources: Barrett, D., AP (12 Jan. 2010). "Justice Department orders new efforts to combat crime on Indian reservations." Missoulian. A1.
Jamison, M. (12 Jan. 2010). "Native officials in Montana warily welcome feds' reservation crime push." Missoulian. A10.

Proposed Plans for Libby Cleanup

From the Missoulian: "Scientists and citizens are challenging asbestos cleanup proposals in Libby, arguing that not enough is known about the contamination and that more studies should be completed before a final plan is adopted."

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has many resources on asbestos in Libby, including the proposed plans for OU1 (the former Export Plant) and OU2 (the former Screening Plant). The EPA has extended the comment periodon the plans until January 16, 2010.

As reported in the Missoulian, the Libby Area Technical Advisory Group has drafted commentary on the proposed plans and made that commentary public.

Source: Jamison, M. (7 Jan. 2010). "Scientists, citizens seek more studies before new Libby cleanup." Missoulian. A1.

Security Review of the Christmas 2009 Attack

From the New York Times: "President Obama on Thursday ordered a series of steps to improve the government’s ability to collect, share, analyze and act on intelligence of terrorist threats, saying the findings of a government review of the attempted airline bombing on Christmas Day revealed significant shortcomings in national security."

The White House website has a transcript of the President's remarks yesterday and the subsequent press briefing. The site also includes links to the summary of the security review and the President's Directive on corrective actions.

Source: Zeleny, J., and Cooper, H. (7 Jan. 2010). "Obama: ‘We Are at War’." New York Times.

Montana General Fund Revenue Update

From the Missoulian: "As state tax collections continue to shrink during the recession, Montana's general-fund surplus is projected to be perilously close to red ink by mid-2011, an updated forecast Wednesday said.

"The Legislature's chief revenue forecaster, Terry Johnson, estimated that Montana's general-fund surplus will be only $16.9 million by June 30, 2011, based on his revenue projections using tax data through Dec. 31. It represents a further deterioration from Johnson's last report in early December that forecast a surplus of $44.4 million by mid-2011."

The January 6 General Fund Revenue Update has been posted on the Legislative Fiscal Division website.

The Governor has authorized spending reductions to begin to counter the decline in revenue.

Source: Johnson, C.S. (7 Jan. 2010). "State budget surplus projection drops to $16.9M by mid-2011." Missoulian. A1.

Montana 2010-2011 Hunting Regulation Proposals

From the Missoulian: "Montana hunters have some provocative rule changes to consider, and not much time to make their opinions known."

The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website has information on the 2010-2011 Hunting Regulation Proposals. The proposals include statewide changes and proposals by species. Each proposal area includes a link to an online comment form. Many meetings are scheduled around Montana this month, and the public comment period ends January 22.

Source: Chaney, R. (6 Jan. 2010). "Public divided on proposed hunting rule changes at Missoula meeting." Missoulian.

Rohlfs v. Klemhagen

From the Associated Press: "A sharply divided Montana Supreme Court has upheld a state law that requires someone planning to sue a bar over liability in a drunken driving crash to notify the bar within 180 days of the crash."

The opinion in Rohlfs v. Klemhagen, case DA 08-0399, is available through the State Law Library of Montana website. The law in question is 27-1-710(6) of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA).

Source: Hanson, A.B., AP (5 Jan. 2010). "Montana Supreme Court: Bars deserve early warning of lawsuits in drunken driving crashes." Missoulian.