2008 Domestic Spending Bill

From the Washington Post: "The House last night approved a $515.7 billion domestic spending measure that shaves billions from spending levels desired by Democrats and uses emergency spending and other tactics to challenge President Bush on his budget demands.

"The legislation, which passed 253 to 154, funds every agency of government but the Defense Department for fiscal 2008. The House then voted 206 to 201 to approve an amendment that includes $31 billion for fighting in Afghanistan but none for the war in Iraq."

The House passed the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, H.R. 2764, yesterday. THOMAS has the latest text of the bill and the results of roll call votes 1171 and 1172.

Source: Weisman, J. (18 Dec. 2007). "House Approves Domestic Spending: Bush 'Pleased,' But Fight Looms Over Iraq Funds." Washington Post. A01.

Projections of Education Statistics to 2016

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has just released a new projection report: Projections of Education Statistics to 2016. According to NCES, the report includes data and projections "on enrollment, graduates, teachers, and expenditures in elementary and secondary schools, and enrollment, earned degrees conferred, and current-fund expenditures of degree-granting institutions."

2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results

From the Missoulian: "Montana's American Indian high school students report using the drug methamphetamine at more than twice the rate reported by all Montana students.

"However, meth use has fallen dramatically since 1999, when more than one-fourth of Indian high school students on Montana's reservations reported using meth at least once."

The Montana results of the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) are available on the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) website. The OPI page includes the full 2007 reports, trend data, regional data, comparison data, and special reports (e.g., meth use, seatbelt use, tobacco use).

National information is available on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System website. The most recent national data is from 2005. However, the site includes information on the content of and rationale for the 2007 survey. 2007 data for states other than Montana are hosted on the relevant state or local government website (e.g., the Wyoming 2007 data are hosted on the Wyoming Department of Education website).

Source: McKee, J. (8 Dec. 2007). "Indian teen meth use drops dramatically." Missoulian. A1.

Open Space Conservation Strategy

From the Forest Service press release: "The loss of open space threatens the sustainability of the Nation's forests and grasslands. We lose approximately 6,000 acres of open space each day across the United States - a rate of four acres per minute. Land development is outpacing population growth, especially in rural areas where the trend is low density, dispersed growth. The new Forest Service report "National Forests on the Edge" projects that over 21 million acres of rural private lands near national forests and 44 million acres of private forest land will undergo increases in housing density by 2030.

The new Open Space Conservation Strategy is available on the Forest Service's Open Space Conservation website. The site includes answers to frequently asked questions, a summary of public comments, and additional information on the loss of open space.

The Open Space Conservation site includes links to additional reports:

National Forests on the Edge: Development Pressures on America's National Forests and Grasslands

Forests on the Edge: Housing Development on America's Private Forests

Forests on the Edge: Case Studies of NW Washington, Maine and Georgia

Cooperating Across Boundaries: Partnerships to conserve open space across rural America

The site includes information on other reports in progress.

Energy Bill and Secure Rural Schools

From the Helena Independent Record: "Montana counties would receive $93.3 million over four years under a rural communities and school program extension tucked into the energy bill that the House will vote today."

The House passed the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, H.R. 6, today in roll call vote 1140. THOMAS provides the latest text of the bill and a Congressional Research Service (CRS) summary of many of the provisions of the bill.

This large bill addresses issues such as energy efficiency, biofuels, renewable energy, vehicle emissions, fuel economy, price gouging, and the secure rural schools initiative.

Sources: Straub, N. (6 Dec. 2007). "Funds extended for rural counties." Helena Independent Record.
Weisman, J. and Mufson, S. (7 Dec. 2007). "Broad Energy Bill Passed by House: Car Mileage, Renewable Power Addressed." Washington Post. A01.

Mortgage Industry Agreement

From the New York Times: "President Bush announced an agreement with the mortgage industry today to freeze interest rates for up to five years for some of the two million homeowners who bought houses recently with subprime loans."

The transcript of the President's statement on the mortgage industry agreement is available on the White House website. The site includes a fact sheet on the agreement and other information on homeownership.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has more information on the agreement, including details of the FHASecure plan. The Federal Housing Administration (part of HUD) site includes more information on mortgages and refinancing.

Source: Andrews, E. and Bajaj, V. (6 Dec. 2007). "Bush Announces Mortgage Agreement." New York Times.

Sierra Club v. Bosworth

From the Missoulian: "A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked a Bush administration rule that allowed logging and burning projects in national forests without first analyzing their effects on the environment."

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling yesterday in Sierra Club v. Bosworth.

The Forest Service Ecosystem Management Coordination (EMC) website includes information on the categorical exclusion rules for hazardous fuels reduction. The Forest Service also has a page on NEPA implementation.

The EPA website offers some useful background information on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Source: Chea, T. (6 Dec. 2006). "9th Circuit rules against logging exemptions." Missoulian. A2.

Iran: Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities

From the New York Times: "A new assessment by American intelligence agencies released Monday concludes that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 and that the program remains frozen, contradicting a judgment two years ago that Tehran was working relentlessly toward building a nuclear bomb."

The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) website links to the unclassified version of the new National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), "Iran: Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities." The DNI site also includes a statement by the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence.

The White House website includes press briefings on this issue, including a statement by National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. A transcript of the President's press conference should be included on the site shortly.

Source: Mazzetti, M. (4 Dec. 2007). "U.S. Finds Iran Halted Its Nuclear Arms Effort in 2003." New York Times.

Campaign Contribution Filings

From the Missoulian: "Sen. Max Baucus took campaign contributions for a likely 2008 race from many of the industries he helps regulate and received nearly 91 percent of his individual donations from outside Montana.

"In doing so, Baucus followed the pattern of most incumbents at a time when U.S. Senate races typically cost millions of dollars. But Baucus, a prolific fundraiser and head of the powerful Finance Committee, topped all his Senate colleagues up for re-election next year with his out-of-state individual contributions."

You can investigate federal campaign contributions on the Federal Election Commission (FEC) website. Click on "Campaign Finance Reports and Data" to search the disclosure database, download filings, or look at expenditure reports.

The disclosure database is particularly interesting as it allows you to view contributions made by individuals, see who has contributed to a particular candidate's campaign, and see the contributions made by political action committees.

Source: Straub, N. (3 Dec. 2007). "Baucus' campaign fills coffers with out-of-state funds." Missoulian. A1.

Nursing Home Rankings

From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) press release: "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today released the first ranking of the nation's poor-performing nursing homes.

"Release of the national list of facilities, identified as special focus facilities (SFFs), is expected to offer individuals, seeking long-term health care services, and their families powerful new information when choosing nursing homes. "

The list of special focus facilities not showing significant improvement is available on the CMS website. The CMS site on nursing homes includes background information, current data on nursing homes, and other studies.

Source: Freking, K. (30 Nov. 2007). "Nursing homes: Evergreen on feds' worst list." Missoulian. A1.

Annapolis Conference

From the New York Times: "The Israeli and Palestinian leaders committed themselves on Tuesday to negotiate a peace treaty by the end of 2008, setting a deadline for ending a conflict that has endured for six decades.

"The agreement stopped short of the binding negotiating outline that many Palestinians had hoped for, but it revived a peace process that the United States had left dormant for seven years."

The joint understanding agreed to by Israeli and Palestinian leaders has been posted on the State Department and White House websites.

The White House Peace in the Middle East website includes statements from President Bush and related press releases. The State Department site on the Middle East Peace processes includes official remarks at the Annapolis Conference, transcripts of Secretary Rice's interviews, and historic documents.

The Annapolis Conference website includes logistical information about the conference: participants, the schedule, and media information.

Source: Myers, S.L., and Cooper, H., (28 Nov. 2007). "Israel and Palestinians Set Goal of a Treaty in 2008." New York Times.

Revised Endangered Species Rulings

From the Billings Gazette: "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Tuesday reversed seven rulings that denied endangered species increased protection, after an investigation found the actions were tainted by political pressure from a former senior Interior Department official."

Information on the ruling reversals is available on the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) website. FWS has indicated they will revise the rulings on white-tailed prairie dogs, Canada lynx, Preble's meadow jumping mice, Hawaiian picture-wing flies, arroyo toads, and California red-legged frogs. The site includes the latest decision, specific memos requesting reviews, and other background information.

A post on July 27, 2007, covered the extent of the FWS decision review and linked to the relevant species. The investigation of Julie McDonald, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the FWS, is available on the Center for Biological Diversity website.

Source: Associated Press (28 Nov. 2007). "Endangered species rulings reversed." Billings Gazette.

Economic Benefits of National Wildlife Refuges

From the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) press release: "Recreational use on national wildlife refuges generated almost $1.7 billion in total economic activity during fiscal year 2006, according to a new report released today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The report, titled Banking on Nature 2006: The Economic Benefits to Local Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation was compiled by Service economists."

The new report, Banking on Nature 2006: The Economic Benefits to Local Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation, is posted on the FWS website. The report is also available in MS-Word format.

The website for the National Wildlife Refuge System links to other background information.

Source: Associated Press (27 Nov. 2007). "National wildlife refuges generate $1.7B economy." Billings Gazette.

Yellowstone Snowmobile Use

From the Billings Gazette: "Up to 540 snowmobiles a day will be allowed into Yellowstone National Park and Sylvan Pass will remain open during the winter when it's shown to be safe, according to a decision released today by the National Park Service."

The Record of Decision regarding Yellowstone winter use is available on the Yellowstone National Park website under "Management." Other winter use technical documents are accessible on the Yellowstone site as well.

Source: Stark, M. (20 Nov. 2007). "Park Service sets guidelines for Yellowstone snowmobile use." Billings Gazette.

Hate Crime Statistics, 2006

From the FBI press release: "Statistics released today by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that 7,722 criminal incidents involving 9,080 offenses were reported in 2006 as a result of bias against a particular race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or physical or mental disability. Published by the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Hate Crime Statistics, 2006, includes data from hate crime reports submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout the Nation."

The report, Hate Crime Statistics, 2006, is available on the FBI website.

Source: Fears, D. (20 Nov. 2007). "Hate Crime Reporting Uneven: Miss. Cites None, Following Trend In Much of South." Washington Post. A03.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 4th Assessment Report

From the New York Times: "Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, describing climate change as 'the defining challenge of our age,' released the final report of a United Nations panel on climate change here on Saturday and called on the United States and China to play 'a more constructive role.'"

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) website includes the summary of the Fourth Assessment Report (the "Synthesis Report"). The website also links to earlier reports.

Source: Rosenthal, E. (18 Nov. 2007). "U.N. Chief Seeks More Climate Change Leadership." New York Times.

Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee

From the Governor's press release: "At a news conference today Governor Brian Schweitzer announced a new initiative seeking a 20% reduction in energy consumption by state agencies by the year 2010. He also discussed the climate change report presented to him today by the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality Richard Opper and announced that Montana has joined the Western Climate Initiative."

The state website includes links to the Final Report of the Climate Change Advisory Committee. The Climate Change Advisory Committee's 54 policy recommendations are outlined in the executive summary and are explained in more detail in the appendices.

The Western Climate Initiative website includes work plans and other documents.

Source: Dennison, M. (20 Nov. 2007). "Governor releases goals on emissions." Missoulian. A1.

2007 Montana Kids Count Data Book

From the Missoulian: "Juvenile arrests in Missoula County slipped from 2,007 in 2000 to 1,824 in 2006. Child abuse also fell from 979 cases at the start of the decade to 796 last year."

The new data comes from the 2007 Montana Kids Count Data Book. The book is available on the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) website.

Source: Chaney, R. (16 Nov. 2007). "Arrests of juveniles on decline, study shows." Missoulian. B1.

West-Wide Energy Corridor

From the Department of Energy press release: "The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the U.S. Departments of Energy, Agriculture, Commerce and Defense today released for public review and comment a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Draft PEIS) proposing designation of energy transport corridors on Federal lands in 11 Western States in accordance with Section 368 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The proposed energy corridors would facilitate future siting of oil, gas, and hydrogen pipelines and electricity transmission and distribution on Federal lands in the West to help address growing energy demand while protecting the environment."

The project website includes the West-Wide Energy Corridor Draft Programmatic EIS [Environmental Impact Statement]. The site also includes maps of the proposed project and information on how to comment on the project.

Source: Brown, M. (16 Nov. 2007). "Energy corridors proposed across public lands in West." Missoulian. B1.

Report on Missoula's Initiative 2

From the Missoulian: "It's hard to say whether the number of pot prosecutions dropped since Missoula voters passed a referendum aimed at downplaying marijuana offenses last year - in other words, no one knows whether Initiative 2 is working."

The Missoula County Initiative No. MCSO2006-02 Community Oversight Committee issued the first required report on Initiative 2. The committee website also links to the text of the original initiative.

Source: Scott, T. (15 Nov. 2007). "Still unclear if marijuana initiative working." Missoulian. A1.